Nitro-Substituted Aromatic Electrodes for High-Voltage Li-Ion Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rechargeable batteries, particularly those with inorganic material-based electrodes, face limitations in energy density and environmental sustainability, with organic electrode materials exhibiting small reversible capacities and restricted applications due to limited operating voltages.

Innovation Solution

The use of nitro-substituted aromatic compounds as electrode materials, specifically in the form of formulas (I), (II), (III), or (IV), which can be used alone or in copolymers, providing high operating voltages and specific capacities when integrated into electrodes, enhancing energy storage capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If inorganic material-based electrodes are used, then energy density is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using organic compounds with nitro groups substituted on aromatic rings, transitioning from inorganic to organic materials while maintaining electrochemical performance. This parameter change achieves both high energy density and environmental sustainability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite organic electrode materials combining nitro-substituted aromatic compounds with conductive additives and binders, creating a composite structure that achieves high energy density while maintaining environmental friendliness through organic composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If organic electrode materials are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but reversible capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidreversible capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters of organic compounds by introducing nitro groups with multiple redox-active nitrogen atoms, changing the electrochemical parameters to achieve high reversible capacity (up to 5 mAh mg⁻¹) while maintaining environmental friendliness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality enhancement by strategically placing nitro groups at specific positions on aromatic rings, creating localized high-capacity regions that contribute to overall high reversible capacity while maintaining the organic material's environmental benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If operating voltage is increased, then energy density is improved, but effective capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoideffective capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrochemical parameters by designing nitro-substituted aromatic compounds with multiple redox couples at different potentials, enabling operation at high voltages (2.0-3.0 V) while maintaining high effective capacity through multi-electron transfer reactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing organic molecules that can undergo multiple redox reactions at different voltages, allowing the same material to deliver both high operating voltage and high effective capacity through its multiple electrochemical functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The nitro-substituted aromatic compounds achieve high specific capacities and operating voltages, surpassing existing organic electrode materials, making them suitable for large-scale energy storage devices and offering environmental friendliness.

Implementation Method 1

For organic electrode materials, energy storage is achieved through the redox reaction of the metal ions and the organic functional groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS20240014395A1Nitro-subsituted aromatic compounds for use in electrodes

Publication Date: 2024.01.11 VALORBEC S E C

AI summary

There is provided the use of a nitro-substituted aromatic compound of formula (I), (II), (III), or (IV) and a copolymers comprising repeat units of formula (III) and/or (IV) as an electrode material as well as the use of such compound in the manufacture of an electrode. An electrode composite material and an electrode comprising this compound are also provided. When used in metal-ion batteries, preferably Li-ion batteries, the electrode of the invention has a combination of high operating voltage (e.g. >2.0 V) and high specific capacities (e.g. >300 mAh g−1). To the best of the inventors' knowledge, some of them have the highest specific capacity, along N with high voltage, among organic electrode materials reported to date for application in alkali-ion batteries. (I), (II), (III), (IV).