Nitrogen Battery Silane Electrolyte Discharge Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing nitrogen battery has a high charge voltage and low discharge voltage, making it inefficient, and it is difficult to discharge, necessitating the development of a novel nitrogen battery that can utilize nitrogen as a positive electrode active material effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing a silane compound at the positive electrode allows for a discharge reaction to proceed at a higher voltage of about 3 V, with a nitrogen battery design featuring a positive electrode using nitrogen, a negative electrode, and an ion conducting medium that conducts alkali metal ions, including a silane compound to facilitate the discharge and subsequent synthesis of ammonia as fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If nitrogen is used as a positive electrode active material, then the theoretical capacity density is very high (5,740 mAh/g), but the discharge voltage is very low (1 V) and it is difficult to discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane compound as an intermediary substance in the nonaqueous electrolytic solution. This silane compound mediates the reduction reaction of nitrogen at the positive electrode, enabling the reaction to proceed at a practical discharge voltage of about 3 V while maintaining high capacity. The silane compound acts as a mediator that facilitates electron transfer to nitrogen without requiring the extremely high charge voltage of conventional nitrogen batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the electrolytic solution by incorporating a silane compound. This parameter change fundamentally alters the reaction mechanism, allowing nitrogen reduction to occur at a viable discharge voltage. The silane compound modifies the electrochemical environment, enabling practical discharge operation while preserving the high theoretical capacity of nitrogen.
2Power
If a nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing a silane compound is used, then the discharge voltage increases to about 3 V, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrolyte composition by adding a silane compound to the nonaqueous electrolytic solution. This parameter change enables the discharge voltage to increase to about 3 V, making the battery practically useful. The added complexity of the electrolyte composition is justified by the significant improvement in discharge voltage and overall battery performance.
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 novel nitrogen battery can be discharged at a higher voltage, enabling the production of ammonia as fuel through the reaction of silylamine with water, offering an improved energy device with enhanced discharge characteristics and fuel synthesis capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an ion conducting medium that contains a silane compound and conducts alkali metal ions
Implementation Method 2
nitrogen is reduced by reaction with a silane compound to thereby produce a silylamine, and the battery can be discharged
Implementation Method 3
a silylamine obtained after actuation of the nitrogen battery is treated with water to thereby produce ammonia as fuel
Data Source
AI summary
The nitrogen battery of the present disclosure includes a positive electrode that uses nitrogen as a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode, and an ion conducting medium that contains a silane compound and conducts alkali metal ions.