Ordered Ion Channel Separator Layer for Stable Electrode Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical devices face uncontrollable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) growth on electrodes, leading to high interface impedance due to the absence of ordered ion channels and separators directly fabricated on current collectors or electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving thin film deposition of a reaction solution containing electrode affinity compounds and carbon atoms onto current collectors or electrodes to form ordered ion channels, which serve as both a separator and artificial electrolyte interface, enhancing ion passage and reducing dendrite formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foreign separator is used in conventional electrochemical devices, then ion separation and electrode protection are achieved, but uncontrollable SEI growth occurs leading to high interface impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming an ordered ion channel layer on the electrode surface before electrochemical operation begins. This artificial SEI layer is created through thin film deposition of fluorinated compounds, establishing a controlled interface structure in advance that prevents uncontrolled SEI growth during cycling, thereby reducing interface impedance while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials by creating an ordered ion channel layer with controlled porosity and channel structure. This porous artificial SEI allows selective ion transport through well-defined channels while blocking harmful uncontrolled SEI formation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining low interface impedance and ensuring stable ion separation.
2Ease of manufacture
If no ordered ion channels are present at the electrode interface, then manufacturing is simpler, but irregular SEI formation causes high interface impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical separator structures with a chemically engineered artificial SEI layer formed by thin film deposition. Instead of relying on bulk separator mechanics, the solution substitutes a molecular-level chemically bonded interface that self-organizes into ordered ion channels, achieving low impedance without complex manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and structural order of the electrode interface through fluorinated compound deposition. This changes the interface from a disordered, high-impedance state to an ordered, low-impedance state with controlled ion transport parameters, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and performance.
3Strength
If a foreign separator is used, then electrode protection is provided, but the separator is not directly fabricated on the current collector leading to poor interface contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separator function with the electrode surface by directly forming the ordered ion channel layer on the current collector or electrode. This combines what were previously separate components (electrode and separator) into an integrated structure, eliminating assembly complexity while maximizing interface bonding strength through direct contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial SEI layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the separator interface, provides electrode protection, enables ion transport, and ensures mechanical bonding. This multi-functional layer eliminates the need for separate separator components, reducing device complexity while maintaining strong interface contact.
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 ordered ion channels improve electrochemical performance by allowing efficient metal ion transfer and preventing dendritic structures, resulting in improved cycle stability and efficiency of electrochemical devices.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the strong affinity of the deposited thin film membrane to the surfaces of the current collector or positive/negative electrode plates via electrostatic attraction
Implementation Method 2
a beneficial artificial electrolyte interface layer on the current collector or electrodes... which can effectively allow the passage of electrochemical reaction metal ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention utilizes thin film deposition technology to directly deposit a compound of electrode affinity, hydrogen, and carbon atoms and its derivatives or composites onto the surface of an electrode foil, positive electrode plate or negative electrode plate to form an electrospun membrane which can directly serve as a separator membrane in an electrochemical device. Due to the strong affinity of the deposited thin film membrane to the surface of the electrode foil, positive electrode plate or negative electrode plate via thin film deposition process's attraction, a binding interface thereof exhibits an ordered ion channel layer which can serve as a beneficial artificial electrolyte interface layer on the current collector or electrodes.