PEO-Acetate Electrode Layers for Stable Aqueous Li-Zn Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium and zinc-ion aqueous batteries face challenges in cycle life, cation dissolution, electrolyte wetting, mechanical stability, and pH shifts during cycling, which affect the performance and longevity of the electrodes.

Innovation Solution

The use of polyethylene oxide polymer layers doped with lithium acetate or zinc acetate, mechanically interlocked with porous lithium intercalation and zinc negative electrodes, respectively, along with an acidic aqueous electrolyte, enhances electrolyte wetting, mechanical stability, and prevents cation poisoning, while cross-linked polymers maintain structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional electrodes are used in lithium and zinc-ion aqueous batteries, then the battery can operate, but the cycle life is limited due to cation dissolution, poor electrolyte wetting, mechanical instability, and pH shifts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle lifeVSAvoidchemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polyethylene oxide polymer with lithium acetate or zinc acetate to form a doped polymer layer that is mechanically interlocked with the electrode. This composite structure provides both mechanical stability and chemical stability, preventing cation dissolution and pH shifts while extending cycle life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses porous lithium intercalation positive electrode and porous zinc negative electrode structures that allow the polyethylene oxide polymer layer to mechanically interlock. The porous structure enables electrolyte penetration and maintains mechanical integrity during cycling, improving both cycle life and chemical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Strength

If polyethylene oxide polymer layers doped with lithium acetate or zinc acetate are mechanically interlocked with electrodes, then mechanical stability and electrolyte wetting are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidelectrode structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the polymer layer formation with the electrode structure by mechanically interlocking the polyethylene oxide doped with lithium acetate or zinc acetate directly onto the porous electrode surfaces. This integration enhances mechanical stability and electrolyte wetting without requiring separate additional components, thus managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If cross-linked polymers are used to maintain structural integrity, then the electrode durability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cross-linking of the polyethylene oxide polymer to maintain structural integrity during cycling. The cross-linked network provides enhanced durability and stability while the doping with lithium acetate or zinc acetate maintains ionic conductivity. This parameter change in polymer structure improves reliability despite increased manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution improves cycle life, prevents cation poisoning, and enhances chemical stability by promoting smooth zinc deposition and mitigating pH shifts, leading to improved performance and longevity of the electrodes in lithium and zinc-ion batteries.

Implementation Method 1

enhances electrolyte wetting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Implementation Method 2

prevent cation poisoning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

cross-linked polymers maintain structural integrity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCross-linking:

Implementation Method 4

acidic aqueous electrolyte saturating the porous lithium intercalation positive electrode and polyethylene oxide polymer layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12051801B1Lithium and zinc ion battery containing polyethylene oxide and acetate layered electrodes

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 AESIR TECH INC

AI summary

Layers including acetate doped polyethylene oxide adhered to the face of zinc negative electrodes or lithium intercalation positive electrodes are contemplated herein. These layers may penetrate into the surface of the electrode, partially filling the void space. A secondary battery may include some of the electrodes contemplated herein along with corresponding separator systems.