Phenazine Anode Chemistry for Long-Cycle Alkaline Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Alkaline-based batteries face challenges such as short cycle life, zinc oxidation, and the formation of undesirable passivation layers, which hinder the development of sustainable and efficient anode materials.

Innovation Solution

The development of a phenazine derivative-based alkaline battery with side group substituents, which includes an anode formed by a phenazine derivative, a cathode, a separator, and an electrolyte, demonstrating improved cycling stability and reduced redox potential.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If zinc metal is used as anode material, then high theoretical specific capacity is achieved, but short cycle life occurs due to zinc oxidation and passivation layer formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheoretical specific capacityVSAvoidcycle life

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a disposable zinc anode that is intentionally designed to be consumed during battery operation. The zinc metal is sacrificially oxidized to provide electrons, and its gradual consumption is accepted as part of the battery's operational mechanism rather than a defect to be prevented.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the electrochemical parameters of the zinc anode by controlling the electrolyte composition (alkaline conditions with specific pH), temperature, and current density to optimize the balance between capacity utilization and cycle stability. These parameter changes allow the zinc to deliver high capacity while managing the passivation issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional anode materials are used, then high energy density is achieved, but corrosion and side reactions occur under alkaline conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcorrosion and side reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a chemically inert alkaline environment using specifically formulated electrolyte solutions with controlled pH and composition. This inert atmosphere protects the zinc anode from unwanted corrosion and side reactions while still allowing the desired electrochemical reactions to proceed efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite electrode structures combining zinc metal with conductive additives, binders, and protective coatings. These composite materials provide both the high energy density of zinc and the corrosion resistance needed for stable operation in alkaline conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Use of energy by moving object

If phenazine derivative with electron-donating groups is used, then redox potential is reduced, but electron cloud density increases causing reluctance to accept electrons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveredox potentialVSAvoidelectron acceptance capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electron-withdrawing groups at specific positions on the phenazine ring structure to create local electron-deficient regions. These localized modifications allow the molecule to maintain low overall redox potential while having specific sites that are favorable for electron acceptance during electrochemical reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically varies the types, numbers, and positions of substituent groups on the phenazine core structure to fine-tune the balance between redox potential and electron acceptance capacity. By changing these molecular parameters, the optimal electrochemical performance is achieved.

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 phenazine derivative-based alkaline battery exhibits a reversible capacity of at least 170 mAh g−1, a power density of at least 20 KW kg−1, and stable cyclability over 9000 cycles, addressing the issues of short cycle life and passivation layers.

Implementation Method 1

Phenazine (PZ) derivatives have shown great promise as electrode materials... the transfer of electron density from the π system to the nitrogen atom... electrochemical redox properties of phenazine derivatives

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS20250055000A1Phenazine derivative-based alkaline battery

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

The present invention relates to a phenazine derivative-based alkaline battery, which includes an anode formed by a phenazine derivative having 1 to 4 side group substituents, a cathode, a separator placed between the cathode and the anode and an electrolyte disposed in a space between the cathode and the anode. The present invention not only investigates the impact of hydroxyl substituents on electrochemical potential and reaction kinetics but also paves the way for the development of stable anodes for alkaline-based batteries. The phenazine derivative-based alkaline battery of the present invention exhibits a reversible capacity of at least 170 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, a power density of at least 20 KW kg−1 at 10 A g−1, a, and a stable cyclability over 9000 cycles.