Plasma-Treated Composite Electrode for Aqueous Battery Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current batteries and capacitors are not eco-friendly due to toxic materials, and water-soluble binders like CMC cannot be used in aqueous batteries as they dissolve in water, limiting their application in 'green' devices.
Innovation Solution
A composite electrode with a water-soluble polymer binder, such as CMC, is treated with plasma to form an organometallic shell, allowing it to function in both aqueous and organic electrolytes, enhancing electrochemical stability and mechanical cohesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water-soluble polymers (CMC, PAA, etc.) are used as electrode binders, then the process becomes eco-friendly and cost-effective, but the electrode dissolves in aqueous electrolytes due to strong chemical interaction between water and binder
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the electrode structure into two distinct parts: a water-soluble polymer binder for eco-friendly formulation and an organometallic shell coating that provides water resistance. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and stability in aqueous media
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite electrode material combining a water-soluble polymer binder (such as CMC or PAA) with an organometallic shell (such as silane-based coatings). This composite structure maintains the eco-friendly benefits of water-soluble polymers while adding the water-resistant properties of the organometallic shell, thereby achieving both environmental compatibility and electrode stability in aqueous electrolytes
2Reliability
If organic solvents (NMP, etc.) are used to dissolve binders like PVDF, then the binder provides good electrochemical stability, but the process becomes toxic, volatile and flammable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of binder solubility from organic-soluble (PVDF in NMP) to water-soluble (CMC, PAA in water). This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of organic solvents while maintaining binder effectiveness through the addition of an organometallic shell that prevents water interaction with the binder, thereby achieving both safety and performance
3Ease of manufacture
If bio-sourced polymers (CMC, HPMC, etc.) are used as binders, then manufacturing costs are reduced and environmental impact is minimized, but the electrodes cannot be used with aqueous electrolytes due to dissolution
Solution Approach 1:
The organometallic shell acts as an intermediary layer between the water-soluble bio-sourced polymer binder and the aqueous electrolyte. This intermediary shell prevents direct contact and dissolution while allowing the electrode to maintain its mechanical integrity and electrochemical function, thereby enabling the use of cost-effective bio-sourced polymers in aqueous battery systems
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 plasma-treated composite electrode with a water-soluble binder achieves stability and mechanical cohesion in aqueous media, expanding its application in 'green' devices while reducing environmental impact and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The invention also relates to a process for preparing such composite electrode via a plasma treatment, notably to improve its electrochemical behaviour
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a composite electrode for a device storing electrical energy wherein said electrode comprises an electrode body and an electrode shell, wherein said body comprises at least one water-soluble polymer and wherein at least a part of said shell comprises a shell comprising at least one organic or organometallic material. The present invention also relates to a device storing electrical energy comprising said composite electrode and a process for preparing said composite electrode.