P-N Organic Battery Electrodes for Higher Discharge Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium ion batteries used in portable electronics and electric vehicles face limitations in terms of cost and efficiency, particularly in prolonging their use life and discharging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A p-n organic battery utilizing p-type and n-type organic semiconductors as active electrodes, with specific configurations and materials such as nano structured polyaniline and 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, along with a metal chloride electrolyte and polyamide non-woven fabric separator, to enhance charging and discharging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lithium ion batteries are used in portable electronics and electric vehicles, then energy storage capability is achieved, but cost and discharging efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the electrodes from conventional lithium ion battery materials to organic semiconductor materials (p-type and n-type). This fundamental parameter change enables the battery to achieve both improved discharging efficiency and prolonged use life, as organic semiconductors offer better charge transfer properties and structural stability compared to traditional lithium ion battery materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures by combining p-type and n-type organic semiconductors in a p-n junction configuration. This composite approach creates synergistic effects where the p-type semiconductor (e.g., polyaniline) and n-type semiconductor (e.g., PTCDA) work together to enhance both efficiency and reliability, resolving the technical contradiction between discharging efficiency and use life.
2Productivity
If conventional battery materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but cost and efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery structure into distinct p-type and n-type semiconductor layers, each with specific functions. This segmentation allows for optimized performance of each layer while maintaining a relatively simple overall manufacturing process. The p-type layer (e.g., polyaniline) and n-type layer (e.g., PTCDA) can be manufactured separately and then assembled, balancing efficiency improvement with manufacturing feasibility.
3Productivity
If organic semiconductors are used as active electrodes, then cost is reduced and efficiency is improved, but structural stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes organic semiconductor materials that are generally lower in cost compared to conventional lithium ion battery materials. By selecting appropriate organic semiconductors with inherent stability (such as polyaniline and PTCDA), the battery achieves both cost reduction and maintained structural stability, effectively addressing the contradiction between using cheaper materials and ensuring long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The p-n junction composite structure provides enhanced stability through the complementary properties of p-type and n-type semiconductors. The interface between these materials creates a stable heterojunction that maintains structural integrity while enabling efficient charge transfer, thus resolving the contradiction between cost/efficiency improvement and structural stability.
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 p-n organic battery achieves improved open circuit voltage, short circuit current, and maximum power output, with open circuit voltage of at least 1.0 V, short circuit current of at least 35 mA, and maximum power of at least 35 mW, thereby enhancing battery performance.
Implementation Method 1
a p-n organic battery using a p type and n type organic semiconductors as active electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The electrolyte/separator can be a microporous film, in which, the electrolyte can comprise a composite solution comprising from copper chloride, CuCl2 and nickel chloride NiCl2 salts
Implementation Method 3
the p-type and n type organic semiconductors can comprise the compressed powder organic semiconductors
Data Source
AI summary
In the present disclosure, a p-n organic battery comprising a p-type organic semiconductor and n-type organic semiconductor as active electrodes, anode and cathode current electrodes, separator and electrolyte and a method of fabricating the same is disclosed. The p-n organic battery has an p-type organic semiconductor separated from a n type organic semiconductor by an aqueous electrolyte solution, contained in an insulating vessel with suitable terminals (not shown) being provided in electric contact with the anode current electrode and the cathode current electrode. The aqueous electrolyte can comprise water, and a transition metal salt such as NiCl2, CuCl2 dissolved in the water.