Polymer Electrolyte Coated Carbon Anode for Metal Air Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium air batteries face a decrease in energy density per unit weight due to excess electrolyte, which occupies space and inhibits discharge product generation, and aqueous electrolytes can cause corrosion with the lithium negative electrode.
Innovation Solution
A positive electrode for metal air batteries is developed with a carbonaceous material coated with a polymer electrolyte layer containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials, where the polymer electrolyte is anchored to the surface via chemical bonds, reducing the amount of electrolyte needed and maintaining integrity during charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If excess electrolyte is used in lithium air batteries, then lithium ion conductivity is maintained, but energy density per unit weight decreases due to increased weight and occupied space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by coating the carbonaceous material with a thin polymer electrolyte layer instead of using bulk electrolyte. The polymer electrolyte forms a flexible thin film that provides necessary ionic conductivity while minimizing weight and space occupation, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining lithium ion conductivity and reducing battery weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining carbonaceous material with polymer electrolyte to create a composite positive electrode. This composite structure integrates the conductive properties of carbonaceous material with the ionic conductivity of polymer electrolyte, achieving both reliability in lithium ion conductivity and reduction in overall electrolyte quantity and weight.
2Weight of moving object
If polymer electrolyte layer is coated on carbonaceous material, then electrolyte amount is reduced and energy density increases, but electrolyte integrity during charging and discharging may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform distribution of polymer electrolyte - specifically coating it on the surface of carbonaceous material where it is needed for ionic transport, while leaving other areas without electrolyte. This localized approach maintains electrolyte integrity at critical interfaces while minimizing overall electrolyte quantity, thus improving energy density without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-coating the carbonaceous material with polymer electrolyte before battery assembly and operation. This pre-formed coating ensures that the electrolyte is already in place and properly distributed on the carbonaceous material surface, maintaining its integrity and functionality throughout the charging and discharging cycles from the outset.
3Reliability
If aqueous electrolyte is used in lithium air batteries, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but corrosion occurs with lithium negative electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing polymer electrolyte as a mediating substance between the carbonaceous material and the lithium negative electrode. This polymer electrolyte layer acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact between aqueous electrolyte and lithium, eliminating corrosion while still allowing ionic conductivity to function through the polymer matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment by using polymer electrolyte coating that isolates the reactive lithium negative electrode from the aqueous electrolyte. This polymer layer provides a chemically inert interface that allows ionic transport while preventing harmful chemical reactions and corrosion, effectively creating a protected environment for the lithium electrode.
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
This approach reduces the weight of the metal air battery and increases energy density per unit weight by minimizing electrolyte usage while maintaining lithium ion conductivity and electrochemical stability.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the polymer electrolyte is anchored to the surface of the carbonaceous material by a chemical bond
Implementation Method 2
maintaining lithium ion conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A positive electrode for a lithium battery includes a lithium salt, a carbonaceous material, and a coating on a surface of the carbonaceous material, the coating including a polymer electrolyte including a hydrophilic material and a hydrophobic material, wherein a portion of the polymer electrolyte is anchored to the surface of the carbonaceous material by a chemical bond.