Porous Ceramic Electrodes for High Energy Density Microbatteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high energy density batteries, such as lithium ion batteries, have inefficient mass and volume utilization, with only 30% to 40% of the device volume used for ion storage, and attempts to increase power density often compromise energy density, while there is a growing need for distributed high energy density power sources suitable for small-scale devices.
Innovation Solution
Development of small-scale batteries with novel electrode materials and designs, including sintered ceramic and ceramic composite electrodes with controlled porosity and microarchitecture, such as protrusions and walls, to enhance energy density and cycling stability, and the use of both solid and liquid electrolytes to facilitate ion transport and prevent dendritic formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If laminated construction techniques are used to increase energy density, then power density improves, but mass and volume utilization efficiency deteriorates with only 30% to 40% of device volume used for ion storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous electrodes with controlled porosity (30-70%) to increase the surface area available for ion storage while maintaining structural integrity. The porous structure allows electrolyte penetration throughout the electrode volume, enabling more effective utilization of the active material and improving both energy density and mass/volume efficiency simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar laminated structures to three-dimensional electrode architectures including porous networks and interconnected frameworks. This dimensional change increases the effective surface area for ion exchange without proportionally increasing the device volume, thereby improving both power density and volume utilization efficiency
2Power
If electrode thickness is reduced to increase power density, then energy density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous electrode structures where the porous network provides extensive internal surface area for ion storage within a compact external volume. This allows the electrode to maintain thin overall dimensions for high power density while the internal porous structure provides sufficient volume for ion storage to maintain energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested electrode structures where porous networks are embedded within current collectors and active materials are distributed throughout the porous framework. This nested architecture maximizes the utilization of available volume for energy storage while maintaining the thin profile needed for high power density
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
Achieves energy densities of at least 200 W h/l and retains significant capacity after multiple charge-discharge cycles with reduced mechanical stress and degradation, enabling efficient power and energy storage in compact devices.
Implementation Method 1
the pores of the electrode are filled with an electrolyte that is a liquid, a gel, a solid polymer, and/or a solid inorganic compound
Implementation Method 2
an electrode formed from a sintered ceramic and/or a ceramic composite
Implementation Method 3
at least some of the pores of the electrode are filled with an electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to batteries or other electrochemical devices, and systems and materials for use in these, including novel electrode materials and designs. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to small-scale batteries or microbatteries. For example, in one aspect of the invention, a battery may have a volume of no more than about 5 mm3, while having an energy density of at least about 400 W h/l. In some cases, the battery may include an electrode comprising a porous electroactive compound. In some embodiments, the pores of the porous electrode may be at least partially filled with a liquid such as a liquid electrolyte. The electrode may be formed from a unitary material. Other aspects of the invention are directed to techniques of making such electrodes or batteries, techniques of forming electrical connections to and packaging such batteries, techniques of using such electrodes or batteries, or the like.