Porous Electrode Structure for Fluid Flow and Mechanical Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current highly porous materials with extended surface area and mechanical robustness, such as nanomeshes, require a support for fabrication and handling but are not suitable for applications where gases and liquids need to pass through, as they lack mechanical robustness without it.
Innovation Solution
A porous electrode comprising an electrically conductive porous network of interconnected wires integrated with an electrically conductive support structure, forming a monolithic structure with high porosity and surface area, allowing fluid transport and mechanical stability, fabricated using a method involving molds and conductive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If nanomeshes are fabricated without a support structure, then porosity and surface area are improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into two functional parts: a porous network providing high surface area and a support structure providing mechanical stability. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous network is nested within or integrated with the support structure, creating a hierarchical structure where the delicate high-surface-area network is protected by the robust support framework, enabling both high porosity and mechanical stability.
2Strength
If a support structure is added to nanomeshes, then mechanical stability is improved, but fluid transport capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with localized openings and porous regions that specifically enhance fluid transport pathways, while other regions provide mechanical support. This local optimization allows simultaneous achievement of structural integrity and fluid permeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure itself is designed as a porous material rather than a solid barrier, allowing fluids to pass through while still providing mechanical strength. The porous support creates dual functionality: structural reinforcement and fluid conduction.
3Area of stationary object
If nanomeshes are made thinner to increase surface area, then electrochemical performance is improved, but mechanical robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode combines two materials with complementary properties: a porous network material optimized for electrochemical surface area and a support structure material optimized for mechanical strength. This composite approach allows thinning the active network for higher surface area while the support material compensates for mechanical weakness.
Data Source
AI summary
A porous electrode comprising:an electrically conductive porous network of interconnected wires, andan electrically conductive support structure,wherein the network is in direct physical and electrical contact with the support structure, wherein the network has a volumetric surface area of from 2 m2/cm3 to 90 m2/cm3, and a porosity of from 50% to 90%,wherein a surface of the support structure, facing away from the network, has openings representing from 2 to 90% of its surface area, and wherein the openings are fluidly connected to the pores of the network.