Quasi-Solid Alkali Metal Battery with 3D Conductive Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries face limitations in achieving high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities, power density, and electrode thickness due to low active material mass loading, poor conductivity, and safety concerns related to flammable solvents and dendrite formation.
Innovation Solution
The development of quasi-solid alkali metal batteries with high active material mass loading, thick electrodes, and a quasi-solid electrolyte containing a high concentration of alkali metal salt, which forms a 3D network of electron-conducting pathways, enhancing electrical conductivity and safety by suppressing flammability and dendrite growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Li metal is used as anode material to achieve high theoretical capacity, then energy density is improved, but dendrite formation causes safety problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to gel form, and modifies the anode material parameters by creating porous structures and using alloy compositions. These parameter changes allow Li metal to be used safely by controlling dendrite growth while maintaining high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite anode materials combining Li metal with porous structures and alloying elements (such as Si, Sn, Pb). The gel electrolyte itself is a composite material combining liquid electrolyte with gelating agents. These composites resolve the contradiction by providing both high capacity and safety
2Reliability
If graphite-based anodes are used to improve safety, then reliability is improved, but specific capacity decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of avoiding Li metal due to safety concerns, the patent inverts the approach by using Li metal but making it safe through gel electrolyte and porous structure modifications. This allows achieving both high capacity and safety, rather than choosing one over the other
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrode thickness is increased to improve energy density, then volumetric energy density is improved, but ion transport time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode structure into porous networks with interconnected channels, creating multiple transport pathways for ions. This segmentation allows thick electrodes to maintain short effective ion transport distances through the porous structure, resolving the contradiction between thickness and transport time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional porous structure that adds spatial dimensions to ion transport pathways. Instead of linear transport through thick layers, ions can move through interconnected pores in multiple directions, effectively reducing transport time while maintaining electrode thickness
4Power
If conventional liquid electrolytes are used to achieve good ion conductivity, then power density is improved, but flammability increases reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a gel electrolyte composite by combining liquid electrolyte with gelating agents (such as polymers or inorganic materials). This composite maintains the ion conductivity of liquid electrolytes while adding the safety benefits of gel structure, suppressing flammability and dendrite growth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to gel, which maintains ionic conductivity while improving safety properties. This parameter change reduces flammability and provides mechanical stability without significantly compromising 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
This approach results in batteries with unprecedented high energy and power densities, improved safety, and increased electrode thickness without compromising ion transport rates, addressing the limitations of conventional batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive additive, containing conductive filaments, forms a 3D network of electron-conducting pathways such that the quasi-solid electrode has an electrical conductivity from about 10−6 S/cm to about 300 S/cm
Implementation Method 2
a quasi-solid electrolyte containing a high concentration of alkali metal salt... without compromising ion transport rates
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an alkali metal cell comprising: (a) a quasi-solid cathode containing about 30% to about 95% by volume of a cathode active material, about 5% to about 40% by volume of a first electrolyte containing an alkali salt dissolved in a solvent, and about 0.01% to about 30% by volume of a conductive additive wherein the conductive additive, containing conductive filaments, forms a 3D network of electron-conducting pathways such that the quasi-solid electrode has an electrical conductivity from about 10−6 S/cm to about 300 S/cm; (b) an anode; and (c) an ion-conducting membrane or porous separator disposed between the anode and the quasi-solid cathode; wherein the quasi-solid cathode has a thickness from 200 μm to 100 cm and a cathode active material having an active material mass loading greater than 10 mg/cm2.