Reversible Electrochemical Mirror Electrolyte With DES-Water Voltage Window
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous electrolytes for reversible electrochemical mirrors (REMs) face limitations due to their narrow voltage window, poor electrochemical stability, and restricted applications in high-energy rechargeable batteries and electrochromic devices, while non-aqueous electrolytes pose safety concerns with flammability and toxicity.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electrolyte comprising a deep eutectic solvent and at least 20 wt% aqueous solvent, which allows for a wider electrochemical voltage window, higher current efficiency, and tailored redox peak positioning, enabling complete reduction and oxidation of metal ions and stable cycling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aqueous electrolytes are used in REMs, then safety is improved (non-flammability, non-toxicity), but electrochemical performance deteriorates (narrow voltage window, poor stability)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte system combining deep eutectic solvent (DES) and aqueous solvent. The DES component (e.g., choline chloride-glycerol mixture) provides wide electrochemical stability window and enhanced stability, while the aqueous component maintains safety characteristics. This composite approach allows the electrolyte to achieve both safety and high electrochemical performance with voltage windows exceeding 2.0 V.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrolyte composition parameters by incorporating specific ratios of aqueous solvent (at least 20 wt%) to DES, and optimizing metal salt concentrations. These parameter changes enable the electrolyte to support complete reduction and oxidation of metal ions while maintaining safety, achieving voltage windows wider than conventional aqueous electrolytes.
2Productivity
If non-aqueous electrolytes are used in REMs, then electrochemical performance is improved (wide voltage window, high stability), but safety deteriorates (flammability, toxicity)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces deep eutectic solvent as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes. The DES provides a medium with properties similar to non-aqueous electrolytes (wide voltage window, high stability) but with enhanced safety characteristics. It mediates the electrochemical reactions while preventing the flammability and toxicity issues associated with conventional non-aqueous electrolytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by using DES-based systems with specific hydrogen bond donor-acceptor combinations. This parameter change transforms the electrolyte from flammable non-aqueous types to safe DES-based types while preserving wide electrochemical stability windows and high current efficiencies.
3Reliability
If fully aqueous electrolytes are used in REMs, then safety is maintained, but voltage window is restricted (1.23 V limit due to hydrogen evolution)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte where DES and aqueous solvent work synergistically. The DES component extends the electrochemical stability window beyond the 1.23 V limitation of pure water by providing alternative reaction pathways and suppressing hydrogen evolution. The aqueous component maintains safety while the composite system achieves voltage windows >2.0 V.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the inherent limitation of aqueous electrolytes (hydrogen evolution at 1.23 V) into a benefit by using DES to suppress this side reaction. The DES modifies the electrochemical environment to prevent hydrogen evolution while maintaining water's safety advantages, effectively turning the 1.23 V constraint into an opportunity for extended voltage windows.
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 hybrid electrolyte enhances the electrochemical performance of REMs by allowing multiple modulation states, high cycling stability, and an unexpected memory effect, surpassing conventional REMs in terms of efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
allows complete reduction and oxidation of metal ions
Implementation Method 2
allows complete reduction and oxidation of metal ions
Implementation Method 3
causes the deposited metal atoms to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the electrolytic solution onto the first electrode
Implementation Method 4
The REM of the present disclosure also advantageously possesses the ability to tailor redox peak position, promoting the electrochemical activity of the metal salt
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a reversible electrochemical device, wherein the electrolytic solution comprises a deep eutectic solvent, at least about 20 wt % aqueous solvent based on the total weight of deep eutectic solvent and aqueous solvent, and a metal salt. The present disclosure also refers to a use of an electrolytic solution in a reversible electrochemical mirror, wherein the electrolytic solution comprises a deep eutectic solvent; at least about 20 wt % 0 aqueous solvent based on the total weight of deep eutectic solvent and aqueous solvent; and metal salt.