Self-Assembled Film Electrode for Aqueous Battery Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Nonaqueous secondary batteries face safety concerns due to flammable organic solvents and high internal resistance, while aqueous electrolytes suffer from self-discharge and corrosion issues, limiting their application in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Innovation Solution
An electrode with a self-assembled film of organic molecules is used, covering at least part of the current collector, to prevent water electrolysis and corrosion, maintaining Li conductivity and electron conductivity while enhancing charge/discharge efficiency and battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If nonaqueous electrolyte with organic solvents is used, then high electromotive force (2-4.5 V) and oxidation/reduction resistance are achieved, but safety deteriorates due to flammability and internal resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
An aqueous electrolyte is introduced as an intermediary substance between the positive and negative electrodes, replacing the traditional nonaqueous organic solvent electrolyte. This aqueous electrolyte acts as a mediator that enables ion transport while being non-flammable, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high power output and ensuring safety. The aqueous electrolyte maintains the necessary electrical conductivity while eliminating the flammability hazard of organic solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the electrolyte from nonaqueous organic solvent to aqueous solution. This parameter change transforms the electrolyte's chemical composition and physical properties, enabling the battery to achieve both high electromotive force (2-4.5 V) and improved safety characteristics by using water-based electrolyte that cannot combust, thereby resolving the contradiction between power output and safety.
2Reliability
If aqueous electrolyte is used to achieve electromotive force of 2 V or greater, then safety improves by eliminating flammability, but self-discharge and corrosion occur due to electrolysis of water
Solution Approach 1:
A protective coating layer is applied preliminarily to the surface of the positive electrode before assembling the battery. This coating layer, containing specific compounds, is formed in advance to prevent direct contact between the aqueous electrolyte and the positive electrode materials. By performing this protective action beforehand, the invention prevents water electrolysis and subsequent self-discharge, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety improvement and energy loss prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective coating layer acts as an intermediary barrier between the aqueous electrolyte and the positive electrode. This intermediate layer prevents direct interaction that would cause water electrolysis, thereby eliminating self-discharge while maintaining the safety benefits of aqueous electrolyte. The coating serves as a mediator that allows the system to achieve both safety and energy efficiency.
3Power
If nonaqueous electrolyte is used, then high electromotive force is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to requirement of dry environment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrolyte parameter from nonaqueous to aqueous, which fundamentally alters the manufacturing requirements. Aqueous electrolytes do not require stringent dry environment controls during assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. This parameter change enables the battery to maintain high electromotive force while significantly improving ease of manufacture and reducing production costs.
4Power
If nonaqueous electrolyte is used, then high electromotive force is achieved, but internal resistance increases due to inferior Li conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrolyte composition parameter from nonaqueous organic solvent to aqueous solution, which fundamentally improves lithium ion conductivity. The aqueous electrolyte enables more efficient Li ion transport between electrodes, thereby reducing internal resistance while maintaining the high electromotive force characteristic. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between achieving high power output and maintaining low internal resistance.
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 solution effectively prevents side reactions, improves charge/discharge efficiency, and extends the life of secondary batteries by reducing self-discharge and corrosion, making them suitable for electric vehicles and energy storage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first self-assembled film covering at least a part of a surface of the current collector, the first self-assembled film containing organic molecules
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electrode is provided. The electrode includes a current collector, an electrode mixture layer, and a self-assembled film. The first self-assembled film covers at least a part of a surface of the current collector. The first self-assembled film contains organic molecules. The electrode mixture layer disposed on at least a part of the first self-assembled film.