Self-charging electrochemical cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-charging batteries rely on external energy sources and lack sustainability, while lithium-ion batteries face limitations in energy density, charging rate, cost, and safety.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-charging electrochemical cells with a cathode active material that transforms into a discharge product during or after discharge, where the solubility of the cathode active material in the electrolyte is less than that of the discharge product, allowing for additional energy generation and storage beyond theoretical capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-charging electrochemical cells use external energy sources for charging, then the cell can be recharged, but the system lacks sustainability and requires additional external components
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical cell performs self-charging through an auto-redox reaction where the discharge product reacts with the electrolyte to regenerate the cathode active material. The system uses its own components (discharge product and electrolyte) to recharge without external energy sources, achieving self-service operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits changes in solubility parameters during the electrochemical reaction. The discharge product has higher solubility in the electrolyte than the cathode active material, enabling the discharge product to dissolve and subsequently react to regenerate the active material, driving the self-charging process through parameter changes
2Quantity of substance
If the cathode active material has high solubility in the electrolyte, then more material can be utilized, but the discharge product cannot be effectively separated and regenerated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes solubility parameter changes to control material behavior. The cathode active material has low solubility and remains on the electrode, while the discharge product has high solubility and dissolves in the electrolyte, enabling effective separation and subsequent regeneration through auto-redox reaction
3Reliability
If conventional lithium-ion batteries are used, then the technology is well-established, but energy density and safety performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental reaction mechanism from conventional lithium-ion intercalation to an auto-redox system with solubility-driven material regeneration. This parameter change enables higher energy density while improving safety by eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure and reducing flammability risks associated with conventional battery systems
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
These cells achieve a semi-perpetual or perpetual energy supply by enhancing energy density and reducing material requirements, thereby lowering costs and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
The cathode active material of the electrochemical cell is transformed into a discharge product during or after a discharge of the electrochemical cell
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyte including a solvent and a salt dissolved in the solvent, where the electrolyte is in contact with the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
Self-charging electrochemical cells, including self-charging batteries that incorporate such self-charging electrochemical cells, the electrochemical cells including a cathode including a cathode active material, an electrolyte including a solvent and a salt dissolved in the solvent, the electrolyte being in contact with the cathode, where the cathode active material is transformed into a discharge product during or after a discharge of the self-charging electrochemical cell and a solubility of the cathode active material in the electrolyte is less than a solubility of the discharge product in the electrolyte.