Silicon Anode Primary Cell With Low-Lithium High-Power Electrolyte

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for environmentally friendly, recyclable, and cost-effective battery solutions for e-mobility and decentralized electricity generation, particularly silicon-containing galvanic cells that provide high power density and low lithium content.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrochemical primary cell with a silicon anode and a manganese dioxide cathode, using silicon particles with sizes between 1 nm and 3000 nm, and optionally amorphous, in combination with a fluoride-containing electrolyte or ionic liquids to achieve high power densities, while minimizing lithium content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If common silicon-containing lithium-ion secondary batteries are used, then high power density can be achieved, but lithium content becomes high and recyclability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidlithium content
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes lithium from the silicon-based battery system, developing a lithium-free electrolyte composition that enables silicon anodes to function without lithium ions, thereby achieving high power density while eliminating lithium content concerns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by using specific ratios of cyclic carbonate (15-30 vol%), chain carbonate (70-85 vol%), and lithium salt (0.5-2 mol/L), enabling the system to achieve high power density without relying on traditional lithium-ion mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If silicon particles with larger size are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but power density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidparticle size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the particle size parameter of silicon to a specific range (1-3000 nm) that balances surface area for electrochemical reactions with manufacturing feasibility, achieving high power density while maintaining cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite electrode structure combining silicon particles (1-3000 nm) with conductive carbon materials and binders, enhancing both power density and structural integrity without requiring excessive refinement of silicon particle size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Power

If amorphous silicon particles are used, then power density increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidcrystallinity control
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of silicon from crystalline to amorphous form, which provides higher surface area and more active sites for electrochemical reactions, thereby achieving superior power density despite increased manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Power

If fluoride-containing electrolytes are used, then power density reaches maximum, but electrolyte complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidelectrolyte composition
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the electrolyte composition by incorporating fluoride-containing lithium salts (such as LiF, CF3SO3Li, LiBF4) at optimized concentrations (0.5-2 mol/L), which enhances ionic conductivity and achieves maximum power density while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration achieves power densities of greater than or equal to 3 mW/cm² and ensures the silicon particles are recyclable, reducing lithium content to less than 0.1% by weight, making the cells economically viable and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

generate electrical energy in the presence of an oxidizing agent by constantly supplying fuel to fuel cells that have a galvanic cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

The highest power densities could be achieved with fluoride-containing electrolytes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon transport: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentEP4235834A1Electrochemical primary cell and multicell battery and use of nano-particulate silicon agglomerates
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 XENIONIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4235834A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4235834A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4235834A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrochemical primary cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte and at least one separator, wherein the cathode preferably comprises manganese dioxide as a material and optionally a carbon-containing conductivity enhancer, wherein the anode comprises silicon as an anode material, the silicon being in the form of silicon particles, and the silicon particles being primary silicon particles with a particle size between 1 nm and 3000 nm, and the primary silicon particles being optionally substantially amorphous.Furthermore, the invention comprises a multi-cell battery with at least two interconnected primary cells connected in series, as well as the use of silicon as an anode material in the form of silicon particles, which are present as silicon primary particles with a particle size between 1 nm and 3000 nm and form agglomerates and/or aggregates, wherein the anode material does not comprise lithium in the charged state and wherein the silicon primary particles are optionally substantially amorphous.