Single-Layer Pulp Paper for Flexible Zinc-Manganese Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flexible film zinc-manganese batteries face issues such as high internal resistance, low active material utilization, poor discharge performance, and short storage periods due to the use of multi-layer separating papers and non-ionic polymers, which increase internal resistance and fail to meet water absorption requirements.

Innovation Solution

A single-layer pulp paper is developed using sodium polyglutamate, potassium polyaspartate, and modified starch, combined with potassium hyaluronate and inorganic corrosion inhibitors, to enhance ion conductivity and water absorption, reducing internal resistance and improving discharge capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multi-layer separating papers are used, then isolation performance is improved, but internal resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolation performanceVSAvoidinternal resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (isolation, corrosion inhibition, water absorption, adhesion) into a single-layer pulp paper by integrating different components: insulating base paper for isolation, corrosion inhibitor for protection, superabsorbent polymer for water management, and binder for structural integrity. This merging eliminates the need for multi-layer construction while maintaining isolation performance and reducing internal resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single-layer pulp paper serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an isolator between electrodes, provides corrosion inhibition through embedded inhibitors, absorbs and retains electrolyte via superabsorbent polymer, and maintains structural integrity through binder. This multi-functionality replaces the specialized multi-layer structure with a unified component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If non-ionic polymers are used as additives, then adhesion and film formation are improved, but internal resistance greatly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidinternal resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the type of polymer additive from conventional non-ionic polymers (polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, polyether) to a specifically formulated binder system that provides adequate adhesion and film formation without the severe internal resistance increase. This parameter change in material selection resolves the contradiction between adhesion strength and internal resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If ionic polyelectrolytes are used, then water absorption capacity is improved, but adhesion and film formation fail to meet requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater absorption capacityVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite pulp paper structure combining insulating base paper with embedded functional components (corrosion inhibitor, superabsorbent polymer, binder). This composite approach achieves both adequate adhesion through the binder system and high water absorption capacity through the superabsorbent polymer, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Object-affected harmful factors

If single-layer pulp paper is used, then internal resistance is reduced, but isolation performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal resistanceVSAvoidisolation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the isolation function with other functions in a single-layer structure. The insulating base paper provides the isolation barrier, while embedded corrosion inhibitors, superabsorbent polymer, and binder provide additional functions. This integration maintains isolation performance while eliminating the internal resistance penalty of multi-layer construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 results in a pulp paper with low internal resistance, high water absorption, and excellent ionic conductivity, enabling better high current and pulse discharge performance, thereby enhancing the battery's capacity and application potential.

Implementation Method 1

maintaining the electrolyte to ensure the normal internal ion movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the organic corrosion inhibitor which can be attached to the zinc powder on the surface of the anode to form a corrosion inhibitor film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

displacement occurred between the inorganic corrosion inhibitor and the zinc powder of the anode to form a layer of corrosion inhibitor film on the surface of the zinc power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDisplacement:

Implementation Method 4

the organic corrosion inhibitor which can be attached to the zinc powder on the surface of the anode to form a corrosion inhibitor film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3583641B1A pulp paper for flexible batteries and the preparation method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 MEDTRUM TECH

AI summary

The invention relates to a pulp paper for flexible film zinc ‐manganese battery, which comprises a base paper with only one layer and slurry coated on both sides which comprises modified starch, polyelectrolyte, water retaining agent, organic/inorganic composite corrosion inhibitor, and electrolytes wherein the polyelectrolyte is one or more of polyglutamic acid, sodium polyglutamate, potassium polyglutamate, polyaspartic acid, sodium polyaspartate and sodium polyaspartate, and the water retaining agent is a sodium salt or a potassium salt of hyaluronic acid. The pulp paper in the invention has the advantages of thin layer, simple composition, fast absorption speed, large liquid absorption capacity, good liquid‐retaining ability, good ionic conductivity and low wet resistance which boosts good application value in the field of flexible battery technology. The flexible film zinc‐manganese battery applying the pulp paper has advantages of low resistance, large battery capacity, good high current and excellent pulse discharge capacity, has a good application value in the field of flexible battery technology.