Solid Ionomer Electrochemical Capacitor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical-electrolytic capacitors face limitations in capacitance and energy density due to the absence of a continuous electron transport path between electrodes, and the use of liquid electrolytes is corrosive and requires hermetic sealing.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical-electrolytic capacitor design featuring a pair of electrodes with electrically-conductive particles in a proton-conductive, electrically-non-conductive solid ionomer matrix, with a proton-conducting dielectric made of solid ionomer positioned between the electrodes, eliminating the need for liquid electrolytes and enhancing capacitance and energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is used in electrochemical-electrolytic capacitor, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but corrosion occurs and hermetic sealing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (such as NAFION). This parameter change eliminates the corrosion issues associated with liquid electrolytes while maintaining ionic conductivity, thereby removing the need for hermetic sealing and simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining solid ionomer particles with conductive polymer matrix. This composite material approach creates a solid electrolyte that exhibits both ionic conductivity (from the ionomer particles) and structural integrity (from the polymer matrix), replacing the liquid electrolyte system.
2Reliability
If continuous electron transport path is established between electrodes, then electrical conductivity is improved, but charge storage capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conduction paths by creating separate continuous networks for electron transport and ion transport. The conductive polymer provides continuous electron pathways within each electrode, while the solid ionomer membrane provides continuous ion pathways between electrodes. This segmentation allows both high electrical conductivity and high charge storage capacity to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid ionomer membrane acts as an intermediary that enables ion transport between electrodes while blocking electron transport. This intermediary component allows the system to achieve good electrical conductivity through the conductive polymer phases while maintaining charge storage through the dielectric ionomer layer.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solid ionomer matrix is used to replace liquid electrolyte, then energy density is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrolyte function and electrode matrix function into a single integrated solid polymer electrolyte membrane structure. This combining of functions simplifies the overall manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled, despite the advanced material science involved.
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 design achieves a high energy density of 4 joules/cm3 and allows for the connection of capacitors in series or parallel without individual sealing, offering improved performance and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a proton-conducting dielectric positioned between and in contact with each of said electrochemical capacitor cathode and said electrolytic capacitor anode, said proton-conducting dielectric comprising a solid ionomer
Implementation Method 2
said solid ionomer matrix being proton-conductive and electrically-non-conductive
Implementation Method 3
Capacitors are devices that store electrical charge. Capacitors typically include a pair of electrically conductive electrodes insulated from one another by a dielectric
Implementation Method 4
a proton-conducting dielectric positioned between and in contact with each of said electrochemical capacitor cathode and said electrolytic capacitor anode
Implementation Method 5
a continuous proton transport path exists between the two electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A high-voltage electrochemical-electrolytic capacitor. The capacitor includes a cathode comprising a plurality of electrically-conductive particles in intimate electrical contact with one another and disposed in a proton-conductive, electrically-non-conductive, solid ionomer matrix. The capacitor also includes an anode comprising a plurality of electrically-conductive particles in intimate electrical contact with one another and disposed in a proton-conductive, electrically-non-conductive solid ionomer matrix, the electrically-conductive particles of the anode differing in composition from the electrically-conductive particles of said cathode. The capacitor further includes a proton-conducting dielectric positioned between and in contact with each of the cathode and the anode, the proton-conducting dielectric comprising a solid ionomer. Preferably, the capacitor is assembled by constructing a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprising the cathode and an extra thickness of solid ionomer on its inner surface, the second portion comprising the anode and an extra thickness of solid ionomer on its inner surface. When the first and second portions are brought together, the extended thicknesses of the solid ionomer jointly form the proton-conducting dielectric.