Solid-State Aluminum-Ion Cell With Membrane-Free Coiled Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aluminum-ion batteries face challenges in achieving cost-effective and safe energy storage solutions with high energy density and long cycle life, particularly in applications requiring large-scale energy storage.
Innovation Solution
A membrane-free electrochemical cell design using a coiled anodic aluminum wire, bunched carbon graphite cathode, and a solid electrolyte made from a mixture of urea, sea-salt, and sodium silicate, which maximizes electrochemical reaction surfaces and utilizes widely available, affordable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional aluminum-ion batteries use complex electrolyte systems and multiple components, then battery performance can be improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separator membrane from the battery structure, extracting this component to simplify the overall device. The membrane-free design eliminates the need for this intermediate barrier while maintaining functional performance through the direct contact between electrodes and electrolyte.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional components into integrated structures. The current collector serves dual purposes as both structural support and electrical conductor, while the electrolyte directly contacts both electrodes without requiring a separator, merging functions that are typically separated in conventional designs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional aluminum-ion batteries use expensive materials and complex structures, then energy density can be improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available materials throughout the battery construction. The current collector uses standard aluminum foil, electrodes utilize common active materials, and the electrolyte is a simple aqueous solution, replacing expensive specialized materials with economical alternatives that maintain functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and composition parameters of the electrolyte from complex ionic liquids or organic electrolytes to a simple aqueous solution. This parameter change dramatically reduces material cost while maintaining ionic conductivity and electrochemical performance through optimized concentration and pH parameters.
3Reliability
If aluminum-ion batteries use traditional electrode configurations, then electrochemical performance can be maintained, but surface area for reactions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional planar electrode configuration into three-dimensional coiled or bundled structures. The aluminum wire is coiled into spirals and the graphite rods are arranged in bundles, creating curved and multi-dimensional surfaces that dramatically increase the effective reaction area while maintaining structural integrity and electrochemical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where coiled aluminum wires are positioned around central graphite rod bundles, with smaller diameter wires nested within larger structural frameworks. This nested configuration maximizes space utilization and ensures that all electrode surfaces are accessible to the electrolyte, increasing reaction surface area without proportionally increasing volume.
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 ultra-low-cost, safe, and efficient electricity storage with high energy density and longevity, suitable for large-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
a solid electrolyte made from a mixture of urea, sea-salt, and sodium silicate
Implementation Method 2
which maximizes electrochemical reaction surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for storing electricity using a rechargeable electrochemical cell with coiled aluminum wire anode, axially bunched carbon graphite rods as the cathode, and a solid electrolyte. The invention teaches the use of common ultra-low-cost material components, and a simple cell construction method.