Solid State Ionic Conductive Membrane on Macro Porous Scaffold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion-exchange membranes in redox flow batteries suffer from electrolyte crossover, which reduces the battery's lifetime due to insufficient mechanical strength against fluidic forces.
Innovation Solution
The use of thin solid-state ionic conductive membranes supported by macro porous scaffolds enhances mechanical strength, preventing electrolyte crossover by allowing ions to pass through while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thin solid state ionic conductive membranes are used to prevent electrolyte crossover, then membrane selectivity is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a thin solid state ionic conductive membrane with a macro porous support scaffold to create a composite structure. The thin membrane layer provides high ion selectivity and prevents electrolyte crossover, while the macro porous scaffold provides mechanical strength and structural support. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating two materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a macro porous support scaffold with controlled pore structure to provide mechanical strength while maintaining ion transport capability. The porous structure allows ions to pass through while the scaffold itself provides the necessary mechanical support, enabling the thin ionic conductive membrane to function effectively without suffering from insufficient mechanical strength.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If thin solid state ionic conductive membranes are used to prevent electrolyte crossover, then battery lifetime is improved, but resistance to fluidic forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure of thin ionic conductive membrane on macro porous scaffold provides both the ion selectivity needed for long battery lifetime and the mechanical strength needed to resist fluidic forces during operation. The scaffold acts as a load-bearing structure that protects the thin membrane from mechanical failure under fluid pressure.
3Strength
If macro porous support scaffolds are added to strengthen ionic conductive membranes, then mechanical strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The macro porous support scaffold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical strength, maintains membrane structure, enables electrolyte flow, and facilitates ion transport. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to using a thick non-porous support structure that would require additional channels and components for fluid flow.
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 significantly extends the lifespan of redox flow batteries by ensuring the ionic conductive membranes can withstand operational forces, maintaining efficient ion transfer and preventing liquid leakage or crossover.
Implementation Method 1
a solid state ionic conductive membrane on a macro porous support scaffold between the positive terminal and the negative terminal
Implementation Method 2
Redox flow batteries have an ion exchange membrane that allows for a charge balance across the system
Implementation Method 3
the mechanical strength of these ionic conductive membranes is not enough to overcome the fluidic forces applied to the membrane during operation. To overcome this issue, macro porous support scaffolds can be used to help strengthen the ionic conductive membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A redox flow battery includes a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a solid state ionic conductive membrane on a macro porous support scaffold between the positive terminal and the negative terminal.