Solid-State Polyelectrolyte Separator for Thermal Self-Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage devices for wearable electronics are limited by bulky liquid electrolytes, which hinder the utilization of ionic thermodiffusion for practical voltage generation from thermal energy sources, and lack integration of energy conversion and storage mechanisms, making them unsuitable for portable and scalable applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermally self-chargeable solid-state flexible energy storage device is developed, utilizing a solid-state polyelectrolyte separator and redox polymer electrodes to harness thermal energy through ionic thermodiffusion, converting temperature gradients into electrochemical reactions for self-charging, eliminating the need for external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used in thermoelectrochemical cells, then ionic thermodiffusion can occur, but bulky packaging is required to prevent leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid gel form, maintaining ionic conductivity while eliminating leakage risks. This phase transition allows the device to achieve both reliable ionic thermodiffusion and compact packaging without bulky containment structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a gel electrolyte system that combines the ionic mobility of liquids with the structural integrity of solids, creating a self-contained medium that eliminates the need for external containment while maintaining functional performance
2Ease of manufacture
If separate energy conversion and storage devices are used, then each device can be optimized independently, but integration complexity and connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy conversion (thermoelectrochemical) and energy storage (capacitive) functions into a single integrated device structure. The thermoelectrochemical cell and capacitor share common components including electrodes, electrolyte, and housing, eliminating the need for separate devices and their interconnections while maintaining independent optimization of each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device where the same structural components serve dual purposes: the electrodes function as both thermoelectrochemical reaction sites and capacitive storage elements, while the electrolyte provides both ionic conduction for energy conversion and ion reservoir for energy storage
3Reliability
If additional gel electrolytes are added to enhance ionic conductivity, then ionic conduction improves, but fabrication scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional gel electrolyte additives by designing a system where the primary electrolyte medium inherently provides sufficient ionic conductivity through its composition and structure, removing the complicating step of adding secondary conductive materials
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 device achieves high energy density, power density, and long-term stability, enabling sustainable power generation for wearable electronics using human body heat, with a voltage increase of 38 mV in 350 seconds and areal capacitance of 120 mF/cm2, suitable for powering devices like smart watches and medical monitors.
Implementation Method 1
it is not easy to observe and utilize ionic thermodiffusion (the Soret effect) for producing a practical potential or voltage difference using a temperature difference as the energy source
Implementation Method 2
a positive electrode including a first redox polymer deposited on a first conductive porous substrate... and a negative electrode including a second redox polymer deposited on a second conductive porous substrate, thereby forming an electrochemical cell
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage device and method of forming and operating the same. In one embodiment, the energy storage device includes a positive electrode including a first redox polymer deposited on a first conductive porous substrate. The energy storage device also includes a solid-state polyelectrolyte separator operative as a voltage generator, and a negative electrode including a second redox polymer deposited on a second conductive porous substrate, thereby forming an electrochemical cell.