Solid-State Secondary Cell Using Metal Oxide Semiconductor Charging Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion secondary cells face challenges in achieving high capacity and cost-effectiveness, with limitations in travel distance for electric vehicles and high production costs, while also requiring enhanced safety and stability.
Innovation Solution
A secondary cell configuration featuring a substrate, a conductive first electrode, a charging layer made of n-type metal oxide semiconductor coated with an insulating substance, a p-type semiconductor layer, and a conductive second electrode, where the charging layer undergoes photoexcited structural change upon ultraviolet irradiation to form new energy levels for efficient electron capture, utilizing materials like titanium dioxide and nickel oxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a lithium-ion cell uses a metal double oxide containing lithium as the positive electrode and carbon as the negative electrode, then the output and capacity are improved, but the cost increases and safety concerns arise due to the use of electrolytic solution and organic solvent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the electrolytic solution and organic solvent from the lithium-ion cell system. By using a solid-state configuration with metal oxide semiconductors as electrodes without liquid electrolytes, the patent removes the components that cause safety issues and cost complexity while maintaining high capacity through the use of lithium-containing metal double oxides
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates an inert environment by replacing the flammable organic solvent and electrolytic solution with a solid-state structure. The metal oxide semiconductor electrodes operate in a chemically stable solid matrix that prevents the harmful reactions and leakage issues associated with liquid electrolytes, thereby improving safety and reducing manufacturing costs
2Quantity of substance
If a lithium-ion cell uses a metal double oxide containing lithium as the positive electrode, then the capacity is improved, but the travel distance for electric vehicles remains limited and cost reduction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the cell system by transitioning from liquid electrolyte-based operation to solid-state operation. This parameter change enables higher capacity utilization through the metal double oxide electrodes, directly increasing the travel distance capability of electric vehicles while simultaneously reducing manufacturing costs through simplified cell architecture
3Productivity
If an electrolytic solution is used in the lithium-ion cell, then the charge transfer is facilitated, but safety is compromised due to the combustible nature of the organic solvent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the liquid-based charge transfer mechanism with a solid-state charge transfer mechanism. Instead of relying on liquid electrolyte movement and ionic conduction through fluid, the patent uses solid metal oxide semiconductors where charge transfer occurs through electron conduction and ionic diffusion within the solid lattice, eliminating the safety hazards of combustible organic solvents while maintaining efficient charge transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite metal oxide semiconductor materials that combine the charge transfer properties of metal oxides with the structural stability of semiconductor materials. This composite approach enables efficient charge transfer rates comparable to liquid electrolyte systems while providing the safety and stability of solid-state materials, eliminating the need for combustible organic solvents
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 enables a large-capacity, cost-effective, and stable secondary cell with improved charge/discharge capacity and rate, capable of quick charging and light-induced charging, maintaining long-term reliability and safety without the use of electrolytes.
Implementation Method 1
forming a new energy level in a band gap utilizing photoexcited structural change of a metal oxide caused by ultraviolet irradiation and capturing an electron
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary cell is provided that enables cost reduction and stable operation with a simple configuration and greatly exceeds the capacity of a lithium-ion cell. In a secondary cell, a conductive first electrode is formed on a substrate. An n-type metal oxide semiconductor layer, a charging layer for charging energy, a p-type metal oxide semiconductor layer, and a second electrode are laminated. The charging layer is filled with an n-type metal oxide semiconductor of fine particles. By a photoexcited structural change phenomenon caused by ultraviolet irradiation, a new energy level is formed in a band gap of the n-type metal oxide semiconductor. An electron is captured at the newly formed energy level, thereby charging energy. The charging layer is charged by connecting a power source between the first electrode and the second electrode. It is also possible to charge energy by light, using a transparent electrode.