Structural Supercapacitor Electrodes with Carbon Nanotubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional supercapacitors lack sufficient mechanical properties, requiring separate structural support, which increases volume and mass, and existing methods to enhance capacitance compromise structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

Development of structural supercapacitors with carbon fiber electrodes incorporating carbon nanotubes for increased surface area, surface functionalization with redox-active species, and conducting polymers to achieve both high energy storage and mechanical characteristics in a single integrated system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional supercapacitor design is used to achieve high energy storage, then capacitance is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storageVSAvoidmechanical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the energy storage function and structural support function into a single integrated supercapacitor system. The electrode assembly, typically a non-structural component, is designed to simultaneously provide both capacitance and mechanical strength, eliminating the need for separate structural housing and reducing overall system mass and volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures within the supercapacitor construction, combining materials with high electrochemical performance with materials providing structural integrity. This allows different regions or layers of the supercapacitor to optimize for either energy storage or mechanical strength as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If capacitance is increased through traditional methods, then energy storage is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecapacitanceVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing different regions of the supercapacitor for different functions. The electrode materials and structures are specifically designed with local characteristics that enhance capacitance in electrochemically active regions while maintaining structural integrity in load-bearing regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If separate structural support is added to provide mechanical characteristics, then structural integrity is improved, but volume and mass increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural characteristicsVSAvoidmass

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The supercapacitor is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as both an energy storage device and a structural element. The same materials and components that provide electrochemical function also provide mechanical support, eliminating the need for duplicate structural elements and reducing overall system mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the structural support function with the energy storage components, making the electrode assembly and other internal components structurally load-bearing. This integration eliminates the need for separate structural housing, reducing both volume and mass compared to traditional designs where structural support and energy storage are separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated system achieves higher specific capacitance and energy density while maintaining structural integrity, potentially reducing volume and mass compared to separate energy and structural components.

Implementation Method 1

electrodes comprising carbon fiber for structural integrity, carbon nanotubes for increased surface area and increased capacitance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbon nanotubes: Carbon Nanotubes

Implementation Method 2

surface functionalized redox-active moieties for increased capacitance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

depositing a conducting polymer on the carbon fiber sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConducting polymer: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS10418189B2Enhanced structural supercapacitors

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 THE MITRE CORPORATION

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to structural supercapacitors and electrodes for structural supercapacitors having high energy storage and high mechanical characteristics and methods of making the structural supercapacitors and electrodes. The structural supercapacitors can include a solid electrolyte and carbon fiber electrodes comprising carbon nanotubes, surface functionalized redox-active moieties, and/or a conducting polymer.