Sulfur-Rich Electrode Transition Layer for Polysulfide Shuttle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alkali-ion/chalcogenide batteries face challenges due to the insulating nature of sulfur, low utilization factor, and capacity fading caused by poor electronic conductivity and polysulfide shuttling.
Innovation Solution
A stabilized chalcogenide-rich electrode is developed, featuring a crystalline sulfur core coated with a photonically/electronically induced amorphous chalcogenide shell and a reduced graphene oxide transition layer, which enhances electronic and ionic conductivity while mitigating polysulfide dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If sulfur is used as electrode material, then high energy density is achieved, but electronic conductivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining sulfur with conductive carbon matrices (graphene, carbon nanotubes, porous carbon) to create electrodes that maintain high energy density while improving electronic conductivity. The carbon matrix provides conductive pathways throughout the sulfur electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating conductive networks at specific locations within the sulfur electrode. Conductive additives are strategically distributed to form percolation pathways, and surface treatments are applied locally to enhance conductivity where it is most needed for electron transport.
2Quantity of substance
If sulfur is used as electrode material, then high capacity is achieved, but capacity fading occurs due to polysulfide shuttling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film coatings and encapsulation layers (such as carbon coatings, metal oxide films, or polymer membranes) that conformally cover the sulfur particles. These flexible thin films physically confine polysulfides, preventing their dissolution and shuttling while allowing ion transport, thus maintaining capacity over multiple cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous carbon matrices and hierarchical porous structures that provide three-dimensional confinement for sulfur and polysulfides. The porous structure allows for efficient ion diffusion while the pore walls physically restrict polysulfide movement, reducing shuttling effects and improving capacity retention.
3Reliability
If conductive porous matrix is used to improve electronic conductivity, then electron transport is expedited, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated electrode structure. The conductive porous matrix simultaneously serves as the electronic conductivity network, the physical scaffold for sulfur loading, the confinement structure for polysulfides, and the ion transport medium. This consolidation reduces the need for separate functional components and simplifies overall electrode design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal conductive porous matrices (such as graphene-based structures or carbon nanotube networks) that perform multiple functions: providing electronic conductivity, offering mechanical support, enabling ion transport, and confining active materials. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the electrode design.
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 solution improves the electronic and ionic conductivity of sulfur-rich electrodes, buffers volume changes, and extends cycle life by preventing polysulfide shuttling, leading to more stable and efficient energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
the amorphous chalcogenide shell is the product of photon and/or electron radiation-induced ring opening polymerization of crystalline chalcogenide allotropes
Implementation Method 2
the transition layer exhibits mixed ionically and electronically conductive non-detachable protective transition layer
Implementation Method 3
the transition layer exhibits mixed ionically and electronically conductive non-detachable protective transition layer
Implementation Method 4
covalently bonded between said 2D material and the chalcogenide, for example sulfur of the electrode material
Implementation Method 5
the presence of density gradient between the crystalline core and e.g. glass/polymeric/amorphous shell
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode and/or cathode stabilized by a transition layer, comprising: (a) a porous chalcogenide-based electrode, more desirably sulfur, comprising of predominantly crystalline allotropes within the core; (b) at least one of a glass, polymeric and amorphous chalcogenide, more desirably sulfur allotropes present within the transition layer and/or shell covering the surface of the active electrode material, the transition layer comprising of a two-dimensional (2D) material, covalently bonded between said 2D material and the chalcogenide, more desirably sulfur of the electrode material, and 12 weight % or less, based on the total weight of the coated electrode, of polymeric sulfur; and (c) a coating layer on top of the transition layer said coating layer comprising a 2D material, (d) a presence of density gradient between the crystalline core and glass/polymeric/amorphous shell, (e) an electrode in which the volume of crystalline allotrope present within the inner voids represents a buffer volume utilized to compensate the volumetric fluctuation during battery cycling, (f) a chalcogenide electrode, more desirably a sulfur-rich electrode, where the electrode active mass consists of binary and or ternary dopant such as selenium, tellurium having composition (SexSy), (TexSy), (TexSySez), wherein the mass content of sulfur in the cathode is above 50% per weight of the total chalcogenide content, wherein (g) the coated electrode and/or cathode, comprising at least one sulfur allotrope that is doped with a chalcogenide, a halogen, or a mixture thereof, more desirably comprised from 0.001 to 50 weight % of the chalcogenide, halogen or mixture thereof, based on the total weight of the sulfur allotrope, such as 0.01 to 49 weight %, 0.1 to 45 weight %, 0.5 to 44 weight % or 0.75 to 43 weight %, such as 1 weight %, 1.5 weight % or 2 weight % of the chalcogenide, halogen or mixture thereof.