Hybrid Supercapacitor Electrolyte Design for Energy Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid supercapacitors face limitations due to low energy density, high cost, and safety concerns related to the use of lithiated electrolytes and passivation layers, particularly with lithium-based systems, which affect their performance and scalability for applications requiring high energy storage.
Innovation Solution
The development of hybrid supercapacitors using a non-aqueous electrolyte with sodium or potassium salts and specific carbonaceous materials for the electrodes, eliminating the need for lithiated electrolytes and allowing for higher energy density and reduced costs, while also improving safety by avoiding the formation of metal plating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If lithiated electrolytes are used in hybrid supercapacitors, then high power density is achieved, but energy density remains low and safety concerns arise due to passivation layer formation and metal plating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the electrolyte by replacing lithiated salts (LiPF6) with non-lithiated alternatives (tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate TEABF4, tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate TEAPF6). This parameter change eliminates the formation of passivation layers and metal plating while maintaining high ionic conductivity, thus resolving the safety and stability issues without sacrificing power density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive lithium-based electrolyte components with cheaper alternative salts (TEABF4, TEAPF6), reducing material costs while achieving comparable or superior performance. The alternative electrolytes do not require complex passivation layers, simplifying the system architecture
2Power
If lithiated electrolytes and passivation layers are used, then electrochemical performance is maintained, but material costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic lithiated electrolyte and passivation layer components from the hybrid supercapacitor system. By eliminating these elements and replacing them with simple alternative electrolytes (TEABF4, TEAPF6), the device complexity is reduced while maintaining electrochemical performance through direct electrochemical reactions without passivation layers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alternative electrolyte salts (TEABF4, TEAPF6) as intermediary substances that mediate the electrochemical reactions between electrodes. These intermediary electrolytes provide ionic conductivity without forming passivation layers, simplifying the electrochemical interface
3Quantity of substance
If electrodes are over-dimensioned to compensate for low energy density, then energy storage capacity increases, but device volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy density parameter by replacing lithiated electrolyte with alternative electrolytes (TEABF4, TEAPF6) that enable higher operating voltages and more efficient electrochemical reactions. This parameter change increases energy storage capacity per unit volume, eliminating the need for over-dimensioning electrodes
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 approach enhances the energy density and power performance of supercapacitors, reduces material costs, and mitigates safety risks associated with lithiated systems, making them more suitable for high-energy applications without the need for passivation layers or over-dimensioning electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising a salt selected from the salts of at least one alkaline metal other than lithium
Implementation Method 2
operate on the principle of the electrochemical double layer, whence the sometimes encountered name of 'electrochemical double layer capacitor' (also known under the acronym of EDLC), i.e., in other words, on the principle of storing energy by distributing, within at least one cell, the ions from an electrolyte in the vicinity of the surface of two porous electrodes
Implementation Method 3
a porous membrane giving the possibility of ensuring electron insulation between the electrodes, while allowing an easy passage of the ions of the electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device of the hybrid supercapacitor type comprising at least one cell comprising:a porous positive electrode comprising activated carbon;a negative electrode comprising a carbonaceous material capable of inserting an alkaline element other than lithium, this carbonaceous material being different from the activated carbon used at the positive electrode; anda non-aqueous electrolyte comprising a salt selected from salts of an alkaline metal other than lithium.