Ternary Molten Salt Electrolyte for High Power Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current molten salt electrochemical cells face challenges with low operating temperatures and passivation of cathode materials due to low solubility issues, leading to reduced charging and discharge power.
Innovation Solution
A ternary electrolyte composition with a melting point greater than 150°C, comprising an alkali metal halide, aluminum halide, and zinc halide, where zinc halide constitutes more than 20 mole percent, is used to enhance compatibility and conductivity, allowing operation between 350°C to 500°C and maintaining high power and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a molten electrolyte is used to allow rapid ion transport, then ion conductivity is improved, but the operating temperature increases due to the melting point requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by introducing a ternary system containing zinc halide, aluminum halide, and alkali metal halide in specific ratios. This composition modification lowers the melting point while maintaining high ion conductivity, resolving the contradiction between achieving rapid ion transport and reducing operating temperature
2Reliability
If cathode material is used with good solubility in molten electrolyte, then ion transport is improved, but passivation and fouling of the electrode surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrolyte composition parameters by incorporating zinc halide and aluminum halide in specific proportions, which changes the solubility characteristics and chemical environment. This prevents excessive solubility of the cathode material while maintaining adequate ion transport, thereby avoiding passivation and fouling of the electrode surface
3Reliability
If zinc halide is increased to greater than 20 mole percent in the ternary electrolyte, then compatibility and conductivity are improved, but the complexity of electrolyte composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite electrolyte system combining three specific components (zinc halide, aluminum halide, and alkali metal halide) in defined ratios. This composite approach achieves superior compatibility and conductivity through synergistic interactions, while the specificity of the composition actually simplifies the overall system design by eliminating the need for additional additives or complex formulations
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 ternary electrolyte composition enables high power and capacity with improved compatibility and conductivity, preventing passivation and fouling, thus enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the electrochemical cell.
Implementation Method 1
transportation of alkali metal ions between a first chamber and a second chamber through a separator. The separator is in ionic communication with a ternary electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
The separator is in ionic communication with a ternary electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
A composition is provided that includes a ternary electrolyte having a melting point greater than about 150 degree Celsius. The ternary electrolyte includes an alkali metal halide, an aluminum halide and a zinc halide. The amount of the zinc halide present in the ternary electrolyte is greater than about 20 mole percent relative to an amount of the aluminum halide. An energy storage device including the composition is provided. A system and a method are also provided.