Three-Electrode Solid-State Energy Harvester Using Transition Metal Suboxides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy harvesters do not utilize solid-state electrolytes to generate on-demand energy from the environment for various applications, and there is a need for devices that can efficiently harness energy from surroundings.
Innovation Solution
The development of solid-state energy harvesters comprising a current collector, a transition metal suboxide anode, a lanthanide oxide or dioxide solid-state electrolyte, and a transition metal suboxide cathode, which can produce current in the presence of oxygen and water vapor, with optional energy storage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solid-state electrolytes are used in energy harvesters, then energy generation efficiency from the environment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvester is divided into three distinct electrode layers (anode, middle electrode, cathode), each with specific materials optimized for their function. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in specific electrochemical reactions while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including transition metal suboxides combined with solid-state electrolytes (e.g., tungsten suboxide with lithium phosphorus oxynitride). These composite materials enable simultaneous achievement of high energy generation efficiency and stable operational characteristics.
2Reliability
If transition metal suboxides are used as electrodes, then current density is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise compositional parameters for the transition metal suboxides, such as tungsten suboxide with controlled oxygen content (WO2.72 to WO3). By controlling these material parameters, the invention achieves high current density while providing clear manufacturing specifications that reduce complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode structure have different material compositions optimized for their specific functions. The anode, middle electrode, and cathode each have tailored material properties, allowing high performance at each location while maintaining overall manufacturability through standardized layering procedures.
3Power
If lanthanide oxide or dioxide is used as solid-state electrolyte, then energy production is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid-state electrolyte layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables ion transport for energy production, provides structural separation between electrodes, and contributes to the overall electrochemical stability of the device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte is formulated as a composite containing lanthanide oxide or dioxide combined with other materials such as lithium phosphorus oxynitride. This composite approach enhances energy production capabilities while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated material 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
These energy harvesters effectively generate current in the presence of oxygen and water vapor, improving current density and energy production, with the ability to be configured for energy storage or coupled with energy storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first layer comprising a first transition metal suboxide, and a solid-state electrolyte (SSE) wherein the first layer is an anode and in contact with the current collector, a second layer comprising an admixture of a second transition metal suboxide, and a lanthanide oxide or dioxide, wherein the admixture forms an SSE and is in contact with the first current collector, and a third layer comprising a third transition metal suboxide, wherein the third layer is a cathode and is in contact with the second layer
Implementation Method 2
the solid-state energy harvester produces current in a presence of oxygen and water vapor
Data Source
AI summary
Solid-state energy harvesters comprising layers of metal suboxides and cerium dioxide utilizing a solid-state electrolyte to produce power and methods of making and using the same are provided. The solid-state energy harvester may have two or three electrodes per cell and produces power in the presence of water vapor and oxygen.