Bicyclic Triolborate Electrolytes for Wide-Window Supercapacitors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrolyte compositions in electrochemical supercapacitors have limited charge capacity, electrochemical window, and thermal stability, with high solvent content reducing conductivity and causing undesirable reactions, leading to reduced performance and lifespan in electromobility applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of bicyclic triolborates in electrolyte compositions, which offer high ion density, low viscosity, wide voltage window, and electrochemical stability, allowing for optimized conductivity and reduced solvent usage, enabling improved energy storage and increased ion mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If strongly acidic or basic aqueous salt solutions are used as electrolyte compositions, then the electrolyte can conduct ions, but the charge capacity is limited and the electrochemical window is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by introducing bicyclic triolborate salts with specific molecular structures (formula 1) containing boron, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms in defined ratios. This chemical parameter change expands the electrochemical window and increases charge capacity beyond conventional aqueous salt solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte composition uses a composite approach by combining bicyclic triolborate anions with various cations (alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or organic cations) to create a new class of electrolyte materials that simultaneously achieve high charge capacity and wide electrochemical window.
2Quantity of substance
If a high proportion of solvent is used in electrolyte compositions, then the electrolyte can dissolve conductive ions, but the proportion of conductive ions is reduced and conductivity is negatively influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of conductive ions in the electrolyte composition, achieving a balanced formulation where the bicyclic triolborate salts provide sufficient ion density while minimizing excessive solvent content that would dilute the conductive ion concentration and reduce conductivity.
3Productivity
If ions with high reactivity are used in electrolyte compositions, then the ions can participate in electrochemical reactions, but undesirable reactions with the solvent or electrode surface occur, reducing performance and lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by designing the bicyclic triolborate anion structure with specific protective groups (R1-R6 in formula 1) that can be selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, nitro, halide, or various alkyl/aryl groups. These substituents provide localized steric and electronic protection at critical sites, enabling high electrochemical reactivity while preventing undesirable side reactions with solvent or electrode surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The bicyclic triolborate structure acts as an intermediary species that facilitates charge transfer between electrodes while its stable molecular framework prevents direct harmful interactions between ions and electrode surfaces or solvent, thereby extending system lifetime while maintaining productivity.
4Power
If conventional electrolyte compositions are used in supercapacitors, then the system can store energy, but the power performance is limited and the service life is shortened under rapid load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite electrolyte materials combining bicyclic triolborate salts with suitable cations to create an electrolyte system that simultaneously delivers high power performance under rapid load changes and extended service life, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-component electrolytes.
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 results in enhanced charge capacity, power performance, and extended lifespan of energy storage facilities, with the ability to be produced from readily available materials at low cost, addressing the limitations of existing electrolyte compositions.
Implementation Method 1
The charge capacity and the performance of supercapacitors are significantly influenced by the electrolyte composition
Implementation Method 2
With electrochemical supercapacitors an efficient storage and conversion of energy in electric motors is possible
Data Source
AI summary
A bicyclic triolborate of the general formulaand its use in an electrolyte composition. The use of a bicyclic triolborate in an electrolyte composition in electrochemical supercapacitors, such as for example in double-layer capacitors in electric motors.