Ultra-thin Lithium-ion Capacitor with Pre-loaded Films

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) face limitations in energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and require a compact, high-power, and long-life power supply for miniaturized signal transmission devices, necessitating a solution that enhances power performance while reducing size and ensuring repeatability.

Innovation Solution

The development of ultra-thin lithium-ion capacitors with pre-loaded ultra-thin lithium films on negative electrodes, combined with ultra-thin positive electrodes and separators made from cellulose or polypropylene-based materials, to create a compact, high-power storage device with improved cycling performance and reduced thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional lithium-ion capacitors are used, then energy density is limited, but power performance and cycling life are improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower performanceVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the capacitor by using ultra-thin electrodes (total thickness ≤1.0mm) and pre-loaded ultra-thin lithium films, transforming the conventional thick-electrode structure into a thin-film structure that enables ultra-high power performance while maintaining adequate energy density for miniaturized applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If conventional LIC structure is used, then power output is high, but device thickness is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs ultra-thin film structures for all components including electrodes, lithium films, and separators, with the total thickness constrained to ≤1.0mm. This thin-film architecture enables the device to provide ultra-high power output while achieving extreme miniaturization suitable for wearable and implantable electronics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Volume of moving object

If miniaturized LIC is used, then space is saved, but power performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidpower performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves a breakthrough by changing the scaling parameters from conventional thick electrodes to ultra-thin films with controlled thickness ≤1.0mm, combined with pre-loaded lithium films that provide sufficient lithium inventory. This parameter transformation enables miniaturized devices to maintain ultra-high power performance (ESR <0.25Ω) that would otherwise be lost in conventional scaling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If conventional separators are used, then electrical insulation is provided, but ion transport resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidion transport

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ultra-thin separator films that maintain electrical insulation functionality while minimizing thickness to reduce ion transport resistance. The thin-film separator provides adequate insulation between electrodes while enabling rapid lithium ion transport, contributing to the ultra-low ESR (<0.25Ω) and ultra-high power performance of the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 ultra-thin LICs achieve ultra-high power performance with an average capacitance of 5 F and equivalent series resistance under 0.25 ohms, supporting 500,000 cycle life tests and maintaining stability across various temperatures and operating conditions, making them suitable for demanding signal transmission applications.

Implementation Method 1

The separators provide electrical insulation between the electrodes to prevent electrical shorts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

The separators may be soaked in an ionically conductive electrolyte that facilitates ion transport between he anode and cathode electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon transport: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 3

An LIC is a hybrid electrochemical energy storage device that combines the intercalation mechanism of a LIB based negative electrode (NE) with an activated carbon positive electrode (PE)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntercalation: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11521804B2Ultra-thin lithium-ion capacitor with ultra-high power performance

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 GENERAL CAPACITOR LLC

AI summary

Ultra-thin lithium ion capacitors with ultra-high power performance are provided. Ultra-thin electrodes and ultra-thin lithium films can be used for the ultra-thin lithium ion capacitor. A lithium ion capacitor can include a first positive electrode and a second positive electrode, a negative electrode disposed between the first positive electrode and the second positive electrode, a first lithium film disposed between the first positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a second lithium film disposed between the second positive electrode and the negative electrode. Each of the first and second lithium films can include an electrolyte. In addition, at least one separator can be provided between the first positive electrode and the first lithium film, and at least one separator can be provided between the second positive electrode and the second lithium film.