Vanadium Aqueous Electrolyte Oxidation Control for Capacity Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing aqueous electrolytes containing vanadium ions in vanadium ion batteries experience a decrease in charging energy capacity due to concentration differences between the positive-electrode and negative-electrode, leading to reduced energy density and lifespan during repeated charging and discharging cycles.

Innovation Solution

The vanadium ion oxidation number in the electrolytes is adjusted to be greater than 3.50+ but lower than 4.00+, using vanadium oxide and acidic solutions like sulfuric acid, to minimize the concentration difference and enhance energy density, with a vanadium ion battery design that excludes an electrolyte tank and fluid pump, employing a hydrocarbon-based separator and communication channel for balanced electrolyte flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If vanadium ions are used as active material in aqueous electrolyte, then battery lifespan and stability are improved, but concentration difference between positive and negative electrodes causes decrease in charging energy capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifespanVSAvoidcharging energy capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the oxidation number parameter of vanadium ions from the conventional 3.50+ to a range greater than 3.50+ and lower than 4.00+. This parameter change optimizes the electrochemical potential and reduces the concentration difference between electrodes during charge-discharge cycles, thereby maintaining charging energy capacity while preserving the long lifespan benefits of vanadium-based aqueous electrolytes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If vanadium ion concentration difference between positive and negative electrodes increases, then battery capacity decreases, but using conventional electrolyte composition is simpler

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidelectrolyte preparation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the electrolyte composition by adjusting the oxidation number of vanadium ions to a specific range (greater than 3.50+ and lower than 4.00+). This parameter optimization reduces ion crossover and concentration polarization, thereby maintaining high battery capacity. The preparation process remains relatively simple by using conventional vanadium compounds and acidic solutions, thus balancing performance improvement with manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If repeated charge-discharge cycles are performed, then battery experiences performance degradation due to concentration difference, but adjusting oxidation number requires precise control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge-discharge cycle efficiencyVSAvoidoxidation number control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a range for the oxidation number (greater than 3.50+ and lower than 4.00+) rather than a single precise value. This range-based approach provides a buffer zone that accommodates normal manufacturing variations while still achieving the desired performance improvement. The oxidation number can be controlled through the ratio of vanadium compounds and acidic solutions used during electrolyte preparation, making it feasible to implement with standard manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adjustment significantly increases the energy density and improves the efficiency and lifespan of the vanadium ion battery, reducing the size and maintaining performance even after numerous charge-discharge cycles, while preventing irreversible reactions and hydrogen generation.

Implementation Method 1

a redox flow battery (RFB) has a system in which an active material in electrolyte is oxidized and reduced to charge and discharge the battery and refers to an electrochemical storage device that stores electrical energy therein in a form of chemical energy of the electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

a crossover in which the vanadium ions of vanadium electrolyte cross over each other through the separator may occur

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 3

Depending on a type of the separator, an amount by and a rate at which the vanadium ions migrate may vary

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSemipermeable membrane: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentUS20250015332A1Aqueous electrolyte containing vanadium ion and vanadium ion battery including the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 STANDARD ENERGY INC

AI summary

Disclosed are an aqueous electrolyte containing vanadium ions and a vanadium ion battery including the same. More specifically, disclosed is an aqueous electrolyte containing vanadium ions in which an oxidation number of the vanadium ions is adjusted such that a decrease in charging energy (capacity) resulting from a difference between a vanadium ions concentration of an aqueous electrolyte containing vanadium ions in a positive-electrode and a vanadium ions concentration of an aqueous electrolyte containing vanadium ions in a negative-electrode in charging and discharging a vanadium ion battery using the aqueous electrolyte containing vanadium ions is reduced. Further, a vanadium ion battery including the aqueous electrolyte is disclosed.