Zero-Gap Metal-CO2 Battery Cell for Faster Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Metal-CO2 batteries face limitations such as poor rate capability, high voltage gap, short cycle life due to solid discharge residue, and slow ion transport, which inhibit CO2 to hydrocarbon conversion and increase ionic resistance, leading to inefficient performance.
Innovation Solution
A zero-gap flow-type metal-CO2 battery cell design with a metal electrode and gas diffusion electrode in a zero-gap configuration, using a catalyst layer and electrolyte and CO2 chambers with apertures and gaskets, facilitated by a catalyst layer and intermediate layer to enhance ion transport and reaction kinetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional Metal-CO2 batteries use non-aqueous electrolyte, then the battery structure is complete, but the rate capability is poor and ionic resistance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte parameter from non-aqueous to aqueous KOH solution, which fundamentally alters the ionic conductivity and transport properties. This parameter change enables faster ion transport and improves rate capability while maintaining battery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the limiting factor of non-aqueous electrolyte and replaces it with aqueous electrolyte, extracting the poor rate capability and high ionic resistance characteristics from the system. This allows the battery to achieve better kinetic performance.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional Metal-CO2 batteries operate without flow configuration, then the structure is simple, but solid discharge residue accumulates on electrodes reducing cycle life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow configuration where electrolyte continuously circulates through the battery cell. This dynamic approach prevents static accumulation of discharge residues on electrodes by constantly refreshing the electrolyte, thereby extending cycle life while adding controlled complexity through flow channels and pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous flow of electrolyte ensures uninterrupted removal of discharge products and continuous supply of reactants. This continuous action prevents residue accumulation that would otherwise terminate battery operation, significantly extending cycle life through sustained operational capability.
3Power
If conventional Metal-CO2 batteries use traditional electrode configuration, then manufacturing is straightforward, but voltage gap is high and power density is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by positioning the catalyst layer specifically on the cathode surface where CO2 reduction occurs. This localized enhancement of catalytic activity at the reaction site increases voltage gap efficiency and power density without requiring complex manufacturing changes throughout the entire battery structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite electrode structures combining metal anode with catalyst-coated cathode in a flow-type configuration. This composite approach integrates multiple functional materials (metal, catalyst, aqueous electrolyte) to achieve higher power density while maintaining manufacturability through established material fabrication techniques.
4Productivity
If conventional Metal-CO2 batteries lack flow configuration, then device structure is compact, but ion transport is slow limiting reaction kinetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flow characteristics to the electrolyte system, transforming static ion transport into active convective-diffusive transport. This dynamic approach accelerates ion movement between electrodes, enhancing reaction kinetics while adding flow management components that constitute controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic flow of aqueous electrolyte through the battery cell to enhance mass transport. The forced circulation of electrolyte through channels and across electrodes creates efficient ion transport pathways, dramatically improving reaction kinetics while incorporating hydraulic flow management infrastructure.
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 design achieves faster ion transport, higher current and power density, and efficient CO2 conversion to hydrocarbons, with improved performance and compactness, achieving current density over 120 mA cm^2 and power density over 40 mW cm^2, and stable operation with minimal ionic resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the electrolyte from the electrolyte chamber flows through the plurality of apertures in the metal electrode, penetrates through the membrane and contacts the catalyst layer
Implementation Method 2
Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the Carbon dioxide (CO2) chamber contacts the second side of the gas diffusion electrode to diffuse through the catalyst and towards the metal electrode
Implementation Method 3
the second side is coated with a catalyst layer... efficient CO2 conversion to hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 4
a metal anode oxidizes and releases electrons, which are then transferred through an external circuit to a cathode to reduce CO2
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a zero-gap flow-type metal-Carbon dioxide CO2 battery cell. The battery cell includes an electrolyte chamber allowing flow of electrolyte and a metal electrode configured as anode, being accommodated in the electrolyte chamber and defined with a plurality of apertures. Further, the battery cell includes a CO2 chamber allowing flow of CO2 and a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) configured as cathode and accommodated in the CO2 chamber. The GDE is defined with a first side and a second side, which is coated with catalyst layer. The catalyst layer abuts a membrane on the metal electrode such that, the electrolyte from the electrolyte chamber flows through the plurality of apertures, penetrates through the membrane and contacts the catalyst layer. Further, CO2 from the CO2 chamber contacts the second side of the gas diffusion electrode to diffuse through the catalyst and towards the metal electrode.