Zinc Secondary Battery LDH Separator Tab Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary zinc batteries face short-circuiting issues due to metallic zinc dendrites, which reduce their charge and discharge repetition lifetime, and existing solutions involving layered double hydroxide (LDH) separators are complicated and burdensome, especially in stacked-cell batteries.
Innovation Solution
A secondary zinc battery configuration where the LDH separator covers the negative-electrode active material layer, with positive and negative collector tabs extending in opposite directions, allowing for a simpler assembly and elimination of the burdensome process of joining the separator to a battery container, effectively blocking zinc dendrite propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a LDH separator is used to block zinc dendrites, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to complicated joining and sealing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separator with the battery container by forming the LDH separator to extend along the inner wall of the container, eliminating the need for separate joining and sealing processes. This integration maintains the dendrite-blocking function while simplifying the overall battery structure and assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The LDH separator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks zinc dendrites, separates electrodes, and acts as part of the battery container structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a LDH separator is joined to battery container with sealing, then liquid tightness is ensured, but manufacturing process becomes burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is merged with the battery container structure by extending along the inner wall, eliminating separate joining and sealing steps. This integration maintains liquid tightness while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The LDH separator self-seals to the battery container through its extended configuration along the inner wall, eliminating the need for external sealing materials or complex joining procedures. The structure itself provides the sealing function.
3Reliability
If separator is sealed to container for each unit cell, then separation is ensured, but productivity decreases due to repeated complex operations
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is integrated with the battery container as a single structural element, eliminating the need for repeated joining and sealing operations in each unit cell. This integration maintains effective electrode separation while significantly improving assembly productivity.
4Reliability
If complex sealing process is used, then liquid tightness is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator and battery container are merged into a integrated structure, eliminating time-consuming separate sealing operations. Liquid tightness is achieved through the integrated design rather than additional sealing steps.
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 configuration prevents short-circuiting, simplifies the assembly process, and facilitates easy electricity collection in stacked-cell batteries by ensuring effective separation between positive and negative electrodes without the need for complex sealing processes.
Implementation Method 1
layered double hydroxide (LDH) separators selectively permitting the migration of hydroxide ions while blocking zinc dendrites
Implementation Method 2
selectively permitting the migration of hydroxide ions
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a secondary zinc battery including: a unit cell including; a positive-electrode plate including a positive-electrode active material layer and a positive-electrode collector; a negative-electrode plate including a negative-electrode active material layer containing zinc and a negative-electrode collector; a layered double hydroxide (LDH) separator covering or wrapping around the entire negative-electrode active material layer; and an electrolytic solution. The positive-electrode collector has a positive-electrode collector tab extending from one edge of the positive-electrode active material layer, and the negative-electrode collector has a negative-electrode collector tab extending from the opposite edge of the negative-electrode active material layer and beyond a vertical edge of the LDH separator. The unit cell can thereby collects electricity from the positive-electrode collector tab and the negative-electrode collector tab. The LDH separator has at least two continuous closed edges, provided that an edge, adjacent to the negative-electrode collector tab, of the LDH separator is open.