Zinc Secondary Cell Separator for Dendrite Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nickel-zinc secondary batteries face short circuits due to zinc dendrite growth, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed, despite their high theoretical capacity density and low material costs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an inorganic solid electrolyte body with hydroxide ion conductivity as a separator between the positive and negative electrodes, which is dense and hard enough to prevent zinc dendrite penetration, utilizing a hydrothermal solidifying method to achieve a relative density of 90% or greater.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional separator is used in nickel-zinc batteries, then ion transport is enabled, but zinc dendrites penetrate the separator causing short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort circuit preventionVSAvoiddendrite penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the separator by forming an inorganic solid electrolyte body with high relative density (90% or greater) through hydrothermal solidifying method. This density parameter change creates a sufficiently dense structure that prevents dendrite penetration while maintaining hydroxide ion conductivity, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and dendrite penetration resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining inorganic solid electrolyte (layered double hydroxide) with a porous substrate. The inorganic solid electrolyte layer provides dendrite blocking capability while the porous substrate provides mechanical support and ion transport pathways, creating a composite separator that simultaneously achieves short circuit prevention and ion conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the separator is made denser to prevent dendrite penetration, then short circuit resistance improves, but ion conductivity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedendrite penetration resistanceVSAvoidion conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a layered structure where the inorganic solid electrolyte layer (with high density for dendrite blocking) is positioned on the porous substrate (with open pores for ion transport). Different regions of the separator have different densities and functions: the inorganic layer provides local dendrite blocking while the porous substrate provides local ion transport pathways, resolving the contradiction between density and ion conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a porous membrane separator is used to reduce dendrite growth rate, then dendrite penetration is suppressed, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedendrite growth suppressionVSAvoidseparator fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical manufacturing processes with a chemical/thermal process. Instead of mechanically assembling multiple porous layers or performing complex crosslinking and impregnation procedures, the invention uses hydrothermal solidifying method to directly form the inorganic solid electrolyte body on the porous substrate in a single step, significantly simplifying manufacturing while achieving dendrite suppression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 significantly enhances the reliability of zinc secondary batteries by preventing short circuits and ensuring effective hydroxide ion conductivity, thereby improving their performance and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an inorganic solid electrolyte body having hydroxide ion conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydroxide ion conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a hydrothermal solidifying method to achieve a relative density of 90% or greater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrothermal solidification: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP2814104B1Zinc secondary cell

Publication Date: 2018.09.26 NGK INSULATORS LTD

Figure 1~2

AI summary

Provide is a zinc secondary battery capable of preventing a short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes caused by zinc dendrites. The zinc secondary battery of the present invention comprises a positive electrode; a negative electrode containing zinc; an electrolytic solution in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode are immersed or with which the positive electrode and the negative electrode are in contact, wherein the electrolytic solution is an aqueous solution containing an alkali metal hydroxide; and a separator being placed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and separating the positive electrode and the negative electrode from each other, wherein the separator comprises an inorganic solid electrolyte body having hydroxide ion conductivity.