Aqueous Zinc Electrolyte Composition for Dendrite and Mn Dissolution Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aqueous zinc ion secondary batteries face issues with zinc dendrite accumulation and irreversible manganese dissolution, leading to short circuits and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous electrolyte composition containing zinc chloride and manganese (II) acetate, which forms specific ion clusters during solvation, is used to reduce zinc dendrite formation and prevent manganese dissolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surface treatment is applied to the negative electrode or manganese positive electrode, then zinc dendrite accumulation and manganese dissolution are reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery performance stabilityVSAvoidsurface treatment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an organic compound as an intermediary substance added to the aqueous electrolyte. This compound acts as a mediator that protects the negative electrode from zinc dendrite accumulation and prevents manganese dissolution from the positive electrode, eliminating the need for complex surface treatment processes while maintaining battery reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by introducing specific organic compounds (such as surfactants or complexing agents) at controlled concentrations. This parameter change in the electrolyte formulation achieves the protective effect previously requiring surface treatment, simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If organic compounds are introduced into the aqueous electrolyte to protect the negative electrode, then zinc dendrite formation is reduced, but the battery performance is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezinc dendrite formationVSAvoidbattery performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of organic compounds in the electrolyte to specific ranges (e.g., 0.01-10 mM) and selects compounds with specific properties (surfactants, complexing agents) that prevent zinc dendrite formation while maintaining or enhancing battery performance through improved ion transport and electrode protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining aqueous electrolyte with specifically selected organic compounds, where the synergistic interaction between components achieves both zinc dendrite suppression and maintained battery performance, avoiding the adverse effects of inappropriate organic additives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If conventional aqueous electrolyte is used, then the battery has high energy density and low manufacturing cost, but zinc dendrites penetrate the separator causing short circuits and manganese dissolves reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy density and manufacturing costVSAvoidbattery efficiency and lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces organic compounds as intermediary protective agents in the aqueous electrolyte that prevent zinc dendrite formation and manganese dissolution, maintaining the high energy density and low cost advantages of conventional aqueous systems while eliminating their harmful effects on battery reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a composite aqueous electrolyte formulation combining traditional aqueous components with specifically selected organic compounds, achieving a synergistic effect that preserves the advantages of aqueous electrolytes (high energy density, low cost) while adding protective functionality to prevent dendrite formation and manganese dissolution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 proposed solution effectively reduces zinc dendrite growth and manganese dissolution, enhancing the structural stability and performance of zinc ion secondary batteries, leading to improved cycle life and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

An aqueous electrolyte composition containing zinc chloride and manganese (II) acetate, which forms specific ion clusters during solvation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20250192240A1Aqueous electrolyte composition, aqueous electrolyte, and zinc ion secondary battery including the same

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 NATIONAL KAOHSIUNG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

An aqueous electrolyte composition includes water and a salt component containing zinc chloride and manganese (II) acetate. The zinc chloride is present in an amount ranging from 10 moles to 30 moles, based on 1 kilogram of the water. An aqueous electrolyte formed by mixing the water and the salt component of the aqueous electrolyte composition to undergo a solvation process, and a zinc ion secondary battery including the aqueous electrolyte are also provided.