Zinc-Halide Battery Electrolyte Using Deep Eutectic Solvents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional energy storage technologies like lithium ion, lead-acid, and zinc-halide batteries face issues such as high manufacturing costs, reduced efficiency, energy density, and safety concerns due to the use of toxic materials and complexing agents, which hinder their performance and commercial viability.
Innovation Solution
A non-aqueous electrolyte for zinc-halide electrochemical cells is developed using deep eutectic solvents like ZnCl2 and ZnBr2, combined with quaternary ammonium salts and hydrogen bond donors, which reduces water content and incorporates surfactants to enhance current flow and energy storage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If aqueous electrolytes (zinc bromide or zinc-chloride) are used in zinc-halide batteries, then the battery can store energy, but toxic and corrosive vapors (bromide or chloride gases) are generated that require complexing agents or pressurization
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic ionic liquid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the zinc halide electrolyte and the environment. This ionic liquid forms a protective layer that prevents toxic bromide or chloride vapors from escaping while allowing the battery to maintain its energy storage function. The ionic liquid acts as a mediator that blocks harmful vapor transmission without interfering with the electrochemical reactions inside the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is filled with a hydrophobic ionic liquid that creates an inert, non-aqueous environment. This inert atmosphere prevents the formation and release of toxic halide vapors by providing a chemically stable medium that does not react with the zinc halide electrolyte to produce harmful gases, while still allowing ionic conduction for battery operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If complexing agents are added to zinc bromide batteries to prevent toxic vapor formation, then harmful vapor release is reduced, but energy density and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complexing agents that dissolve in the electrolyte and reduce energy density, a hydrophobic ionic liquid is used as an intermediary that forms a separate protective phase. This intermediary layer suppresses toxic vapor release without mixing with the main electrolyte, thereby preserving the high energy density and efficiency of the zinc bromide system.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system is segmented into two distinct phases: the aqueous zinc halide electrolyte phase for energy storage and the hydrophobic ionic liquid phase for vapor suppression. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently—the electrolyte maintains high energy density while the ionic liquid layer blocks toxic vapor release without consuming active materials.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If pressurization is applied to zinc-chloride batteries to prevent chloride gas escape, then harmful gas release is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery uses a hydrophobic ionic liquid to create an inert atmosphere that naturally contains chloride gases without requiring pressurization. The ionic liquid's hydrophobic properties and high boiling point provide a stable environment that prevents chloride gas escape at atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for complex pressurization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic ionic liquid acts as a simple, inexpensive barrier that replaces complex mechanical pressurization systems. This disposable-like protective layer can be easily added to the battery design without requiring ongoing maintenance of pressurization equipment, reducing both manufacturing complexity and operational costs.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional lithium ion or lead-acid batteries are used for energy storage, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but manufacturing cost and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery changes the chemical parameters of the electrolyte system by using zinc halides in a hydrophobic ionic liquid environment instead of traditional lithium salts or lead-acid chemistry. This parameter change enables the use of abundant, low-cost zinc materials while maintaining energy storage capacity comparable to traditional batteries, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact.
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 solution improves the electrical performance and energy storage capacity of zinc-halide batteries by reducing the need for complexing agents, eliminating toxic vapors, and increasing the energy density and efficiency of the electrochemical reactions.
Implementation Method 1
a non-aqueous electrolyte for use in a non-flowing rechargeable zinc-halide electrochemical cell comprising deep eutectic solvents
Implementation Method 2
improves the electrical performance and energy storage capacity of zinc-halide batteries by increasing the energy density and efficiency of the electrochemical reactions
Implementation Method 3
deep eutectic solvents selected from ZnCl2, ZnBr2, a hydrate salt thereof or any combination thereof, and one or more quaternary ammonium salts; and a hydrogen bond donor
Implementation Method 4
a hydrogen bond donor selected from urea, methylurea, acetamide, imidazole, glycerol, ethylene glycol, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, tartronic acid, tartaric acid, propionic acid, malonic acid, lactic acid, acetoacetic acid, succinic acid, phenol, o-cresol, xylenol, xylitol, sorbitol, isosorbide, fructose, glucose
Implementation Method 5
the electrolyte further comprises a surfactant. For example, the surfactant is selected from a compound having the formula R—SO4−M+, R—PO4−M+, R—SO3−M+, R—CO2−M+, R′—NH3+A−, (R′)2—NH2+A−, or (R′)3—NH+A−
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provide a non-aqueous electrolyte for use in static or non-flowing rechargeable electrochemical cells or batteries, wherein the electrolyte comprises a first deep eutectic solvent comprises a zinc salt, a second deep eutectic solvent comprising one or more quaternary ammonium salts, and a hydrogen bond donor. Another aspect of the present invention also provides a non-flowing rechargeable electrochemical cell that employs the non-aqueous electrolyte of the present invention.