Zinc Redox Battery Eutectic Electrolyte Dendrite Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zinc-based rechargeable redox energy storage devices face limitations such as zinc dendrite formation, reaction irreversibility, poor performance, lower capacity, and limited cyclic life, along with high manufacturing costs and environmental concerns associated with existing chemistries and electrolytes, which restrict their widespread application, especially in mobile and large-scale installations.
Innovation Solution
A zinc-based rechargeable redox static energy storage device is developed with a cathode and anode pre-infused with a eutectic electrolyte, using carbon materials and zinc materials with specific binder compositions, and a separator for ion exchange, eliminating the need for storing electrolytes in tanks and reducing dendrite growth, featuring a design with high surface area and stability for improved performance and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrolytes are used in zinc-based rechargeable redox devices, then the devices can operate, but zinc dendrite formation occurs and cyclic life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by using a eutectic mixture of zinc salt, organic salt, and hydrogen bond donor in specific molar ratios (0.5-3: 2-7: 8-13). This parameter optimization prevents zinc dendrite formation during charging and discharging cycles, thereby extending the cyclic life of the energy storage device while maintaining reliable operation.
2Quantity of substance
If existing zinc-based battery chemistries are used, then energy storage is achieved, but manufacturing costs are high and environmental concerns exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electrolyte composition parameters using abundant and low-cost materials: zinc salts (e.g., zinc sulfate, zinc chloride), organic salts (e.g., ammonium chloride, urea), and hydrogen bond donors (e.g., ethylene glycol, glycerol). This parameter optimization maintains high energy storage capacity while significantly reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating environmental concerns associated with toxic materials like cadmium or lead.
3Quantity of substance
If high energy density is pursued, then storage capacity increases, but reaction reversibility decreases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite electrolyte system combining three key components: zinc salts (providing Zn²⁺ ions), organic salts (enhancing conductivity and stability), and hydrogen bond donors (improving solvation and reaction reversibility). This composite material approach enables high energy storage capacity through increased ion concentration while maintaining excellent reaction reversibility through optimized solvation shells and reduced polarization effects.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional battery designs are used, then energy storage is achieved, but the devices are not suitable for mobile applications due to size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte system to achieve high energy density in a compact form. The eutectic composition with optimized molar ratios enables superior ion conductivity and reduced viscosity, allowing for smaller electrode dimensions and reduced overall device volume and weight while maintaining high energy storage capacity suitable for mobile applications.
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 device achieves high cyclic life, 100% depth of discharge, and high rate charging and discharging capabilities with enhanced energy efficiency and safety, utilizing eco-friendly and non-toxic materials, making it suitable for wide-scale applications including mobile and large-scale installations.
Implementation Method 1
a separator separating the cathode and anode so that the ion exchange carries in between the cathode and anode through ionic permeability
Implementation Method 2
zinc based rechargeable redox static energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A zinc based rechargeable redox static energy storage device includes a cathode including a carbon material—binder composition and an anode including carbon material—Zinc material—binder composition both infused with an eutectic electrolyte comprising one or more inorganic transition metal salt(s) of zinc, one or more Metal hydroxide(s) and eutectic solvent comprising derivative(s) of methanesulfonic acid, ammonium salt(s) and hydrogen bond donor(s); a separator separating the cathode and anode so that the ion exchange carries in between the cathode and anode through ionic permeability; and current collector connected with the cathode and anode respectively.