Method for Producing Nanostructured Layers

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This invention discloses a method for making nanostructured electrodes, especially for use in batteries and electrochemical cells, by depositing active electrode materials onto a conductive substrate via magnetron sputtering. In this process, a ceramic target containing both the electrode material and additional carbon is used, while the substrate is maintained at high temperatures (400-1200°C). The resulting electrode layer forms a porous, network-like nanostructure with fine fibers, offering improved properties without the need for binders, toxic chemicals, or multiple processing steps.

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• As electrodes in lithium-ion batteries for enhanced capacity and stability
• Electrodes in high-performance supercapacitors
• Electrodes for other types of batteries, such as sodium-ion or solid-state cells
• Electrode material in fuel cells and electrolyzers
• Porous coatings for sensors, including biosensors or gas sensors
• Catalytic layers for chemical synthesis or environmental applications
• Thermal insulation coatings
• Optical filter materials
• Magnetic storage device coatings

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables the formation of highly porous, nanostructured electrode layers in a single step, improving ion transport and surface area
• Eliminates the need for toxic solvents, binders, and extra additives, making the process safer and more environmentally friendly
• Prevents agglomeration of nanoparticles, thus retaining superior nanomaterial properties
• Improves mechanical stability and tolerance to volume changes during battery cycling, increasing electrode lifespan
• Simplifies the manufacturing process, reducing steps and associated costs
• Can be applied directly to a variety of electrically conductive substrates and potentially scaled for larger surfaces
• Adaptable to many active materials, broadening application possibilities for advanced energy storage and conversion devices

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a nanostructured electrode for an electrochemical cell. Active material is deposited onto an electrically conductive substrate by means of magnetron sputtering, a ceramic target comprising electrode material (active material) with an additional content of carbon is used, and the substrate is kept at temperatures between 400 °C and 1200 °C during the deposition. The invention additionally relates to a nanostructured electrode for an electrochemical cell, comprising a coating made of an active material on an electrically conductive substrate. The nanostructured active material has a porous structure which does not have a preferred direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. The active material of the electrode preferably has a fibrous structure, wherein the fibers have a diameter ranging from 10 to 500 nm, in particular from 10 to 200 nm, and the porosity lies between 20 and 90%. The nanostructured electrode can be produced in an advantageous manner using the aforementioned method.