Electrolyte Composition and Primary Cell Containing the Electrolyte Composition and in Particular Nano-Particulate Silicon Particles

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a new aqueous, alkaline electrolyte composition suitable for use in primary batteries, especially those with nano-particulate silicon particle anodes. The electrolyte contains hydroxycarboxylic acids (such as lactic acid or their derivatives) and optionally additives like polyalkylene oxide compounds. The invention enables the use of silicon nanoparticles (preferably amorphous and lithium-free) in primary cells, providing improved performance, high initial voltage, and enhanced lifespan through reduced corrosion of the silicon anode. The invention also covers battery assemblies with multiple such cells connected in series.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Primary batteries for consumer electronics (hearing aids, remote controls, etc.)
• High-performance primary cells for electric vehicles and e-mobility applications (e.g., e-bikes, buses)
• Backup power supplies or emergency batteries with longer shelf lives
• Environmentally friendly primary batteries with recyclable and abundant materials
• Silicon-air or silicon-manganese dioxide batteries for distributed renewable energy storage
• Battery cells for portable medical equipment or industrial IoT devices

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables use of abundant and environmentally friendly silicon as anode material, reducing reliance on limited resources like lithium
• Reduces silicon anode corrosion in alkaline electrolytes, improving battery lifespan and performance
• Allows use of recycled silicon materials (e.g., from solar wafer production), supporting circular economy goals
• Produces high initial voltage and energy density in primary cells
• Electrolyte composition is scalable and uses safe, water-based chemistry
• Customization of silicon particle size/morphology and electrolyte additives further enhances battery characteristics
• Reduces environmental impact and cost compared to lithium-based primary batteries

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The subject matter of the invention is an aqueous, alkaline electrolyte composition comprising at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid, carboxylate of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, ester of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, ether of a carboxylate of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, polymeric compound based on at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid, or mixtures containing at least two of the aforementioned compounds. Furthermore, the invention comprises a multicell battery, the use as an electrolyte in a primary cell with silicon as anode material in the form of silicon particles, which preferably are present as silicon primary particles with a particle size between 1 nm to 3000 nm. Wherein the anode material in the charged state preferably does not comprise lithium and, wherein the silicon primary particles are optionally substantially amorphous.