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

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This invention relates to a specialized aqueous alkaline electrolyte composition containing hydroxycarboxylic acids and their derivatives, which is used in primary electrochemical cells with silicon-based anodes. The silicon anode consists of nano-sized amorphous or crystalline silicon particles. The key innovation is the improved electrolyte, which significantly reduces the corrosion of silicon in alkaline environments, thereby increasing the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of silicon-based primary batteries without relying on lithium.

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

• Single-use primary batteries for portable electronic devices, especially hearing aids and medical equipment.
• Backup power supplies using environmentally friendly, recyclable materials.
• Batteries for e-mobility applications, such as e-bikes or small electric vehicles, where cost and sustainability are priorities.
• Power solutions for decentralized energy storage, such as in solar energy systems, by using silicon waste from wafer production.
• Development of non-lithium, silicon-air or silicon-manganese dioxide primary batteries for niche applications.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduces corrosion of silicon anodes in alkaline batteries, increasing usable lifespan and efficiency.
• Enables high-performance, lithium-free batteries that are less reliant on critical raw materials.
• Utilizes silicon, an abundant and recyclable element, contributing to sustainability goals.
• Allows upcycling of silicon waste from wafer manufacturing, further improving environmental impact.
• Provides flexibility in battery design for a range of applications by using nano-sized silicon particles and adjustable electrolytes.
• Results in lower cost batteries due to the use of readily available and inexpensive materials.

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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 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 comprises no lithium and, wherein the silicon primary particles are optionally substantially amorphous.