Primary Cell Containing Electrolyte Composition and in Particular Microparticulate Nanocrystalline Silicon Article

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

This invention relates to a new type of primary (single-use) electrochemical cell using a silicon-based anode material, which can incorporate recycled silicon particles, carbon, and at least one additional metal such as manganese, calcium, zinc, aluminum, or iron. The anode material is combined with an aqueous alkaline electrolyte composition containing specific additives—primarily hydroxycarboxylic acids and their derivatives—which help suppress silicon corrosion and enhance battery performance. The patented technology also covers multi-cell batteries based on these materials and offers methods of recycling silicon waste from the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries to produce battery components.

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

• Primary batteries (non-rechargeable) for consumer electronics such as hearing aids, remote controls, and small devices.
• Backup batteries in stationary applications where non-rechargeable, long-life cells are needed.
• Single-use power sources for medical or safety devices where reliability and low toxicity are essential.
• Batteries for off-grid sensors or emergency signaling equipment.
• Utilization of silicon byproducts from solar panel manufacturing or semiconductor production for battery manufacturing.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables the recycling and upcycling of silicon waste from the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries, promoting environmental sustainability.
• Reduces reliance on lithium and critical metals typically used in batteries, enabling more abundant and less expensive raw materials to be used.
• The use of hydroxycarboxylic acid-based electrolyte additives significantly suppresses silicon anode corrosion, increasing battery efficiency and lifespan.
• Improved resource efficiency by integrating multiple recycled and widely available materials into battery production.
• High safety profile, as the batteries are lithium-free and use water-based, non-flammable electrolytes.
• Potential for lower cost batteries due to the use of recycled materials and abundant elements like silicon.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The subject matter of the invention is an electrochemical primary cell with metal-containing anode material, in particular for use in electrochemical primary cells with alkaline electrolyte, wherein the metal-containing anode material comprises silicon as well as carbon and at least one further metal, and an aqueous, alkaline electrolyte composition which preferably comprises 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 multi-cell battery, the use as an electrolyte in a primary cell with silicon as anode material in the form of silicon particles originating from a silicon recycling process with a particle size between 1 nm to 90000 nm. Wherein the anode material in the charged state preferably does not comprise lithium and wherein the silicon particles are optionally substantially nanocrystalline.