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

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The patent discloses an advanced alkaline aqueous electrolyte composition, primarily containing polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and optionally polyalkylene oxide compounds, for use in primary cells with a silicon-based anode composed of silicon particles, especially nano-particulate and amorphous silicon. This electrolyte formulation significantly reduces corrosion and improves the efficiency and performance of silicon-anode primary batteries without lithium components, offering a greener and recyclable alternative to traditional batteries. The invention also covers the design of multi-cell primary batteries using these electrolytes and silicon anodes, intended for high-performance and environmentally friendly energy storage.

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• Batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) such as electric cars, buses, and bicycles, offering improved sustainability and recyclability.
• Primary batteries for renewable energy storage, particularly in decentralized grids or backup systems.
• Hearing aid batteries and other consumer electronic cells, potentially outperforming standard lithium or zinc-air formats.
• Portable power supplies requiring high energy density and environmental safety, such as mobile devices or medical devices.
• Use in industrial applications needing reliable single-use batteries with high efficiency and low environmental impact.

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• Substantial reduction of silicon anode corrosion, leading to longer battery life and improved reliability.
• Enables the production of lithium-free batteries, reducing resource dependence and environmental risks associated with lithium mining and disposal.
• Enhanced recyclability and use of widely available materials like silicon, supporting a circular economy and sustainability.
• High initial cell voltages and power densities suitable for demanding applications (e.g., >0.5 mW/cm², up to >3 mW/cm² in tests).
• Cost-effective manufacturing due to the use of abundant and inexpensive raw materials.
• Compatibility with nano-particulate and amorphous silicon enhances energy density and isotropic dissolution, further boosting performance.
• The electrolyte's polymer additives (like PVP) act as corrosion inhibitors, yielding better mass conversion efficiency and safer operation.
• Potential to utilize silicon waste from electronics or solar industries, adding environmental and supply-chain benefits.

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Patent Abstract

The subject matter of the invention is an aqueous, alkaline electrolyte composition comprising polymers comprising heterocycles of saturated hydrocarbons with 5 to 10 carbon atoms and a heteroatom in the heterocycle, wherein the heteroatom is selected from O, S and N atoms or mixtures containing at least two of the aforementioned polymers, in particular polyvinylpyrrolidone. 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 does not comprise lithium and, wherein the silicon primary particles are optionally substantially amorphous.