Three-dimensional micro-lattice battery structures with convective flow of electrolytes

• Main Authors: Wang John, Jacobsen Alan J, Schaedler Tobias A, Roper Christopher S, Henry Christopher P, McKnight Geoffrey P, Liu Ping, Carter William
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 07.03.2017
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRICITY; PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSIONOF CHEMICAL INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

A new battery structure as disclosed allows convective flow of electrolyte through three-dimensional structured electrodes. Hierarchical battery structure design enables three-dimensional metal structures with fluid transport capabilities. Some variations provide a lithium-ion battery system with convective electrolyte flow, comprising: a positive electrode comprising a lithium-containing electrode material and a conductive network with hollow liquid-transport conduits; a negative electrode comprising a lithium-containing electrode material in the conductive network; a separator that electronically isolates the positive and negative electrodes; and a liquid electrolyte contained within the hollow liquid-transport conduits of the conductive network. The hollow liquid-transport conduits serve as structural members, and the walls of these conduits serve as current collectors. The conductive networks may include a micro-lattice structure with a cellular material formed of hollow tubes. Performance and thermal management of lithium-ion batteries (and other types of batteries) can be improved.