24M Technologies, Inc.

Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with dendrite prevention mechanisms. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell can include an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, the cathode having a first thickness at a proximal end of the cathode and a second thickness at a distal end of the cathode, the second thickness greater than the first thickness, a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator, the interlayer including electroactive material and having a proximal end and a distal end, and a power source electrically connected to the proximal end of the cathode and the proximal end of the interlayer, the power source configured to maintain a voltage difference between the cathode and the interlayer below a threshold value.

Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for evaluating electrochemical cells. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell can include a first electrode, a second electrode, and an interlayer, and the method can include performing a calibrating electrical energy transfer between the first electrode and the second electrode to develop a baseline parameter based on the calibration voltage differences. The method can further include performing an operational electrical energy transfer between the first electrode and the second electrode and developing an operational parameter based on the operational voltage differences. The method can further include diagnosing a performance issue with the electrochemical cell based on the baseline parameter and the operational parameter. In some embodiments, the calibrating electrical energy transfer can include an initial charge of the electrochemical cell and the operational electrical energy transfer can include a subsequent charge of the electrochemical cell.

Embodiments described herein relate to hermetically sealed electrochemical cells. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell assembly can include an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, and a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode. A hermetic enclosure contains the anode, the anode current collector, the cathode, the cathode current collector, and the separator. An electronic circuit is electrically and/or communicatively coupled to at least one of the anode or the cathode, such that a first portion of the electronic circuit is inside the hermetic enclosure and a second portion of the electronic circuit is outside of the hermetic enclosure. The electronic circuit can includes a printed flex circuit polyimide, and/or an aluminized polymer pouch.

Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with dendrite prevention mechanisms. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell can include an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, the cathode having a first thickness at a proximal end of the cathode and a second thickness at a distal end of the cathode, the second thickness greater than the first thickness, a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator, the interlayer including electroactive material and having a proximal end and a distal end, and a power source electrically connected to the proximal end of the cathode and the proximal end of the interlayer, the power source configured to maintain a voltage difference between the cathode and the interlayer below a threshold value.

Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with dendrite prevention mechanisms. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell can include an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, the cathode having a first thickness at a proximal end of the cathode and a second thickness at a distal end of the cathode, the second thickness greater than the first thickness, a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator, the interlayer including electroactive material and having a proximal end and a distal end, and a power source electrically connected to the proximal end of the cathode and the proximal end of the interlayer, the power source configured to maintain a voltage difference between the cathode and the interlayer below a threshold value.

Nanoporous composite separators are disclosed for use in batteries and capacitors comprising a nanoporous inorganic material and an organic polymer material. The inorganic material may comprise Al 2 O 3 , AlO(OH) or boehmite, AlN, BN, SiN, ZnO, ZrO 2 , SiO 2 , or combinations thereof. The nanoporous composite separator may have a porosity of between 35-50%. The average pore size of the nanoporous composite separator may be between 10-90 nm. The separator may be formed by coating a substrate with a dispersion including the inorganic material, organic material, and a solvent. Once dried, the coating may be removed from the substrate, thus forming the nanoporous composite separator. A nanoporous composite separator may provide increased thermal conductivity and dimensional stability at temperatures above 200° C. compared to polyolefin separators.

Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with dendrite prevention mechanisms. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell can include an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, the cathode having a first thickness at a proximal end of the cathode and a second thickness at a distal end of the cathode, the second thickness greater than the first thickness, a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator, the interlayer including electroactive material and having a proximal end and a distal end, and a power source electrically connected to the proximal end of the cathode and the proximal end of the interlayer, the power source configured to maintain a voltage difference between the cathode and the interlayer below a threshold value.

Embodiments described herein relate generally to systems and methods for improving safety features in electrochemical cells. In particular, the systems and methods as described herein can solve safety issues concerning gas generation in electrochemical cells.

Embodiments described herein relate to blade assemblies for shaping of semi-solid electrodes. In some aspects, a blade assembly can include a doctor blade and a mounting frame attached to the doctor blade. The mounting frame includes a blade attachment coupled to a first portion of the doctor blade, a first flexure element, and a second flexure element coupled to the blade attachment. The mounting frame further includes a linear output connector coupled to the first flexure element and the second flexure element. The linear output connector imparts a tensile force to the first flexure element when at a first elevation and a tensile force to the second flexure element when at a second elevation, the second elevation lower than the first elevation. The mounting frame further includes a camshaft that imparts vertical motion to the linear output connector and an actuator that imparts rotational motion to the camshaft.

Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with dendrite prevention mechanisms, and methods of producing and operating the same. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell can include an anode and a cathode material disposed on a cathode current collector, the cathode material and the cathode current collector forming a cathode. The electrochemical cell further includes a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, and an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator, the interlayer including electroactive material, the interlayer including a source of lithium ions, the lithium ions configured to migrate toward the anode upon a voltage difference between the interlayer and the anode exceeding a threshold value. In some embodiments, the anode can include an anode material disposed on an anode current collector. In some embodiments, the anode material can include graphite, silicon, and/or hard carbon.