Patents by Inventor Junzheng Chen

Junzheng Chen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250141002
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell system includes a first electrochemical cell including a first anode current collector, a first anode, a first cathode current collector, a first cathode, and a first separator. The first cathode has a first composition such that the first electrochemical cell has a first energy density, and a first power density at a predetermined temperature. A second electrochemical cell includes a second anode, a second cathode current collector, a second cathode, and a second separator. The second cathode has a second composition different from the first composition such that the second electrochemical cell has a second energy density that is less than the first energy density, and a second power density at the predetermined temperature that is greater than the first power density. The first electrochemical cell may include a first electrolyte different from a second electrolyte of the second electrochemical cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Junhua SONG, Junzheng CHEN, Frank Yongzhen FAN, Dhanya PUTHUSSERI, Grace O'DWYER, Humberto ROJAS
  • Publication number: 20250140924
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods described herein relate to electrolyte formulations and the incorporation thereof into batteries. In some aspects, an electrolyte composition can comprise between about 10 wt % and about 42 wt % of an electrolyte solvent, between about 13 wt % and about 59 wt % of a fluoroether. In some embodiments, the electrolyte solvent can make up between about 26 wt % and about 39 wt % of the composition. In some embodiments, the fluoroether can make up between about 18 wt % and about 36 wt % of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition can include between about 0.5 wt % and about 1.5 wt % of a first additive. In some embodiments, the composition can include between about 0.5 wt % and about 5 wt % of a second additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Junhua SONG, Junzheng CHEN, Dhanya PUTHUSSERI, Frank Yongzhen FAN
  • Patent number: 12278344
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Junzheng Chen, Naoki Ota, Chad Alan Hartzog, Xiaoming Liu, Michelle Robyn Brouwer, Anthony D′Angelo, Daniel Salazar, Timothy Allen Hans, Junhua Song
  • Publication number: 20250054939
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to apparatuses and processes for forming semi-solid electrodes having high active solids loading by removing excess electrolyte. In some embodiments, the semi-solid electrode material can be formed by mixing an active material and, optionally, a conductive material in a liquid electrolyte to form a suspension. In some embodiments, the semi-solid electrode material can be disposed onto a current collector to form an intermediate electrode. In some embodiments, the semi-solid electrode material can have a first composition in which the ratio of electrolyte to active material is between about 10:1 and about 1:1. In some embodiments, a method for converting the semi-solid electrode material from the first composition into the second composition includes removing a portion of the electrolyte from the semi-solid electrode material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: Junji ARANAMI, Reymond ZAGARS, Naoki OTA, Junzheng CHEN, Ricardo BAZZARELLA
  • Publication number: 20250046860
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells including a selectively permeable membrane and systems and methods for manufacturing the same. In some embodiments, the selectively permeable membrane can include a solid-state electrolyte material. In some embodiments, electrochemical cells can include a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, an anode disposed on an anode current collector, and the selectively permeable membrane disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the cathode and/or anode can include a slurry of an active material and a conductive material in a liquid electrolyte. In some embodiments, a catholyte can be different from an anolyte. In some embodiments, the catholyte can be optimized to improve the redox electrochemistry of the cathode and the anolyte can be optimized to improve the redox electrochemistry of the anode. In some embodiments, the selectively permeable membrane can be configured to isolate the catholyte from the anolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Applicant: 24M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Junzheng CHEN, Naoki OTA, Jeffry DISKO, Yuki KUSACHI
  • Publication number: 20240429466
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Applicant: 24M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Junzheng CHEN, Naoki OTA, Chad Alan HARTZOG, Xiaoming LIU, Michelle Robyn BROUWER, Anthony D'ANGELO, Daniel SALAZAR, Timothy Allen HANS, Junhua SONG
  • Publication number: 20240429463
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Junzheng CHEN, Naoki OTA, Chad Alan HARTZOG, Xiaoming LIU, Michelle Robyn BROUWER, Anthony D'ANGELO, Daniel SALAZAR, Timothy Allen HANS, Junhua SONG
  • Publication number: 20240413482
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells having dual electrolytes, systems of such electrochemical cells, and methods for manufacturing the same. In some embodiments, electrochemical cells can include a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, an anode disposed on an anode current collector, and a separator disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the separator can include materials that fluidically and/or chemically isolate the anode from the cathode. In some embodiments, the cathode and/or anode can include a slurry of an active material and a conductive material in a liquid electrolyte. In some embodiments, the anode can be fluidically coupled to an anode degassing port. In some embodiments, the cathode can be fluidically coupled to a cathode degassing port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Applicant: 24M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo BAZZARELLA, Junzheng CHEN
  • Publication number: 20240413407
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Junzheng CHEN, Naoki OTA, Chad Alan HARTZOG, Xiaoming LIU, Michelle Robyn BROUWER, Anthony D'ANGELO, Daniel SALAZAR, Timothy Allen HANS, Junhua SONG
  • Publication number: 20240372212
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with multiple separators, and methods of producing the same. A method of producing an electrochemical cell can include disposing an anode material onto an anode current collector, disposing a first separator on the anode material, disposing a cathode material onto a cathode current collector, disposing a second separator onto the cathode material, and disposing the first separator on the second separator to form the electrochemical cell. The anode material and/or the cathode material can be a semi-solid electrode material including an active material, a conductive material, and a volume of liquid electrolyte. In some embodiments, less than about 10% by volume of the liquid electrolyte evaporates during the forming of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the method can further include wetting the first separator and/or the second separator with an electrolyte solution prior to coupling the first separator to the second separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Junzheng CHEN, Naoki OTA, Jeffry DISKO, Anthony D'ANGELO
  • Publication number: 20240372214
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with multiple separators, and methods of producing the same. A method of producing an electrochemical cell can include disposing an anode material onto an anode current collector, disposing a first separator on the anode material, disposing a cathode material onto a cathode current collector, disposing a second separator onto the cathode material, and disposing the first separator on the second separator to form the electrochemical cell. The anode material and/or the cathode material can be a semi-solid electrode material including an active material, a conductive material, and a volume of liquid electrolyte. In some embodiments, less than about 10% by volume of the liquid electrolyte evaporates during the forming of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the method can further include wetting the first separator and/or the second separator with an electrolyte solution prior to coupling the first separator to the second separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Junzheng CHEN, Naoki OTA, Jeffry DISKO, Anthony D'ANGELO
  • Publication number: 20240372213
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with multiple separators, and methods of producing the same. A method of producing an electrochemical cell can include disposing an anode material onto an anode current collector, disposing a first separator on the anode material, disposing a cathode material onto a cathode current collector, disposing a second separator onto the cathode material, and disposing the first separator on the second separator to form the electrochemical cell. The anode material and/or the cathode material can be a semi-solid electrode material including an active material, a conductive material, and a volume of liquid electrolyte. In some embodiments, less than about 10% by volume of the liquid electrolyte evaporates during the forming of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the method can further include wetting the first separator and/or the second separator with an electrolyte solution prior to coupling the first separator to the second separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Junzheng Chen, Naoki Ota, Jeffry Disko, Anthony D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 12119458
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Junzheng Chen, Naoki Ota, Chad Alan Hartzog, Xiaoming Liu, Michelle Robyn Brouwer, Anthony D'Angelo, Daniel Salazar, Timothy Allen Hans, Junhua Song
  • Patent number: 12107211
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells including a selectively permeable membrane and systems and methods for manufacturing the same. In some embodiments, the selectively permeable membrane can include a solid-state electrolyte material. In some embodiments, electrochemical cells can include a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, an anode disposed on an anode current collector, and the selectively permeable membrane disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the cathode and/or anode can include a slurry of an active material and a conductive material in a liquid electrolyte. In some embodiments, a catholyte can be different from an anolyte. In some embodiments, the catholyte can be optimized to improve the redox electrochemistry of the cathode and the anolyte can be optimized to improve the redox electrochemistry of the anode. In some embodiments, the selectively permeable membrane can be configured to isolate the catholyte from the anolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Junzheng Chen, Naoki Ota, Jeffry Disko, Yuki Kusachi
  • Patent number: 12107252
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to apparatuses and processes for forming semi-solid electrodes having high active solids loading by removing excess electrolyte. In some embodiments, the semi-solid electrode material can be formed by mixing an active material and, optionally, a conductive material in a liquid electrolyte to form a suspension. In some embodiments, the semi-solid electrode material can be disposed onto a current collector to form an intermediate electrode. In some embodiments, the semi-solid electrode material can have a first composition in which the ratio of electrolyte to active material is between about 10:1 and about 1:1. In some embodiments, a method for converting the semi-solid electrode material from the first composition into the second composition includes removing a portion of the electrolyte from the semi-solid electrode material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignees: 24M Technologies, Inc., Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Aranami, Raymond Zagars, Naoki Ota, Junzheng Chen, Ricardo Bazzarella
  • Patent number: 12100816
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Junzheng Chen, Naoki Ota, Chad Alan Hartzog, Xiaoming Liu, Michelle Robyn Brouwer, Anthony D'Angelo, Daniel Salazar, Timothy Allen Hans, Junhua Song
  • Publication number: 20240304882
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to regeneration of lithium-deficient electrodes (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, LFP). The process includes multiple steps of heat treatment. The first step includes mixing spent electrode material with lithium carbonate. The lithium carbonate and the spent LFP are then subject to a heating process in an all-nitrogen environment. The first heat treatment brings the materials up to about 550° C. to remove excess water and oxygen. The second heat treatment brings the materials up to about 1,000° C., where they are sintered together to form a like-new electrode material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Inventors: Nattanai KUNANUSONT, Pimpa LIMTHONGKUL, Junzheng CHEN, Phontip TAMMAWAT, Thanathon SESUK, Sunisa BUAKEAW, Priew EIAMLAMAI
  • Publication number: 20240291050
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: Junzheng CHEN, Naoki OTA, Chad Alan HARTZOG, Xiaoming LIU, Michelle Robyn BROUWER, Anthony D'ANGELO, Daniel SALAZAR, Timothy Allen HANS, Junhua SONG
  • Publication number: 20240204264
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Junzheng CHEN, Naoki Ota, Chad Alan Hartzog, Xiaoming Liu, Michelle Robyn Brouwer, Anthony D'Angelo, Daniel Salazar, Timothy Allen Hans, Junhua Song
  • Publication number: 20240178502
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cell assemblies with structural members for application of compressive force. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell assembly can include a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in a stack, a first planar sheet in contact with a first side of the stack, a second planar sheet in contact with a second side of the stack, a first structural member in compressive contact with the first planar sheet, and a second structural member in compressive contact with the second planar sheet, wherein the compressive contact between the first structural member and the first planar sheet and the compressive contact between the second structural member and the second planar sheet collectively provide structural rigidity to the electrochemical cell assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Inventors: Naoki Ota, Junzheng Chen, Mark Young, Chad Alan Hartzog, Ryan Michael Lawrence, Kelly B. Ledbetter, Khosrow Nematollahi