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).

  • Patent number: 12381277
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods described herein relate to the manufacture and use of electrochemical cells with a flame retardant mechanism. In some embodiments, an electrochemical cell includes a first current collector coupled to a first portion of a first pouch, the first current collector having a first electrode material disposed thereon. The electrochemical cell further includes a second current collector coupled to a second portion of the first pouch, the second current collector having a second electrode material disposed thereon. The electrochemical cell further includes a separator disposed between the first electrode material and the second electrode material, the first portion of the first pouch coupled to the second portion of the first pouch to enclose the electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell further includes a flame retardant material coated to the first pouch and a second pouch, the second pouch enclosing the first pouch and the flame retardant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Junzheng Chen, Naoki Ota, Xiaoming Liu, Landon Oakes, Jeffry Disko
  • Publication number: 20250246668
    Abstract: In some aspects, an electrochemical apparatus can include an anode current collector, a first anode material disposed on a first side of the anode current collector, and a second anode material disposed on a second side of the anode current collector, the second side opposite the first side. The apparatus further includes a cathode current collector with a first cathode material disposed on a first section of the cathode current collector and a second cathode material disposed on a second section of the cathode current collector. The apparatus further includes a separator folded such that a first portion of the separator is interposed between the first anode material and the first cathode material and a second portion of the separator is interposed between the second anode material and the second cathode material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2025
    Publication date: July 31, 2025
    Inventors: Junhua SONG, Dhanya PUTHUSSERI, Grace O'DWYER, Michelle Robyn BROUWER, Frank Yongzhen FAN, Junzheng CHEN
  • Patent number: 12362395
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to semi-solid electrodes, and methods of producing the same. In some embodiments, a method of forming a semi-solid electrode can include mixing an active material, a conductive material, and an electrolyte solvent to produce a semi-solid material. The electrolyte solvent is free of electrolyte salt. The method further includes dispensing the semi-solid material onto a current collector and wetting the semi-solid material with an electrolyte solution to form the semi-solid electrode. In some embodiments, the wetting can be via spraying. In some embodiments, the electrolyte salt can have a concentration in the electrolyte solution of at least about 1 M, at least about 2 M, or at least about 3 M. In some embodiments, the solvent can include ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Junzheng Chen, Landon Oakes, Naoki Ota, Matthew Bonju Lim
  • Patent number: 12362398
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to divided energy electrochemical cells and electrochemical cell systems. Divided energy electrochemical cells and electrochemical cell systems include a first electrochemical cell and a second electrochemical cell connected in parallel. Both electrochemical cells include a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, an anode disposed on an anode current collector, and a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode. In some embodiments, the first electrochemical cell can have different performance properties from the second electrochemical cell. For example, the first electrochemical cell can have a high energy density while the second electrochemical cell can have a high power density. In some embodiments, the first electrochemical cell can have a battery chemistry, thickness, or any other physical/chemical property different from those properties of the second electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignees: 24M Technologies, Inc., Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Aranami, Junzheng Chen, Naoki Ota
  • Patent number: 12334518
    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: June 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 17, 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: 20250192188
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein involve electrochemical cells that have a heating element integrated into the electrochemical cell. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell comprises an anode current collector, an anode material disposed on the anode current collector, a cathode current collector, a cathode material disposed on a first side of the cathode current collector, a separator disposed between the anode material and the cathode material, and a heating element disposed on a second side of the cathode current collector, the second side opposite the first side. The heating element may include an electrically conductive material and a conductive material and disposed in an insulative material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2025
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Inventors: Chad Alan HARTZOG, Mark YOUNG, Kelly B. LEDBETTER, Junzheng CHEN, Frank Yongzhen FAN, Xiaoming LIU
  • Patent number: 12322763
    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: August 20, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 3, 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
  • Patent number: 12322762
    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: June 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 3, 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
  • Patent number: 12300786
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Junhua Song, Junzheng Chen, Dhanya Puthusseri, Frank Yongzhen Fan
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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