Amide Electrolyte with Alkoxyalkyl Substitution for Lithium Battery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-aqueous electrolytes for electrochemical devices suffer from low viscosity, volatility, flammability, and reduced durability due to organic solvents, and existing alternatives like ionic liquids face performance issues with lithium secondary batteries.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte comprising an amide compound with an amine group substituted by an alkoxyalkyl group and a halogen atom, combined with an ionizable lithium salt, offering improved thermal and chemical stability, high ionic conductivity, and a wide electrochemical window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional non-aqueous electrolytes use organic solvents, then ionic conductivity is improved, but thermal stability and safety deteriorate due to flammability and volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing fluorinated alkyl groups and specific alkoxy substitutions on the amide compound. These parameter changes modify the molecular structure to achieve both low viscosity (for good ionic conductivity) and high thermal stability (for safety), resolving the contradiction between conductivity and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte uses a composite approach by combining the amide compound with specific lithium salts (LiPF6, LiBF4, LiClO4) in optimized ratios. This composite formulation creates a synergistic effect where the amide compound provides thermal stability while the lithium salts ensure high ionic conductivity, addressing both requirements simultaneously
2Reliability
If ionic liquids are used as electrolytes, then thermal stability is improved, but battery performance deteriorates due to reduction at higher voltages and cation intercalation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters by introducing fluorinated alkyl groups and controlling the substitution patterns on the amide compound. These parameter changes adjust the electrochemical window and redox potential to prevent reduction at higher voltages, while maintaining thermal stability comparable to ionic liquids
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex ionic liquid structures that cause performance issues, the patent employs a simpler amide compound-based electrolyte formulation that achieves similar thermal stability without the harmful side reactions, effectively replacing a problematic solution with a better alternative
3Reliability
If eutectic mixtures with amide compounds are used, then electrochemical window is widened and stability is improved, but viscosity increases reducing ionic conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular structure parameters by introducing fluorinated alkyl groups and specific alkoxy substitutions. These parameter changes reduce intermolecular forces and lower viscosity while maintaining the electrochemical stability of amide compounds, resolving the contradiction between stability and conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality modification by specifically substituting fluorinated alkyl groups at certain positions and alkoxy groups at others on the amide compound structure. This localized structural optimization allows different parts of the molecule to contribute differently: fluorinated groups enhance stability while alkoxy groups reduce viscosity, achieving both goals simultaneously
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The electrolyte provides enhanced thermal stability, reduced viscosity, and increased electrical conductivity, improving the safety and performance of electrochemical devices, particularly lithium secondary batteries, while preventing evaporation and fire risks.
Implementation Method 1
the amide compound has an amine group substituted with at least one alkoxyalkyl group and includes at least one halogen atom... offering improved thermal and chemical stability
Implementation Method 2
an ionizable lithium salt... exhibiting good ionic conductivity
Implementation Method 3
exhibiting good ionic conductivity and a wide electrochemical window
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed is an electrolyte. The electrolyte includes an amide compound and an ionizable lithium salt. The amide compound has a specific structure in which an amine group is substituted with at least one alkoxyalkyl group and at least one halogen atom is present. The electrolyte has good thermal and chemical stability, a low resistance and a high ionic conductivity. In addition, the electrolyte has a high upper limit of electrochemical window due to its improved oxidation stability. Therefore, the electrolyte can be useful for the fabrication of an electrochemical device. Further disclosed is an electrochemical device including the electrolyte.