Anion-Coordinating Polymer Electrolytes for High Li+ Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid polymer electrolytes face challenges in achieving efficient cation conduction due to low Li+ conductivity, which hinders the technological viability of lithium-based batteries and other applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of anion-coordinating polymers with specific chemical units that enhance cation diffusivity and conductivity while reducing anion diffusivity, achieved by incorporating anion-coordinating units and cation-coordinating units in a polymer structure, allowing for increased cation transference numbers and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cation-coordinating polymers are used, then the polymer structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the Li+ conductivity and cation diffusivity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite polymer structures combining cation-coordinating units (e.g., crown ethers, cryptands) with anion-coordinating units (e.g., boronic acid esters, aluminum alkoxides) in defined ratios. This composite approach creates synergistic effects where cation coordination sites facilitate Li+ binding while anion coordination sites suppress anion mobility, collectively enhancing Li+ conductivity beyond what single-function polymers achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces localized functional domains within the polymer structure where cation-coordinating and anion-coordinating units are positioned at specific intervals along the polymer chain. This local quality differentiation allows distinct regions to perform specialized functions: cation-coordinating segments enhance Li+ uptake and mobility while anion-coordinating segments locally suppress anion transport, achieving high Li+ conductivity through spatially differentiated properties.
2Productivity
If conventional cation-coordinating polymers are used, then the polymer synthesis is straightforward, but the cation diffusivity and transference number are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer structure into repeating units containing both cation-coordinating and anion-coordinating moieties in specific stoichiometric ratios. This segmentation into functional blocks allows systematic optimization of cation diffusivity by adjusting the frequency and arrangement of coordinating units, while maintaining a modular synthesis approach that builds complexity through repeated polymerization cycles rather than single-step complex reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes cation diffusivity by systematically varying parameters including the ratio of cation-coordinating to anion-coordinating units, the spacing between coordinating groups, and the choice of specific coordinating moieties. These parameter adjustments are achieved through controlled polymerization conditions and monomer selection, balancing enhanced cation transport properties with feasible synthesis protocols.
3Reliability
If conventional polymers are used, then the electrolyte composition is simple, but the anion diffusivity remains high reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anion-coordinating units as intermediary sites that selectively bind anions, acting as mediators to suppress anion diffusivity. These intermediary anion-coordinating groups (e.g., boronic acid esters, aluminum alkoxides) compete with cations for anion binding, effectively reducing anion mobility and transference number while allowing cation transport to dominate, thereby enhancing overall electrolyte performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer electrolytes incorporating both cation-coordinating and anion-coordinating functional units in optimized compositions. This composite structure enables simultaneous optimization of cation transport and anion suppression, achieving high-performance electrolytes with enhanced reliability for lithium-based battery applications.
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 anion-coordinating polymers demonstrate a significant increase in cation diffusivity and conductivity, along with a decrease in anion diffusivity, thereby improving the performance of batteries and other applications that rely on cationic intermediates.
Implementation Method 1
X1 forms together with any optionally bound H atoms, a united atom having a positive partial charge with a magnitude |δ1|=0.25 to 1.15±0.1, and each of X2, X3 X4 and X5 is an atom independently forming, together with any optionally bound H atoms, a united atom having a negative partial charge
Data Source
AI summary
Anion-coordinating polymers comprising one or more anion-coordinating unit of Formula (I), optionally in combination with one or more cation-coordinating unit of Formula (II) and/or a linking unit of Formula (III) and related electrolytes, batteries, methods and system.