Aqueous Polyimide Synthesis for Battery Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional synthesis processes for polyimide materials used in lithium batteries are environmentally harmful due to the use of toxic solvents like dimethylacetamide and dimethylformamide, which are not sustainable and affect the electrochemical performance of the battery.

Innovation Solution

A new method for preparing polyimide materials using an aqueous solvent medium, specifically water, to facilitate polycondensation between secondary aliphatic diamines and polycondensed aromatic compounds, eliminating the need for toxic organic solvents and ensuring complete transformation without residual anhydride traces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional synthesis processes use polar aprotic solvents like dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, cresols, or N-methylpyrrolidone to prepare polyimide materials, then the polycondensation reaction can proceed effectively, but the process becomes harmful to the environment and unsustainable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrochemical performanceVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the solvent medium from organic polar aprotic solvents to aqueous medium. This parameter change enables the polycondensation reaction to proceed effectively while eliminating environmental harm, as water is non-toxic and sustainable. The reaction conditions are optimized for aqueous medium to ensure complete transformation and high electrochemical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the traditionally harmful aspect of using organic solvents into a benefit by replacing them with water. The aqueous medium eliminates environmental contamination and health risks associated with toxic solvents, while still enabling effective polycondensation. This transformation turns a harmful process into an environmentally friendly one without sacrificing electrochemical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If incomplete transformation of anhydride precursor occurs during polycondensation, then the synthesis process may be simpler, but residual anhydride traces lower the electrochemical performance of the polyimide material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrochemical performanceVSAvoidtransformation completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the reaction medium parameter to aqueous solvent, which promotes complete transformation of the anhydride precursor. The specific properties of water as a solvent create optimal conditions for the polycondensation reaction to proceed to completion, eliminating residual anhydride traces that would otherwise degrade electrochemical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the aqueous medium conditions are specifically optimized to monitor and ensure complete reaction transformation. The reaction conditions are controlled to achieve full conversion, with the aqueous environment facilitating complete transformation and preventing accumulation of unreacted anhydride precursor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This method produces polyimide materials that are environmentally friendly, with enhanced cycling stability and electrochemical performance in lithium batteries, making them suitable for use as active materials in organic electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

exposing said formulation (i) under conditions favorable to the polycondensation of said polycondensed aromatic compound(s) and diamine(s) to form said (co)polyimide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolycondensation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

removing said solvent medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4169970A1Process for preparing an electroactive (CO)polyimide material

Publication Date: 2023.04.26 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates primarily to a process for preparing an electro-active (co)polyimide material by polycondensation of at least one polycondensed aromatic compound selected from polycondensed aromatic tetracarboxylic acids and polycondensed aromatic acid di-anhydrides and at least one secondary aliphatic diamine, in an aqueous solvent medium and in particular in water.