Lithium Battery Electrolyte Composition With Heat-Triggered Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium batteries face challenges with low ionic conductivity, instability, and high internal resistance in their liquid electrolyte/separator systems, which hinder commercialization and safety, particularly due to the need for improved thermal stability without compromising cell performance.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte composition for lithium batteries that includes a lithium salt, an organic solvent, and a metal salt compound catalyst, which activates a polymerization reaction of cyclic carbonate at elevated temperatures, increasing viscosity and providing thermal stability and improved electrochemical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flame retardant amount is increased to improve safety, then thermal stability is improved, but cost and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by introducing a specific additive package containing cyclic carbonate and chain terminator in controlled ratios (0.1-5 wt% and 0.01-1 wt% respectively), transforming the electrolyte's thermal response characteristics without relying on excessive flame retardants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining multiple components (lithium salt, cyclic carbonate, chain terminator, and optional polymer) that work synergistically to provide thermal stability and safety improvements while maintaining electrochemical performance
2Productivity
If liquid electrolyte system is used to maintain cell performance, then electrochemical properties are maintained, but thermal stability and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the electrolyte system through temperature-responsive polymerization. The cyclic carbonate remains liquid at operating temperatures for good ion conductivity, but polymerizes at elevated temperatures to increase viscosity and provide thermal stability, creating a dynamically adaptive system
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 composition enhances thermal stability and prevents ignition and explosion by solidifying at high temperatures, maintaining electrochemical performance and reducing the need for excessive flame retardants, thus improving the safety and efficiency of lithium batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the metal salt compound catalyst activates a polymerization reaction of a cyclic carbonate in the organic solvent at a first temperature
Implementation Method 2
causes an increase in viscosity of the electrolyte composition at the first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lithium battery including a first electrode structure, a second electrode structure spaced apart from the first electrode structure, and an electrolyte between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure, wherein the electrolyte includes a lithium salt, an organic solvent, and an additive, the additive includes a metal salt compound catalyst, the metal salt compound catalyst activates a polymerization reaction of a cyclic carbonate in the organic solvent at a first temperature, and the first temperature ranges between about 100° C. and about 200° C.