Biodegradable Electrochemical Device with Radiatively Curable Electrolyte

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biodegradable batteries face challenges in developing a biodegradable polymer electrolyte with sufficient ionic conductivity at room temperature and compatibility with high-throughput printing processes, due to low ion mobility and lengthy manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable electrochemical device with a crosslinked, radiatively curable polymeric material as the electrolyte, which can be printed quickly and has a Young's modulus of 0.10 MPa to 100 MPa, using a photoinitiator and cosolvents like ethylene glycol, allowing for rapid curing in 10 milliseconds to 100 milliseconds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If solvent evaporation is used to prepare polymer electrolyte, then the solid electrolyte film is formed, but the manufacturing process is lengthy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte film formationVSAvoidmanufacturing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal evaporation process with a coating or casting method that forms the electrolyte film without requiring lengthy solvent evaporation. This substitution of the manufacturing mechanism dramatically reduces production time while still achieving solid electrolyte film formation, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates the electrolyte components in a pre-mixed formulation that allows direct deposition as a solid or near-solid film, eliminating the need for subsequent lengthy evaporation steps. This preliminary preparation of the electrolyte composition enables rapid manufacturing while maintaining film quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If heating is applied to achieve sufficient ionic conductivity, then ion mobility increases, but the operational temperature must be elevated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidoperational temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the polymer electrolyte by adding plasticizers and adjusting the polymer matrix to reduce the glass transition temperature and increase chain mobility at room temperature. This allows sufficient ionic conductivity to be achieved without elevated operational temperatures, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and operating temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces plasticizers as intermediary substances that facilitate ion transport through the polymer matrix at lower temperatures. These plasticizers act as mediators between the polymer chains and ions, reducing the energy barrier for ion mobility and enabling room temperature operation with sufficient conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional manufacturing processes are used, then the electrolyte can be produced, but the process is not compatible with high-throughput printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte productionVSAvoidprinting throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional slow evaporation-based manufacturing with a rapid deposition process compatible with printing technologies. This substitution enables the electrolyte to be deposited directly in a solid or paste form that cures or sets rapidly, making the process compatible with high-throughput printing while maintaining electrolyte quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares the electrolyte in a pre-formulated paste or ink composition that can be directly deposited by printing methods without requiring subsequent lengthy processing. This preliminary formulation enables direct printing and rapid production, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and printing throughput compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enables the production of flexible, environmentally friendly biodegradable batteries with improved ionic conductivity and reduced manufacturing time, suitable for high-throughput printing and stable up to 120°C, addressing the limitations of conventional biodegradable batteries.

Implementation Method 1

The electrolyte composition may include a crosslinked, biodegradable polymeric material that may be radiatively curable prior to being crosslinked

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20220344713A1Biodegradable electrochemical device

Publication Date: 2022.10.27 XEROX CORP

AI summary

A biodegradable solid aqueous electrolyte composition, an electrochemical device incorporating the electrolyte composition, and methods for the same are provided. The electrolyte composition may include a hydrogel of a copolymer and a salt dispersed in the hydrogel. The copolymer may include at least two polycaprolactone chains attached to a polymeric center block. The electrochemical device may include an anode, a cathode, and the electrolyte composition disposed between the anode and the cathode. The electrolyte composition may include a crosslinked, biodegradable polymeric material that is radiatively curable prior to being crosslinked.