Block Copolymer Electrolyte with Micro-Phase Ion Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing block copolymer electrolytes suffer from poor ionic conductivity and mechanical stability, leading to low storage capacity and electrochemical instability in solid-state devices.
Innovation Solution
A block copolymer electrolyte composition comprising a non-ionic block and an ionic block with pendant organic ionic liquid cations or anionic moieties, combined with a lithium salt, is developed to achieve micro-phase separation and controlled glass transition temperatures, enhancing both ionic conductivity and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If block copolymer electrolytes are prepared with traditional compositions, then mechanical stability is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte composition is designed with distinct non-ionic blocks (providing mechanical stability) and ionic blocks containing pendant organic ionic liquid cations or anionic moieties (providing ionic conductivity pathways). This local differentiation of properties within the copolymer structure allows simultaneous achievement of mechanical strength and ionic conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite electrolyte system combining block copolymer matrices with embedded ionic liquid moieties. The composite structure integrates the mechanical properties of the polymer backbone with the high ionic conductivity of organic ionic liquids, resolving the contradiction between mechanical stability and ionic conductivity.
2Reliability
If the glass transition temperature is lowered to improve ionic mobility, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the glass transition temperature within a specific range (Tg ≤ 100°C) by adjusting the composition and structure of the ionic blocks. This parameter optimization balances ionic mobility (requiring lower Tg) with mechanical stability (requiring higher Tg), achieving both improved ionic conductivity and maintained mechanical strength.
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 composition provides high electrochemical stability and mechanical strength, maintaining structural rigidity and supporting high ionic conductivity, suitable for use in lithium-based electrochemical cells.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two Tg values of the electrolyte composition is characteristic of its morphology having micro-phase separation
Implementation Method 2
the ionic block comprising polymerised monomer residues having covalently coupled thereto (a) a pendant organic ionic liquid cation, the pendant organic ionic liquid cation having a counter anion, (b) a pendant anionic moiety, the pendant anionic moiety having a counter cation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(D)
AI summary
An electrolyte composition comprising (i) a block copolymer, (ii) an organic electrolyte (e.g. an ionic liquid), and (iii) a lithium salt, wherein the block copolymer comprises a non-ionic block and an ionic block, the non-ionic block comprising polymerised residues of hydrophobic monomers, and the ionic block comprising polymerised monomer residues having covalently coupled thereto (a) a pendant organic ionic liquid cation, the pendant organic ionic liquid cation having a counter anion, (b) a pendant anionic moiety, the pendant anionic moiety having a counter cation, or (c) a combination thereof, and the electrolyte composition has at least two glass transition temperature (Tg) values.