Block Copolymer Separators with Vertical Nanostructures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional microporous separators in lithium ion batteries hinder lithium ion flow due to high ionic resistance caused by tortuosity in the ionic pathway, limiting the rate capability of the battery, which is crucial for high power density applications like electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A microporous separator with a low or no tortuosity architecture is created using block copolymers that self-align into vertical nanostructures, allowing lithium ions to flow in a straight one-dimensional path, reducing ionic resistance and preventing internal shorts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional microporous separators are used, then the separator provides basic ion transport function, but the ionic resistance is high due to tortuosity in the ionic pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar separator structures to three-dimensional vertically aligned nanochannel architectures. The nanochannels extend perpendicular to the separator surface, creating direct one-dimensional ion transport pathways that eliminate the tortuous two-dimensional diffusion paths found in traditional porous separators, thereby reducing ionic resistance and enhancing rate capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous block copolymer materials that self-assemble into ordered vertical nanochannel structures. These porous materials provide controlled ion transport channels with optimized geometry, where the pore size, distribution, and alignment are determined by the block copolymer morphology, enabling low-tortuosity ion pathways while maintaining separator integrity
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 design enhances the rate capability of lithium ion batteries by reducing ionic resistance, lowering cell impedance, and potentially increasing cycle life and homogeneous current distribution, making it suitable for high power applications like electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The block copolymers that make up the separator layer may be materials that self-align into a vertical nanostructure
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a microporous separator with a pore geometry that creates a low or no tortuosity architecture. In one embodiment, a battery cell may comprise of an anode layer, a cathode layer, and a separator layer positioned between the cathode layer and the anode layer. The separator layer may be comprised of one or more block copolymers. The block copolymers that make up the separator layer may be materials that self-align into a vertical nanostructure. The vertical nanostructures may allow ions within the battery cell to flow in a vertical path between the cathode and anode. This vertical path my create a low or no tortuosity environment within the battery cell.