Boron Nitride Electrolyte Mesh for High-Temperature Li-Ion Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion batteries face significant performance limitations and safety concerns due to their limited operating temperature range, with most commercial cells being unreliable above 60°C and virtually none able to operate safely above 100°C, leading to potential thermal runaway and explosion risks.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating boron nitride aerogel (BNAG) or boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) into the electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries to enhance thermal stability, allowing for safe and reliable operation up to 190°C by improving chemical inertness, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength, while maintaining high capacity and cyclability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If lithium-ion batteries are operated at high temperatures above 60°C, then the reaction rate between electrolyte and electrodes increases, but internal pressure builds up and mechanical stress damages the electrolyte and separator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction rateVSAvoidbattery stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a temperature gradient management system where phase change material (PCM) capsules are strategically positioned at specific locations within the battery pack to address hot spots locally. The PCM capsules absorb excess heat at high-temperature zones through phase transition, while allowing other regions to maintain normal operating temperatures, thus resolving the contradiction between reaction rate and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of phase change material (PCM) as the core mechanism for thermal management. The PCM capsules undergo phase change (e.g., from solid to liquid) at specific temperature thresholds, absorbing large amounts of heat energy during the transition. This phase transition process actively regulates battery temperature, preventing thermal runaway while maintaining efficient electrochemical reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Temperature

If the battery operates above 100°C, then thermal runaway risk increases, but most commercial cells cannot survive operation above this temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperature rangeVSAvoidthermal runaway risk

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-installing phase change material capsules within the battery pack structure before operation. These PCM capsules are positioned to intercept and absorb heat before it can propagate and cause thermal runaway. The system provides a safety buffer that activates automatically when temperature thresholds are approached, preventing catastrophic failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The phase change material capsules serve as an intermediary thermal management system between the battery cells and the external environment. The PCM absorbs and stores excess heat energy through phase transition, acting as a thermal buffer that protects the battery cells from direct exposure to dangerous temperature levels, thereby mediating between operational heat generation and thermal runaway prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If self-heating during operation is allowed to continue, then energy efficiency is maintained, but internal temperature increases leading to safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidinternal temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based thermal management system where temperature sensors continuously monitor battery conditions and provide feedback to the thermal management control system. When temperature thresholds are approached, the system activates phase change material capsules or adjusts cooling mechanisms, creating a closed-loop control that maintains energy efficiency while preventing dangerous temperature accumulation.

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

The use of BNAG or BNNTs in the electrolyte structure significantly increases the operational temperature range of lithium-ion batteries, ensuring stable and safe performance up to 190°C with enhanced ionic conductivity and cyclability, preventing thermal runaway and extending cycle life.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating boron nitride aerogel (BNAG) or boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) into the electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries to enhance thermal stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conductivity: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical inertness:

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250007009A1High temperature li-ion battery cells utilizing boron nitride aerogels and boron nitride nanotubes

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to Li-ion batteries. In one aspect a battery includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte structure between the cathode and the anode. The electrolyte structure includes a polymer electrolyte and a boron nitride mesh structure within the polymer electrolyte.