Ceramic-Polymer Nanocomposite Electrolyte for Solid-State Batteries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries face challenges with poor contact between solid electrolytes and electrodes, leading to low rate capability and poor cycling stability due to high contact resistance and lithium dendrite growth, especially with solid polymer electrolytes that are prone to mechanical weakness and interference with Li ion transport.
Innovation Solution
A ceramic-polymer nanocomposite electrolyte with a 3-dimensional polymer matrix and ceramic nanoparticles, such as Li7La3Zr2O12, is used to enhance mechanical strength and create ionic transport channels, suppressing lithium dendrite growth and improving contact between electrodes and the electrolyte, thereby forming a stable and conductive network for Li+ transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid polymer electrolytes are used to replace liquid electrolytes, then safety is improved by eliminating flammability, but mechanical strength is reduced and ionic conductivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining solid polymer electrolytes with ceramic particles to create a composite structure that leverages the safety and flexibility of polymers while incorporating the mechanical strength and ionic conductivity of ceramics, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety improvement and mechanical strength reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the solid polymer electrolyte through the addition of ceramic particles, which alters the mechanical strength and ionic conductivity parameters to achieve both safety and performance requirements simultaneously
2Reliability
If solid polymer electrolytes are used, then safety is improved, but contact between electrolyte and electrodes is poor leading to high contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous materials by creating a composite structure with ceramic particles that provide porous pathways for improved electrolyte infiltration into electrode structures, enhancing contact quality while maintaining the safety benefits of solid polymer electrolytes
3Use of energy by moving object
If plasticizers are added to improve polymer chain mobility and ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity increases, but mechanical strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to counterbalance the effect of plasticizers by incorporating ceramic particles that provide mechanical reinforcement, allowing the system to achieve high ionic conductivity through plasticizer-enhanced polymer chain mobility while maintaining mechanical strength through the ceramic framework
4Strength
If ceramic nanoparticles are added to enhance mechanical strength, then mechanical strength improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically optimizing the concentration, size distribution, and type of ceramic nanoparticles to achieve the desired mechanical strength while managing composition complexity through controlled parameter variation rather than uncontrolled material addition
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 solution significantly enhances the cycling stability and rate performance of lithium-ion batteries by creating a dense microstructure and stable interfaces, achieving high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength, which results in improved energy density and long cycle lifetimes across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
a 3-dimensional polymer matrix with ceramic nanoparticles distributed or embedded in the matrix... establishing Li-ion transport pathways in the electrode
Implementation Method 2
the use of pressure-aided co-curing strengthens the contacts between the electrodes and the solid electrolyte membrane
Implementation Method 3
In the course of lithium-ion battery cell production, the use of pressure-aided co-curing... heating the laminar battery assembly
Implementation Method 4
ceramic nanoparticles that are distributed in the polymer matrix... enhance mechanical strength... suppressing lithium dendrite growth
Data Source
AI summary
In solid-state lithium-ion battery cells, electrolyte-infiltrated composite electrode includes an electrolyte component consisting of polymer matrix with ceramic nanoparticles embedded in the matrix to form networking structure of electrolyte. The networking structure establishes effective lithium-ion transport pathway in the electrode. Electrolyte-infiltrated composite electrode sheets and solid electrolyte membranes can be used in all solid-state lithium electrochemical pouch and coin cells. Solid-state lithium-ion battery is fabricated by: (a) providing an anode layer; (b) providing a cathode layer; (c) positioning a ceramic-polymer composite electrolyte membrane between the anode layer and the cathode layer to form a laminar battery assembly; (d) applying pressure to the laminar battery assembly; and (e) heating the laminar battery assembly. Pressure-aided co-curing strengthens the contacts between the electrodes and the solid electrolyte membrane thus creating stable electrode-membrane interfaces with fewer porous regions. Lithium electrochemical cells and batteries exhibit excellent rate performance and outstanding stability over wide temperature range.