Chalcogenide Electrode Transition Layer for Polysulfide Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing alkali-ion/chalcogenide batteries face challenges due to the insulating nature of sulfur, low utilization factor, and severe capacity fading caused by polysulfide shuttling, which limits their practical implementation.

Innovation Solution

A stabilized chalcogenide-rich electrode is developed, featuring a crystalline sulfur core surrounded by a glass/polymeric/amorphous sulfur shell formed through photonically/electronically induced ring opening polymerization, creating a mixed ionically and electronically conductive protective transition layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sulfur is impregnated into conductive porous matrix to improve electronic conductivity, then electronic conductivity is improved, but active mass content decreases due to requirement of cross-linking agents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic conductivityVSAvoidactive mass content

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the cross-linking agent (DIB) from the electrode composition, using only sulfur and its polymerization products. This eliminates the need for co-monomers while maintaining structural integrity through photopolymerization of sulfur itself, thereby maximizing active mass content while preserving electronic conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical state of sulfur from crystalline to amorphous polymeric form through photopolymerization. This parameter change transforms sulfur into a self-cross-linking network that provides both structural support and electronic conductivity without requiring external cross-linking agents, thus increasing active mass content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If crystalline sulfur is used to maintain structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but polysulfide dissolution and capacity fading increase during cycling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcycling performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transition of sulfur from crystalline to amorphous form through photopolymerization during electrode fabrication. The amorphous polymeric sulfur structure prevents polysulfide dissolution while maintaining structural stability during cycling, thereby improving capacity retention and reducing fading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure where amorphous polymeric sulfur forms a network within the crystalline sulfur matrix. This composite material combines the structural stability of crystalline sulfur with the polysulfide-trapping capability of amorphous polymeric sulfur, improving both structural stability and cycling performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 configuration enhances electronic and ionic conductivity, buffers volume changes, and mitigates polysulfide dissolution during cycling, leading to improved rate capability and cycle life in alkali-ion batteries.

Implementation Method 1

the surface driven photonically/electronically induced ring opening polymerization (ROP) forms a thin chemically bonded insoluble co-polymerized 'shell'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

the surface driven photonically/electronically induced ring opening polymerization (ROP) forms a thin chemically bonded insoluble co-polymerized 'shell'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron beam induced polymerization: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 3

there are still residual predominantly negative charged functional groups on the surface capable to react with suitable co-monomers and/or to provide doping for the conjugated polymers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentUS20250096243A1Mixed ion-electron conductive transition layer induced by the irradiation of chalcogenide based materials

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 THEION GMBH

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a porous chalcogenide-based electrode including crystalline allotropes within the core, at least one of a glass, polymeric and amorphous chalcogenide present within the transition layer and/or a shell covering the surface of the active electrode material. The electrode includes a transition layer covalently bonded between a 2D material and the chalcogenide of the electrode material, a coating layer on top of the transition layer and including a 2D material, an electrode in which the volume of crystalline allotrope represents a buffer volume that compensates the volumetric fluctuation during battery cycling, and a chalcogenide electrode. The electrode active mass includes a dopant such as selenium and tellurium, wherein the mass content of sulfur in the cathode is above 50% per weight, wherein the coated electrode includes at least one sulfur allotrope that is doped with a chalcogenide, a halogen, or a mixture thereof.