Compliant Solid-State Electrolyte Composite for Electrode Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state electrolytes face challenges in maintaining contact with electrodes due to poor adhesion and brittleness, leading to high bulk resistance and dendrite formation, which hinders large-scale commercialization.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state composition comprising an ionically conductive amorphous inorganic material, a non-ionically conductive polymer with a specific molecular weight range, and a non-ionically conductive polymer binder, which together constitute at least 90% of the composition, allowing for high ionic conductivity and compliance, enabling processing into thin films without sacrificing conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic solid-state electrolytes are used to achieve high ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but adhesion to electrodes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining inorganic solid-state electrolyte particles with organic polymer materials. The inorganic phase (e.g., sulfide glasses, ceramics) provides high ionic conductivity, while the organic phase (polymers like polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide) provides flexibility and adhesion to electrodes. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both material types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte system by controlling the molecular weight of polymers, the ratio of inorganic to organic phases, and the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix. These parameter adjustments optimize both ionic conductivity and mechanical adhesion properties simultaneously.
2Reliability
If glass and ceramic solid-state conductors are used to achieve high ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but processability into thin films deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the solid-state electrolyte by incorporating polymers with controlled glass transition temperatures and molecular weights. This transforms the brittle inorganic material into a processable composite that can be formed into thin films while maintaining high ionic conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible polymer matrices that enable the formation of thin-film electrolytes. The organic phase provides the necessary flexibility and conformability to create thin, dense films that are easy to manufacture, while the dispersed inorganic particles maintain high ionic conductivity.
3Strength
If solid polymer binder is added to improve adhesion, then adhesion is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the molecular weight of the polymer binder and its glass transition temperature to optimize the balance between adhesion and ionic conductivity. By selecting polymers with appropriate parameters and controlling their content, the patent achieves good electrode adhesion while minimizing the negative impact on ionic conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure where the polymer binder serves primarily as an adhesive matrix rather than the main ionic conduction pathway. The inorganic particles form the continuous conductive network, while the polymer provides mechanical adhesion. This composite approach allows the binder to improve adhesion without significantly compromising ionic conductivity.
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 achieves ionic conductivity of at least 1×10−4 S·cm−1 and prevents dendrite formation, facilitating the use of lithium metal anodes and sulfur cathodes, while being easily processed into dense films for scalable battery production.
Implementation Method 1
ionically conductive amorphous inorganic material
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are ionically conductive solid-state compositions that include ionically conductive inorganic particles in a matrix of an organic material. The resulting composite material has high ionic conductivity and mechanical properties that facilitate processing. In particular embodiments, the ionically conductive solid-state compositions are compliant and may be cast as films. In some embodiments of the present invention, solid-state electrolytes including the ionically conductive solid-state compositions are provided. In some embodiments of the present invention, electrodes including the ionically conductive solid-state compositions are provided. The present invention further includes embodiments that are directed to methods of manufacturing the ionically conductive solid-state compositions and batteries incorporating the ionically conductive solid-state compositions.