Composite Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Battery Dendrite Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary batteries using conventional solid electrolytes and lithium thin films face issues with dendrite growth, leading to deteriorated battery performance and potential short circuits due to inadequate mechanical strength of the solid electrolyte.
Innovation Solution
A composite electrolyte is developed comprising a network web of fibers made from a polymer and inorganic particles, with a controlled content of inorganic particles at 5 wt% or less, which is prepared through electrospinning to enhance mechanical properties and suppress dendrite growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional solid electrolyte is used, then the battery structure is simple, but the mechanical strength is insufficient and dendrite growth cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer fibers with inorganic particles to create a composite electrolyte. The polymer matrix provides flexibility and ion conductivity, while the inorganic particles enhance mechanical strength and suppress dendrite growth. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by achieving both improved strength and controlled complexity through functional material integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a heterogeneous structure where inorganic particles are distributed within the polymer fiber network. This local reinforcement strategy enhances mechanical strength at critical points (where dendrites form) while maintaining the overall flexibility and ion conductivity of the polymer matrix, thus improving strength without uniformly increasing complexity throughout the entire electrolyte structure.
2Strength
If the content of inorganic particles is increased to improve mechanical strength, then strength improves, but ion conductivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the content of inorganic particles to 5 wt% or less based on the total weight of the composite electrolyte. This parameter optimization ensures that the inorganic particles provide sufficient mechanical strength enhancement while maintaining adequate ion conductivity. The specific threshold of 5 wt% represents a balanced parameter setting that prevents both strength deficiency and conductivity deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by distributing inorganic particles within the polymer fiber network rather than creating a homogeneous mixture. This localized distribution allows inorganic particles to provide mechanical reinforcement at specific locations where needed, while leaving other regions with sufficient polymer content to maintain ion conductivity pathways, thus resolving the trade-off between strength and conductivity.
3Reliability
If a solid electrolyte is used, then the battery has high energy density, but dendrite growth occurs leading to short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating inorganic particles into the polymer electrolyte structure in advance, before dendrite formation occurs. These inorganic particles create physical barriers and modify the local mechanical properties of the electrolyte, preventing dendrite initiation and growth at their early stages. This proactive approach addresses dendrite harm before it can develop into short circuits, thereby improving battery safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer and inorganic components to create an electrolyte with dual functionality: the polymer provides ion conductivity and flexibility, while the inorganic particles provide mechanical reinforcement and dendrite suppression. This composite structure simultaneously addresses both the need for high energy density (maintained through polymer electrolyte properties) and battery safety (enhanced through inorganic particle reinforcement against dendrites).
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 composite electrolyte improves mechanical strength and ion conductivity, effectively inhibiting dendrite growth on lithium metal negative electrodes, resulting in enhanced cell performance and stability of lithium metal batteries.
Implementation Method 1
electrospinning the composition to prepare the aforementioned composite electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a composite electrolyte, including: a network web formed of a fiber containing a polymer and inorganic particles, wherein a content of the inorganic particles is 5 wt % or less based on a total weight of the composite electrolyte, a preparing method thereof, and a lithium metal battery including the same.