Composite Electrolyte with Ionic Liquid Nanoparticles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles face challenges with low energy density, flammability, and mechanical instability due to limitations in ionic conductivity and tensile/compressive strengths of existing electrolytes, particularly in high-energy and high-voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of non-flammable, non-volatile nano-hybrid electrolytes based on cross-linked polyionic liquids with ionic-liquid tethered nanoparticles, providing enhanced mechanical and thermal stability, and tunable electrochemical properties to address safety and performance issues in lithium metal and ion batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ionic liquid electrolytes are used to achieve non-flammability and negligible vapor pressure, then safety is improved, but tensile and compressive strengths are reduced causing leakage and spilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ionic liquid electrolytes with solid polymer matrices to create composite electrolytes. The solid polymer provides mechanical strength and structural stability, preventing leakage and spilling, while the ionic liquid phase maintains non-flammability and negligible vapor pressure. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
2Speed
If current liquid electrolytes are used to achieve high ion transport rates, then electrochemical performance is improved, but flammability and volatility are increased creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid-composite form by incorporating ionic liquids into solid polymer matrices. This parameter change maintains high ion transport rates through the ionic liquid phase while the solid matrix eliminates flammability and volatility, resolving the safety hazards.
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 solution significantly improves the operational temperature range, safety, and energy storage capacity of lithium batteries, enabling more compact and efficient battery designs for electric vehicles and consumer electronics by enhancing ionic conductivity and mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
cross-linked polyionic liquid Poly(IL) that can form solid polymer electrolytes
Implementation Method 2
Ionic-liquid tethered nano-particle hybrid materials are used to reinforce these films
Implementation Method 3
The large cation size allows for delocalization and screening of charges, resulting in a reduction in the lattice energy and thereby the melting point or glass transition temperature
Implementation Method 4
The electrolyte in a battery functions to shuttle ions between the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A composite electrolyte comprising includes a polymeric ionic liquid matrix; and a plurality of functionalized nanoparticles embedded therein, wherein at least one of a nitrogen cation moiety, a phosphorus cation moiety, and a sulfur cation moiety is tethered to the nanoparticle.