Composite Solid Electrolyte with Phyllosilicate Nanoparticles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium ion batteries face challenges in achieving high power and energy density, especially at room temperature, due to poor conductivity of PEO-based solid electrolytes, which limits their operational temperature range and safety concerns from flammable liquid electrolytes.
Innovation Solution
A composite solid electrolyte is developed using a solid polymer, phyllosilicate nanoparticles, and a lithium salt, where the phyllosilicate nanoparticles, such as halloysite nanotubes, are dispersed in the polymer to enhance lithium ion conductivity, forming a flexible thin membrane that maintains performance across a wide temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PEO-based solid electrolyte is used, then safety is improved, but operating temperature range is limited to 70-100°C due to poor conductivity at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal and electrical parameters of the electrolyte by incorporating lithium salts and phyllosilicate nanoparticles, which modify the crystalline structure and ion transport properties. This enables the electrolyte to maintain adequate conductivity across a broader temperature range including room temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phyllosilicate nanoparticles with specific surface properties that create localized regions of enhanced ion conductivity within the polymer matrix. These nanoparticles provide preferential pathways for lithium ion transport that are less sensitive to temperature variations
2Reliability
If liquid or gel electrolyte is used, then lithium ion conductivity and electrode contact are improved, but safety deteriorates due to solvent leakage and flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flammable liquid solvent component from the electrolyte system while retaining the essential functions of ion conduction and electrode contact through the solid polymer matrix. This eliminates safety hazards associated with liquid electrolytes while maintaining operational performance
Solution Approach 2:
The solid polymer electrolyte acts as an intermediary medium that provides both mechanical contact with electrodes (like liquid electrolytes) and solid-state safety benefits. The composite structure with lithium salt and nanoparticles mediates between the conflicting requirements of conductivity and safety
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 solid electrolyte achieves improved lithium ion conductivity at room temperature, increased safety by eliminating flammable liquids, and maintains performance in a variety of commercial applications, including electric vehicles, with enhanced stability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the phyllosilicate nanoparticles, such as halloysite nanotubes, are dispersed in the polymer to enhance lithium ion conductivity
Implementation Method 2
a lithium salt distributed in the solid polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A composite solid electrolyte (100) for lithium batteries can include a solid polymer (110), phyllosilicate nanoparticles (120) distributed in the solid polymer, and a lithium salt (130) distributed in the solid polymer. In one example, the composite solid electrolyte can be used in a solid state lithium battery cell (400) made up of composite solid electrolyte, an anode (420) containing lithium in contact with a first surface of the composite solid electrolyte, and a cathode (430) in contact with a second surface of the composite solid electrolyte.