Composite Solid Electrolyte for Conductivity and Flexible Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries face challenges such as low ionic conductivity, poor mechanical properties, and high grain-to-grain resistance, particularly in composite electrolytes using garnet-type ceramic particles.
Innovation Solution
A solid composite electrolyte is developed comprising ionic conductive solid inorganic particles, blended with an ionic liquid electrolyte and an ionically non-conductive polymer, which reduces grain-to-grain resistance and enhances mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid inorganic particles are used to improve ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate due to brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining solid inorganic particles (for ionic conductivity) with an ionically non-conductive polymer matrix (for mechanical strength). This composite structure allows the electrolyte to exhibit both high ionic conductivity from the inorganic phase and good mechanical properties from the polymer phase, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Productivity
If hot pressing is used to reduce sintering duration, then manufacturing time is reduced, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters by using lower sintering temperatures and shorter durations compared to conventional hot pressing methods. The presence of the polymer matrix allows for effective consolidation at reduced temperatures, eliminating the need for specialized hot pressing equipment while achieving dense, conductive electrolyte layers.
3Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is used to achieve good ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by employing a polymer electrolyte that can transition between rigid and flexible states while maintaining ionic conductivity. The solid polymer matrix provides flame resistance unlike liquid electrolytes, yet through careful selection of polymer composition and crosslinking, the material maintains sufficient chain mobility to enable ion transport, thus achieving both safety and 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 solid composite electrolyte achieves improved ionic conductivity and mechanical properties, allowing for self-standing, flexible films without the use of volatile or flammable organic liquids, thus addressing safety concerns in battery applications.
Implementation Method 1
the i) at least one solid inorganic particle is ionic conductive
Implementation Method 2
the i) at least one solid inorganic particle is ionic conductive and is blended with the ii) at least one ionic liquid electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a solid composite electrolyte comprising: i) at least one solid inorganic particle, ii) at least one ionic liquid electrolyte, and iii) at least one ionically non-conductive polymer, wherein the at least one solid inorganic particle i) is ionic conductive and is blended with the at least one ionic liquid electrolyte ii). The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing the solid composite electrolyte, to a solid state battery comprising the solid composite electrolyte, and to the use of said solid composite electrolyte in a solid state battery for improving ionic conductivity and mechanical properties.