Vinylene Carbonate Copolymer Electrolytes for Safer Solid-State Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion batteries face safety concerns due to the use of liquid electrolytes, which are flammable and can lead to thermal runaway and explosion, as well as the limitations of graphite anodes in terms of energy density and stability.
Innovation Solution
Development of a new copolymer made from vinylene carbonate or its derivatives, combined with compatible monomers, which can be used to create solid electrolytes and separators for batteries, eliminating the need for liquid electrolytes and enhancing safety and energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolyte solutions are used in lithium-ion batteries, then ionic conductivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to flammability and thermal runaway risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using a copolymer matrix containing vinylene carbonate units. This parameter change eliminates flammability while maintaining ionic conductivity through the solid polymer structure, directly resolving the safety contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite copolymer structure combining vinylene carbonate units with other monomer units to create a solid electrolyte material that exhibits both safety (non-flammable) and functional properties (ionic conductivity). The composite nature allows optimization of both contradictory requirements.
2Reliability
If graphite anodes are used in lithium-ion batteries, then stability is improved, but energy density deteriorates due to lower lithium storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the anode material from graphite to a solid copolymer electrolyte system that enables lithium metal or high-capacity anode materials to be used safely. This parameter change in the electrolyte composition allows for higher energy density while maintaining stability through the solid state configuration.
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 new copolymer-based solid electrolytes and separators demonstrate improved thermal stability, ionic conductivity, and mechanical integrity, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and enhancing the energy density and cycling stability of lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a solid state metal ion conductive separator... wherein at least one of the solid state anode and the solid state separator comprise a component having the copolymer composition
Implementation Method 2
The new copolymer-based solid electrolytes and separators demonstrate improved thermal stability... reducing the risk of thermal runaway
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer formed from a first monomer of vinylene carbonate and at least one second monomer different form the first monomer that does not contain a glycidyl group, wherein the molar ratio of the first monomer to the second monomer is from 4:1 to 99:1. The polymer, preferably the copolymer, dissolves metal salts and the composition of the copolymer and metal salt may have an ionic conductivity greater than 0.01 mS/cm. The polymer is suitable for use in various components of solid state batteries.