Core-Shell Solid-State Electrolyte for Stable Electrode Contact

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Solid state inorganic electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries face issues with flexibility, cracking during manufacturing and operation, and poor contact interfaces with electrodes, while solid state polymer electrolytes have lower ionic conductivity and stability limitations.

Innovation Solution

A solid state electrolyte composed of a ceramic powder and a nitrogen-containing aromatic copolymer, which forms a core-shell structure with the ceramic powder providing lithium ion transport channels and the copolymer offering mechanical strength, flexibility, and self-healing properties, ensuring effective contact interfaces and high ionic conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solid state inorganic electrolyte is used, then ionic conductivity is improved, but flexibility and mechanical strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite electrolyte system combining solid state inorganic electrolyte particles (providing high ionic conductivity) with a polymer matrix (providing flexibility and mechanical strength). This composite approach allows the electrolyte to achieve both high lithium ion conductivity (>0.1 mS cm−1 at room temperature) and sufficient mechanical flexibility to prevent cracking during battery operation and manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If solid state inorganic electrolyte is used, then thermal stability is improved, but contact interface with electrodes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidcontact interface
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure combines thermally stable inorganic electrolyte particles with a flexible polymer matrix that ensures good contact with electrode surfaces. The polymer component adapts to electrode expansion and contraction during cycling, maintaining intimate contact interfaces while the inorganic particles provide thermal stability above 100°C.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the morphology and size distribution of inorganic electrolyte particles, using nanoscale particles (10-1000 nm) that can better conform to electrode surfaces. This parameter optimization improves contact interfaces while maintaining thermal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If high pressure is applied to ensure good contact, then contact interface is improved, but cracking risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact interfaceVSAvoidcracking risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible polymer matrix that naturally conforms to electrode surfaces without requiring high compression pressures. This flexible structure maintains good contact interfaces through its inherent adaptability, reducing the need for high pressure assembly and minimizing the risk of cracking in the solid state electrolyte layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If ceramic ion conducting material is used, then lithium ion conductivity is improved, but brittleness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelithium ion conductivityVSAvoidbrittleness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent disperses ceramic ion conducting particles within a polymer matrix, creating a composite that exhibits both high lithium ion conductivity (from the ceramic particles) and flexibility (from the polymer). This composite approach eliminates the brittleness of pure ceramic materials while preserving their superior ionic conductivity properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhances mechanical strength, flexibility, and ionic conductivity, maintaining stable contact interfaces and improving the overall performance of lithium-ion batteries by forming a uniform and efficient lithium ion channel.

Implementation Method 1

the ceramic powder provides lithium ion transport channels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the copolymer offering mechanical strength, flexibility, and self-healing properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical strength:

Data Source

PatentUS20240072300A1Solid state electrolyte and lithium-ion battery including solid state electrolyte
Publication Date: 2024.02.29 MICROVAST POWER SYST CO LTD

AI summary

A solid state electrolyte is provided, which includes a ligand composed of a ceramic powder and a nitrogen containing aromatic copolymer, the ceramic powder is the core and the receptor, the nitrogen containing aromatic copolymer is comprised by a first polymer and a second polymer, the first polymer is aromatic polyamide, the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of P2VP, P4VP, PVA, PEO and PAN. The solid state electrolyte can form good contact interfaces at the anode and cathode electrodes. A lithium-ion battery including the solid state electrolyte is also provided.