Covalent Bonding Ceramic Fillers in Polyacrylate Electrolytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filler-reinforced polymers for lithium-ion batteries lack mechanical stability and sufficient ionic conductivity due to unstable bonds and insufficient binding of inorganic fillers in the polymer matrix, limiting their use in batteries.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel filler-reinforced polymers with ceramic fillers functionalized by acrylate and/or methacrylate groups, covalently bonded to the polymer backbone, and incorporation of ionic liquids to enhance mechanical stability and ionic conductivity, allowing for tailored properties such as increased ionic conductivity and mechanical flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic nanomaterials are introduced into the polymer matrix to increase ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where inorganic nanomaterials (aluminate, siloxyaluminate, or thioaluminate) are integrated into an organic polymer matrix. This composite structure allows the inorganic phase to provide ionic conductivity pathways while the organic polymer phase maintains mechanical integrity and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between improved ionic conductivity and maintained mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions within the polymer electrolyte: inorganic nanomaterial clusters provide localized high ionic conductivity, while the surrounding organic polymer matrix provides localized mechanical support. This spatial differentiation allows each component to fulfill its primary function without compromising the other
2Reliability
If C-O-Al or C-S-Al bonds are used in inorganic materials, then ionic conductivity is improved, but stability to water deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The organic polymer matrix acts as an intermediary barrier between the water-sensitive inorganic nanomaterials and the aqueous environment. This intermediary layer protects the unstable C-O-Al or C-S-Al bonds from water exposure while still allowing ionic transport, thus maintaining both ionic conductivity and water stability
3Reliability
If organic and inorganic fillers are added to polymer electrolytes, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing the inorganic filler surfaces with acrylate and/or methacrylate groups before incorporating them into the polymer matrix. This preliminary surface modification ensures strong covalent bonding between the fillers and the polymer chains, preventing filler aggregation and maintaining mechanical stability while enabling improved ionic 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 solution provides mechanically stable and highly conductive filler polymers, enabling their use in lithium-ion batteries with improved energy density and flexibility, suitable for various energy storage applications.
Implementation Method 1
the radical R4 is attached to one or more monomer unit(s), and wherein the polyacrylates of the general formula (1) with the radicals R4 or R5 or R6 each connected by at least one covalent bond
Implementation Method 2
Introducing inorganic nanomaterials into the polymer matrix increases the ionic conductivity (up to 10-5 S.cm-1)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to filler polymers comprising polyacrylates of the general formula wherein - R1, R2, R3 is an alkyl group or H and R1=R2=R3 or R1-R2≠E3 or R1≠R2=R3 or R2≠R1=R3 or R1≠R2≠R3, - n≥1, m≥1 and n+m is the chain length, - the residue R4 is at least a ceramic filler functionalized with at least one acrylate group and/or at least one methacrylate group and/or at least one acrylate derivative group, - the residue R5 is at least a cation with a counteranion or an anion with a countercation, - the monomer units of the polymer main chain with the residues R4 or R5 can be statistically distributed along the polymer main chain, - the residue R4 is bonded to one or more monomer unit(s), and wherein the polyacrylates of the general formula (1) with the residues R4 or R5 are each connected by at least one covalent bond.Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for their production and their use as solid electrolyte membranes in lithium-ion batteries.