Crosslinked Quasi-Solid Electrolyte for Safe Li-Ion Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrolytes for lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries pose safety concerns due to thermal runaway and flammability issues, with existing solid-state electrolytes facing challenges in conductivity, interfacial impedance, and mechanical properties, while quasi-solid state electrolytes have issues with liquid leakage and high temperature resistance.
Innovation Solution
A quasi-solid or solid-state electrolyte system comprising a polymerization or crosslinking product of reactive additives, a lithium salt, and a non-aqueous liquid solvent, where the liquid solvent is distinct and not participating in polymerization, with a proportion of less than 30% by weight, resulting in a highly flame-resistant electrolyte with reduced vapor pressure and increased flash point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic liquid electrolytes are used, then lithium ion conductivity is improved, but safety and flammability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polymer matrices with inorganic solid electrolyte particles to create a quasi-solid electrolyte that exhibits both high lithium ion conductivity and improved safety. The composite structure allows the organic-inorganic integration to achieve conductivity comparable to liquid electrolytes while eliminating flammability risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to quasi-solid by incorporating polymer matrices and inorganic particles. This parameter change maintains ionic conductivity through the polymer chains and inorganic pathways while fundamentally improving safety by removing the liquid phase that causes flammability.
2Reliability
If inorganic solid-state electrolytes are used, then safety is improved, but interfacial impedance and mechanical properties worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system where inorganic solid electrolyte particles are dispersed within a polymer matrix. This composite structure reduces interfacial impedance by providing multiple conduction pathways (through polymer chains and inorganic particles) and improves mechanical properties by combining the flexibility of polymers with the ionic conductivity of inorganic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different properties: inorganic particles provide high ionic conductivity pathways, while the polymer matrix provides flexibility and fills interfacial gaps. This local differentiation optimizes both interfacial contact and overall conductivity without compromising safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ionic liquids are used, then flammability resistance is improved, but viscosity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymer matrices with inorganic solid electrolyte particles to create a composite quasi-solid electrolyte. This composite approach achieves low viscosity by providing multiple ion transport pathways (through polymer chains and inorganic particle interfaces) while maintaining flammability resistance through the absence of volatile liquid components.
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 a safe, high-performing lithium battery with enhanced lithium ion conductivity and improved cycle life, addressing the flammability and safety concerns of conventional electrolytes, and is compatible with existing battery production facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer, which is a polymerization or crosslinking product of a reactive additive
Implementation Method 2
a lithium salt; and from 0% to 30% by weight or by volume of a non-aqueous liquid solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable lithium battery comprising an anode, a cathode, and a quasi-solid or solid-state electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolyte comprises: (a) a polymer, which is a polymerization or crosslinking product of a reactive additive, wherein the reactive additive comprises at least one reactive polymer, reactive oligomer, or reactive monomer and a crosslinking agent or initiator; (b) a lithium salt; and (c) from 0% to 30% by weight or by volume of a non-aqueous liquid solvent, based on the total weight or volume of the polymer, the lithium salt, and the liquid solvent combined. This liquid solvent proportion is preferably <20%, more preferably <10% and most preferably <5% by weight or by volume. The cathode comprises particles of a cathode active material and the electrolyte is in physical contact with at least a majority of or substantially all of the cathode active material particles.