Crosslinked Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Low-Resistance Lithium Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries pose safety risks, and semisolid or all-solid polymer electrolytes, while improving stability, often result in decreased capacity due to increased resistance.
Innovation Solution
A gel polymer electrolyte is developed using a crosslinked product of a multifunctional acrylic monomer with three or more polymerizable functional groups and a urethane-acrylic monomer with two or more functional groups, combined with a liquid electrolyte containing a lithium salt and organic solvent, to enhance ionic conductivity and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If semisolid or all-solid polymer electrolytes are used to replace liquid electrolytes, then safety and stability are improved, but capacity decreases due to increased resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite gel polymer electrolyte system combining crosslinked polymer matrix (providing structural stability and safety) with liquid electrolyte components (maintaining ionic conductivity). The specific composite of multifunctional acrylic monomer crosslinked with urethane-acrylic monomer creates a network structure that balances mechanical strength and ion transport, resolving the contradiction between safety and capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer electrolyte by controlling the crosslinking degree, molecular weight, and functional group composition of the polymers. By adjusting these parameters, the electrolyte achieves optimal balance between resistance (affecting capacity) and structural integrity (affecting safety), transforming the trade-off relationship.
2Stability of the object's composition
If gel polymer electrolyte is used, then stability is improved, but capacity decreases due to increased resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces different functional groups at different locations within the polymer structure - multifunctional acrylic groups for crosslinking (providing stability) and urethane-acrylic groups for ionic conduction (maintaining capacity). This local differentiation of material properties within the same electrolyte system allows simultaneous achievement of stability and capacity.
3Strength
If crosslinked gel polymer electrolyte is used, then mechanical strength is improved, but ionic conductivity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial crosslinking rather than complete crosslinking of the polymer chains. By controlling the crosslinking density to an optimal level (not excessive), the electrolyte maintains sufficient mechanical strength while preserving enough chain mobility and free volume for ionic conduction. This partial action approach balances the two competing requirements.
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 gel polymer electrolyte improves lithium battery performance by maintaining ionic conductivity, increasing lifespan, and reducing resistance, while inhibiting leakage and side reactions, thus enhancing the battery's overall efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the gel polymer is a crosslinked product of i) a multifunctional acrylic first polymerizable monomer including three or more polymerizable functional groups, and ii) a second polymerizable monomer selected from among urethane-acrylic monomers including two or more functional groups
Implementation Method 2
the liquid electrolyte includes a lithium salt and an organic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A gel polymer electrolyte for a lithium battery, including a gel polymer and a liquid electrolyte, and a lithium battery including the same, wherein the liquid electrolyte includes a lithium salt and an organic solvent, and the gel polymer is a crosslinked product of i) a multifunctional acrylic first polymerizable monomer including three of more polymerizable functional groups, and ii) a second polymerizable monomer selected from among urethane-acrylic monomers including two more functional groups.