Crosslinked Hydrogel Electrolyte for Strength and Ionic Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrogels have low elastic modulus and mechanical properties, making them unsuitable as solid electrolytes and separators in energy storage devices, and their mechanical properties deteriorate when impregnated with lithium ion solutions to enhance conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of a pre-gel with polymer and metal salt particles, unidirectional shrinkage and dehydration, followed by ion solution impregnation for crosslinking and rehydration to produce a hydrogel with improved mechanical and ionic conductivity, and potentially incorporating conductive or inorganic particles for enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydrogel is used to increase ionic conductivity by impregnating with lithium ion solution, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-crosslinking the hydrogel network using divalent metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+) before lithium ion impregnation. This pre-established crosslinked structure provides mechanical strength that prevents deterioration when lithium ions are subsequently introduced to enhance ionic conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite hydrogel system combining multiple crosslinking mechanisms: chemical crosslinking via divalent metal ions and physical crosslinking through hydrogen bonding. This composite structure maintains mechanical integrity while allowing ionic conduction channels to form upon lithium ion impregnation.
2Shape
If conventional hydrogel is used as solid electrolyte and separator, then shape stability is improved, but elastic modulus is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the crosslinking parameters by introducing divalent metal ions with higher charge density than monovalent ions. This increases the crosslinking density and strengthens the hydrogel network, raising the elastic modulus to GPa-level while preserving shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite crosslinking system combining ionic crosslinks (divalent metal ions) and hydrogen bonds. This multi-mechanism approach creates a synergistic effect that simultaneously achieves high elastic modulus and excellent shape stability required for solid electrolyte and separator applications.
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 method produces hydrogels with superior mechanical properties, ionic conductivity, and heat dissipation, enabling their use as solid electrolytes and separators in energy storage devices, preventing internal short circuits and overheating, and offering improved electrode efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
impregnating the unidirectionally shrunk and dehydrated pre-gel with an ion solution to crosslink and rehydrate the unidirectionally shrunk and dehydrated pre-gel
Implementation Method 2
unidirectionally-shrinking and dehydrating the pre-gel, and impregnating the unidirectionally shrunk and dehydrated pre-gel with an ion solution to crosslink and rehydrate
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a hydrogel includes forming a pre-gel comprising polymer and metal salt particles, unidirectionally-shrinking and dehydrating the pre-gel, and impregnating the unidirectionally shrunk and dehydrated pre-gel with an ion solution to crosslink and rehydrate the unidirectionally shrunk and dehydrated pre-gel to produce the hydrogel.