Electrochemical Device Electrolyte Crosslinking Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical devices, such as batteries, face challenges with electrolytes that have unsatisfactory ionic conductivity and mechanical performance, particularly with liquid electrolytes that risk leakage and solid electrolytes that are complex to implement and have low ionic conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing an electrochemical device involving a polymerization process that creates zones within the electrolyte with varying crosslinking rates and densities, using electromagnetic radiation to form distinct polymerization zones that enhance both ionic conductivity and mechanical strength, thereby improving the overall efficiency and safety of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid electrolyte is used, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates and leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte consisting of a polymer matrix combined with liquid electrolyte. The polymer provides mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the liquid electrolyte maintains high ionic conductivity. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates zones with different crosslinking densities within the polymer matrix. Regions with lower crosslinking density maintain higher ionic conductivity, while regions with higher crosslinking density provide mechanical strength. This local variation in properties allows simultaneous optimization of both conductivity and strength.
2Strength
If a completely solid electrolyte is used, then mechanical strength is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymer matrix (solid) with liquid electrolyte to create a composite that exhibits both mechanical strength from the solid polymer and high ionic conductivity from the liquid electrolyte phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the crosslinking density parameter of the polymer matrix to optimize the balance between mechanical strength and ionic conductivity. By controlling crosslinking degree, the polymer maintains structural integrity while allowing sufficient ion transport.
3Strength
If gel-polymer electrolyte is used, then mechanical performance is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates compared to liquid electrolyte
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a heterogeneous structure with zones of varying crosslinking density. Regions with lower crosslinking density are optimized for ionic conductivity, while regions with higher crosslinking density provide mechanical support. This local differentiation allows the gel-polymer electrolyte to achieve both good mechanical performance and high ionic conductivity.
4Reliability
If microporous solid electrolyte is used, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microporous solid electrolyte structure with a polymer matrix. The microporous structure provides channels for ion transport (improving conductivity), while the polymer matrix provides mechanical strength and structural integrity to compensate for the weakness of the porous structure.
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 results in an electrochemical device with improved ionic conductivity and mechanical performance, reducing the risk of leakage while simplifying the manufacturing process, by transforming the electrolyte into a more rigid form that maintains effective electrochemical properties.
Implementation Method 1
carrying out a stage of polymerization of the electrolyte so as to define at least a first polymerization zone having a first crosslinking rate and a first crosslinking density and a second polymerization zone having a second crosslinking rate different from the first crosslinking rate and/or a second crosslinking density different from the first crosslinking density
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The method for manufacturing an electrochemical device comprises the following successive steps: - providing a first stack, comprising successively: o a first electrode (2a), o an electrically insulating electrolyte (1) having a first main face in contact with the first electrode (2a) and an opposite second main face, - a step of polymerising the electrolyte (1) in such a way as to define at least a first zone (1α) having a first cross-linking level and a first cross-linking density, and a second zone (1β) having a second cross-linking level different from the first level and/or a second cross-linking density different from the first cross-linking density, said at least first and second zones (1α/1β) connecting the first main face with the second main face, - placing the second electrode in contact with the electrolyte (11).