Solid Oxide Electrolyte Membrane Coating for Uniform Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing oxide solid oxide electrolyte membranes face issues such as large particle size, agglomeration, side reactions like lithium fluoride formation, poor uniformity, surface flatness, and conductivity due to the inability of dispersants to enter the lithium ion battery cell system, leading to short circuits and open circuits.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a master glue mixing process with high molecular polymers and solvents, followed by nano-micronization treatment of oxide slurries with dispersants and protective agents to prevent side reactions, and a roll-to-roll coating method to produce a uniform and conductive oxide ceramic solid oxide electrolyte membrane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to make oxide solid oxide electrolyte membranes, then the membrane can be produced, but the particle size is large and agglomeration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size controlVSAvoidagglomeration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the oxide powder into smaller particles through ball milling, transforming large agglomerated particles into fine dispersed particles with controlled size distribution, thereby resolving the contradiction between particle size control and agglomeration prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dispersant as an intermediary substance during the ball milling process to prevent oxide powder agglomeration. The dispersant mediates between particles, maintaining individual particle separation and achieving uniform particle size distribution without agglomeration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional dispersants are added in the preparation process, then the membrane can be formed, but the dispersant cannot enter the lithium ion battery cell system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity in thickness directionVSAvoidcompatibility with lithium ion battery cell system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the dispersant by selecting specific compounds (such as polyacrylic acid and its derivatives) that meet both requirements: achieving uniform thickness distribution and being compatible with lithium ion battery cell systems. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between manufacturing precision and system adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional methods are used, then the membrane can be produced, but side reactions such as lithium fluoride formation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidside reactions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by adding a protective agent (such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and its derivatives) before the harmful side reactions can occur. This protective agent prevents lithium fluoride formation and other side reactions during the preparation process, eliminating harmful factors while maintaining production efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Manufacturing precision

If conventional oxide solid oxide electrolyte membranes are produced, then the membrane can be formed, but poor surface flatness and conductivity result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface flatnessVSAvoidconductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing extensive ball milling and uniform dispersion preparation before membrane formation. This preliminary processing ensures fine particle size distribution and uniform dispersant coverage, which directly leads to improved surface flatness and conductivity in the final membrane product

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

5Ease of manufacture

If conventional methods are used, then the membrane can be produced, but poor uniformity in thickness direction results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane formationVSAvoiduniformity in thickness direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining continuous and uniform ball milling processing throughout the powder preparation stage. This continuous mechanical energy input ensures consistent particle size reduction and uniform dispersant distribution, which translates to uniform thickness in the final membrane without compromising ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 a solid oxide electrolyte membrane with improved conductivity, surface flatness, and mechanical strength, reducing the likelihood of short circuits and extending the service life of solid lithium batteries.

Implementation Method 1

adding a high molecular polymer dispersant to the oxide slurry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

The oxide slurry is mixed with a high molecular polymer dispersant to prevent agglomeration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSteric hindrance:

Implementation Method 3

adding a protective agent to the oxide slurry to prevent side reactions such as lithium fluoride

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical inhibition:

Implementation Method 4

a roll-to-roll coating method to produce a uniform and conductive oxide ceramic solid oxide electrolyte membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoating: Coatings

Implementation Method 5

The oxide slurry is mixed with a high molecular polymer dispersant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical mixing: Stirring

Data Source

PatentEP4333147A1Method of making solid oxide electrolyte membrane
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD
  • EP4333147A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4333147A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4333147A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method of making solid oxide solid oxide electrolyte membrane comprises steps (S1)-(S5). Step (S1), mixing a high molecular polymer and a first solvent to form a first mixed slurry; and homogenizing the first mixed slurry, to obtain a reagent A. Step (S2), mixing an oxide powder, a dispersant and a second solvent to form a second mixed slurry, treating the second mixed slurry, to obtain a reagent B. Step (S3), adding a protective agent into the reagent B to form a third mixed slurry, and homogenizing the third mixed slurry to obtain a reagent C. Step (S4), mixing the reagent A and the reagent C to form a fourth mixed slurry, and treating the fourth mixed slurry a fifth mixed slurry; and homogenizating the fifth mixed slurry to form a solid electrolyte slurry. And step (S5), producing the solid oxide solid oxide electrolyte membrane by a coating process.