Nonaqueous Electrolyte Solvent Replacement by Fractional Distillation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing non-aqueous electrolyte solutions do not allow for the easy replacement of electrolyte solution solvents, limiting the range of choices available to users.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the preparation of a sulfonylimide solution with an initial electrolyte solution solvent (A) and subsequent fractional distillation using a second electrolyte solution solvent (B) to replace solvent (A), allowing for a wider range of solvent options without complex extraction processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a specific electrolyte solution solvent is used for producing the non-aqueous electrolyte solution, then the production process is simple, but the solvent cannot be replaced without complicated extraction steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of solvent replacementVSAvoidcomplexity of production process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the difference in boiling points between the first electrolyte solution solvent and the second electrolyte solution solvent. By controlling the distillation temperature parameter, the first solvent is selectively evaporated while the second solvent remains, enabling solvent replacement without complex extraction equipment. This transforms the production process from a fixed-solvent approach to a flexible solvent-replacement approach based on thermal parameter control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the first electrolyte solution solvent is replaced with the second electrolyte solution solvent, then a wider range of solvent choices can be offered to users, but complicated extraction steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of solvent choicesVSAvoidcomplexity of extraction equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by selectively removing (taking out) the first electrolyte solution solvent from the mixture through fractional distillation. The first solvent is separated and removed based on its lower boiling point, while the second solvent remains in the electrolyte solution. This provides a simple extraction method that enables solvent replacement without requiring complex extraction equipment, thereby maintaining versatility while simplifying the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fractional distillation is performed to replace the electrolyte solution solvent, then solvent flexibility is improved, but the production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolvent flexibilityVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing fractional distillation only to the extent necessary to remove the first electrolyte solution solvent and replace it with the second solvent. The distillation process is controlled to achieve the desired solvent composition without excessive processing. This partial action approach maintains solvent flexibility while minimizing the time loss associated with the distillation process, avoiding unnecessary extended processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

This method enables the production of non-aqueous electrolyte solutions with a lower water content and improved solvent flexibility, enhancing the performance and versatility of the electrolyte solutions.

Implementation Method 1

fractional distilling off the electrolyte solution solvent (A) by adding the electrolyte solution solvent (B) to the sulfonylimide solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFractional distillation: Distillation

Implementation Method 2

a solution containing the specific fluorosulfonyl imide salt and the electrolyte solution solvent is decompressed and/or heated to volatilize a production solvent of the fluorosulfonyl imide salt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20250030051A1Method for producing nonaqueous electrolyte solution
Publication Date: 2025.01.23 NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for producing a non-aqueous electrolyte solution containing a sulfonylimide compound represented by the general formula (1) and an electrolyte solution solvent (B). The method includes preparing a sulfonylimide solution containing the sulfonylimide compound represented by the general formula (1) and an electrolyte solution solvent (A) different from the electrolyte solution solvent (B) and fractionally distilling off the electrolyte solution solvent (A) by adding the electrolyte solution solvent (B) to the sulfonylimide solution obtained in the preparing, LiN(RSO2)(FSO2) (1) (where R represents a fluorine atom, an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a fluoroalkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms).