Nonaqueous Electrolyte Thiol Additives for Metal Ion Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dissolution and deposition of metal foreign matter in nonaqueous electrolyte batteries, such as lithium ion secondary batteries, lead to deterioration of battery properties like voltage.
Innovation Solution
A nonaqueous electrolyte containing a solvent, an electrolyte salt, and a thiol compound with a thiol group and an electron-withdrawing group, which captures metal ions and suppresses their reduction-deposition reaction at the negative electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electrolyte solution is used, then the battery can operate normally, but metal foreign matter dissolves and deposits on the negative electrode causing property deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thiol compound as an intermediary substance in the electrolyte solution. This thiol compound specifically binds to metal ions (such as copper ions) that dissolve from the positive electrode, forming stable complexes that prevent the metal ions from reaching and depositing on the negative electrode. The thiol compound acts as a mediator that intercepts and neutralizes the harmful metal ions, thereby preventing the harmful dissolution-deposition cycle while maintaining normal battery operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of metal ion dissolution into a beneficial outcome by using the thiol compound to selectively bind these metal ions. Instead of allowing the metal ions to cause dendrite formation and property deterioration, the thiol compound captures them and transforms them into harmless complexed forms. This approach turns the problematic metal dissolution phenomenon into an opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of the thiol additive in protecting the battery system.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If methanethiol is added to the electrolyte solution, then copper ion dissolution is suppressed, but the suppression effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves upon the conventional methanethiol approach by modifying the chemical parameters of the thiol compound. Specifically, the patent introduces thiol compounds with enhanced molecular structures that have stronger binding affinity for metal ions. By changing the chemical parameters of the thiol compound (such as adding electron-withdrawing groups or modifying the carbon chain structure), the patent achieves significantly improved metal ion suppression effectiveness compared to simple methanethiol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite thiol compounds that combine the beneficial properties of different molecular structures. These composite thiol molecules integrate the sulfur-containing thiol group (which provides metal binding capability) with additional functional groups or structural features that enhance stability and binding strength. This composite approach creates a more effective metal ion suppressor than simple methanethiol alone.
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 use of the thiol compound in the nonaqueous electrolyte effectively suppresses the deterioration of battery properties by efficiently capturing metal ions and reducing their deposition, thereby maintaining battery performance.
Implementation Method 1
the thiol compound contains a thiol group and at least one electron-withdrawing group R containing oxygen and/or nitrogen
Data Source
AI summary
A nonaqueous electrolyte to be disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte for a nonaqueous electrolyte battery. The nonaqueous electrolyte contains a nonaqueous solvent, an electrolyte salt, and a thiol compound. The thiol compound contains a thiol group and at least one electron-withdrawing group R containing oxygen and/or nitrogen.