Flame-Retardant Electrolyte Compositions for Li-Ion Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery electrolyte compositions are costly, cumbersome, and inefficient, limiting battery lifetime and posing safety risks due to flammability and thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel electrolyte compositions with flame-retardant additives and solvents, such as linear and cyclic ethers, sultones, phosphazenes, and hydrofluoroethers, to reduce flammability and enhance thermal stability, thereby preventing thermal propagation and runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional battery electrolyte compositions are used, then electrochemical performance is maintained, but flammability and thermal runaway risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful flammability of conventional electrolytes into a benefit by using the flame-retardant properties of specific carbonate esters and carboxylic acid derivatives to suppress thermal runaway while maintaining electrochemical function. These compounds naturally resist combustion and can quench radical reactions that propagate fire, effectively turning a safety hazard into a protective mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite electrolyte formulations combining flame-retardant additives (carbonate esters and carboxylic acid derivatives) with conventional electrolyte components. This composite approach allows the electrolyte to maintain its essential ion-conducting properties while the added compounds provide thermal stability and flame resistance, creating a multi-functional electrolyte system.
2Reliability
If flame-retardant additives are added to reduce flammability, then thermal stability improves, but electrolyte composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by incorporating specific carbonate esters (with 3-12 carbon atoms) and carboxylic acid derivatives (with 2-10 carbon atoms) at controlled concentrations. By adjusting these molecular parameters and concentration ranges, the electrolyte achieves optimal thermal stability while maintaining acceptable electrochemical performance, effectively managing complexity through parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses small molecular weight flame-retardant compounds that can be easily synthesized and added in small quantities. These low-cost, simple molecular structures provide effective flame protection without requiring complex formulations, allowing the electrolyte to achieve thermal stability through minimal, targeted additive incorporation rather than complex multi-component systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If novel electrolyte compositions with flame-retardant additives are used, then flammability reduces, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects flame-retardant compounds with simple molecular structures (carbonate esters and carboxylic acid derivatives with limited carbon chain lengths) that can be produced through straightforward chemical synthesis. These compounds are inherently less complex and more economical to manufacture than sophisticated flame-retardant systems, reducing the cost burden while achieving effective flammability suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of flame-retardant additives to achieve the minimum effective dosage for flammability reduction. By carefully controlling the amount of carbonate esters and carboxylic acid derivatives added (using specific carbon atom range specifications), the formulation achieves flame protection at the lowest necessary concentration, thereby minimizing material costs and manufacturing complexity.
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 new electrolyte compositions improve safety and reduce the risk of thermal propagation, enhancing the energy density and cycle life of lithium-ion batteries while maintaining electrochemical performance.
Implementation Method 1
electrolyte compositions with flame-retardant additives and solvents, such as linear and cyclic ethers, sultones, phosphazenes, and hydrofluoroethers, to reduce flammability and enhance thermal stability, thereby preventing thermal propagation and runaway
Data Source
AI summary
Electrolyte compositions comprising electrolyte additives and/or solvents for reduction of thermal propagation in lithium-ion batteries are disclosed. Energy storage devices comprising the electrolyte compositions comprise a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode may be a Si-based electrode, a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the electrolyte composition.