Flexible Gel-Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Anode Dendrite Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal anodes in batteries face issues with volumetric change and dendrite formation, leading to cell shorting and limited energy storage capacity, and existing solid-state electrolytes have limitations in ionic conductivity and scalability.
Innovation Solution
Development of flexible, all-in-one electronic devices with size-adjustable configurations incorporating flexible lithium metal alloy foams, electro-spun silicon and sulfur fibers, and nanostructured gel-polymer electrolytes, which prevent dendrite growth and enhance energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium metal anodes are used to increase energy storage capacity, then energy density is improved, but dendrite formation and cell shorting occur
Solution Approach 1:
A solid electrolyte layer is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium metal anode and cathode. This solid electrolyte acts as a physical barrier that prevents dendrite penetration and cell shorting while still allowing lithium ion transport, thereby enabling the use of lithium metal anodes for high energy density without the reliability issues of dendrite formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin film solid electrolyte structures that provide mechanical flexibility and conformability while maintaining their function as dendrite barriers. These thin film structures can adapt to volume changes in the lithium metal anode during cycling while continuously blocking dendrite growth paths
2Reliability
If solid-state electrolytes are used to prevent dendrite formation, then reliability is improved, but ionic conductivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite solid electrolyte materials that combine multiple components with complementary properties. These composite structures integrate phases or materials that individually provide either high ionic conductivity or strong dendrite blocking capability, but when combined create a material that simultaneously achieves both functions at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits temperature as a parameter to change the properties of the solid electrolyte. At elevated operating temperatures, the solid electrolyte exhibits increased ionic conductivity while maintaining its structural integrity for dendrite prevention. The temperature change transforms the solid electrolyte from a low-conductivity state at room temperature to a high-conductivity state during battery operation
3Quantity of substance
If lithium plating/deplating processes are used to achieve high energy density, then energy storage is improved, but volumetric change and inhomogeneous nucleation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous solid electrolyte structures that can accommodate volumetric changes in the lithium metal anode during plating and deplating cycles. The porous structure provides void space that absorbs expansion and contraction, maintaining physical contact and ionic conductivity pathways while preventing structural degradation and inhomogeneous nucleation
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 solution enables high-power lithium-anode batteries with reversible lithium cycling without dendrite formation, improved ionic conductivity, and scalable manufacturing, addressing the limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
flexible gel-polymer electrolytes, which prevent dendrite growth and enhance energy density
Implementation Method 2
Lithium has shown to be an ideal ion for shuttling in a battery electrolyte system. However, electrolyte breakdown, volumetric change and dendrite formation resulting in cell-shorting during cycling are major problems associated with the use of lithium metal anodes (LMA)
Implementation Method 3
electro-spun silicon and sulfur fibers, and nanostructured gel-polymer electrolytes, which prevent dendrite growth and enhance energy density
Implementation Method 4
a flexible battery unit that includes a flexible anode, a flexible cathode, and a flexible electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to size-adjustable all-in-on electronic devices. The devices include a plurality of flexible layers in a stacked configuration, comprising: a flexible LED screen, flexible electronics, a flexible battery unit, and a flexible casing. Further, the devices include a flexible anode, flexible cathode and flexible electrolyte. The flexible components are conformable to the size-adjustable all-in-one electronic devices. The size-adjustable, all-in-one electronic devices are a single device that may be folded/unfolded or rolled/unrolled to function as a cell phone, a tablet, and a laptop personal computer.