Flexible Solid Polymer Electrolyte for High Conductivity Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery technologies using liquid or gel electrolytes face issues with electrolyte loss and decreased performance over time, requiring protective enclosures that increase size and bulk, while traditional solid polymer electrolytes have low ion transport at room temperature.
Innovation Solution
A flexible solid polymer electrolyte is developed, comprising a diblock copolymer with a polyether block and an acrylate block, incorporating lithium ions within microphase-separated spherical domains, along with a second lithium salt, such as lithium bis(oxalato)borate, to enhance conductivity and reduce crystallinity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid or gel electrolytes are used in batteries, then ease of operation and initial performance are improved, but electrolyte loss over time and need for protective enclosures increase device complexity and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid/gel to solid polymer form, eliminating electrolyte loss while maintaining ionic conductivity through careful selection of polymer matrix and lithium salt combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite polymer electrolyte materials combining different polymer matrices (such as PEO, PANI, PPy) with lithium salts to achieve both mechanical stability and high ionic conductivity, resolving the contradiction between solid structure and operational performance
2Reliability
If traditional solid polymer electrolytes are used, then reliability and stability are improved, but ion transport at room temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the solid polymer electrolyte by incorporating conductive polymers (PANI, PPy) and optimizing lithium salt content to achieve high ionic conductivity at room temperature while maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous or microstructured morphology of the polymer matrix to facilitate ion transport pathways, allowing rapid ion movement through the solid electrolyte without requiring high temperatures
3Reliability
If protective enclosures are added to contain reactive electrolytes, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for protective enclosures by using inherently stable solid polymer electrolytes that do not require additional containment structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining safety and reliability
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 flexible solid polymer electrolyte exhibits high ion transport at room temperature, minimal capacity fade over 500 cycles, and longer performance life compared to conventional inorganic glass or ceramic electrolytes, enabling the creation of lightweight, shape-conforming batteries for miniature medical devices and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first polymer block capable of solvating a second lithium salt
Implementation Method 2
a second polymer block that has the ability to incorporate lithium ions from a first lithium salt within microphase separated spherical domains
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible polymer solid electrolyte material useful in battery technology is described. The flexible solid electrolyte comprises a first block that has the ability to solvate alkali metal salts. The flexible solid electrolyte comprises a second block that has the ability to incorporate lithium ions within microphase separated spherical domains, wherein the lithium ions are from a secondary lithium source. The flexible solid electrolyte further comprises a second lithium salt.