Fluoride-Stabilized Aqueous Electrolyte for High-Voltage Lithium Anodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous lithium-ion batteries face limitations due to the narrow electrochemical stability window of water, leading to inferior energy densities and compromised cycling stabilities, as well as challenges in stabilizing the interface between the anode and aqueous electrolyte, which restricts the use of high-energy anode materials.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising an anode, an aqueous electrolyte, and an electrolyte interphase layer formed from a fluoride additive, which covers the anode and separates it from the aqueous electrolyte, allowing for the use of high-energy anode materials like lithium metal, graphite, and silicon by minimizing water decomposition and forming a protective interphase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aqueous electrolyte is used to replace non-aqueous electrolyte, then safety is improved, but energy density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrochemical stability window parameter of the aqueous electrolyte from the conventional 1.23V to over 3.0V through compositional modifications, enabling higher energy density while maintaining the safety advantages of aqueous systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite aqueous electrolyte systems containing multiple components including zinc salts, fluorinated additives, and co-solvents that work synergistically to expand the stability window and enable high energy density operation
2Reliability
If conventional aqueous electrolyte is used, then safety is improved, but electrochemical stability window deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrochemical stability window parameter from 1.23V to over 3.0V through the addition of zinc salts and fluorinated compounds that shift the water decomposition potentials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorinated additives as intermediaries that mediate between the aqueous electrolyte and electrode surfaces, preventing water decomposition and enabling stable operation at higher voltages
3Use of energy by moving object
If high voltage operation is implemented, then energy density is improved, but interface stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluorinated additives as intermediary substances that form protective interfacial layers between the electrodes and aqueous electrolyte, preventing direct water decomposition while enabling high voltage operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective measures by forming stable interfacial films before water decomposition can occur, preventing harmful reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface during high voltage operation
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 approach enables the reversible cycling of high-energy anode materials, increasing energy densities and stability, and allows for the operation of aqueous lithium-ion batteries at higher voltages, approaching those of non-aqueous systems while ensuring safety and environmental friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
a composition comprising (a) an anode; (b) an aqueous electrolyte; and (c) an electrolyte interphase layer, wherein the electrolyte interphase layer covers the anode and separates it from the aqueous electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
stabilizing the interface between the anode and the aqueous electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to aqueous solid state electrolytes that comprise a fluoride additive to stabilize the interface between the anode and aqueous electrolyte. The present invention is also directed to methods of making the solid state electrolyte materials and methods of using the solid state electrolyte materials in batteries and other electrochemical technologies.