Fluorinated Oligo(2-Oxazoline) Copolymers for Lithium-Ion Conduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polymers used in lithium-based batteries lack a broad range of chemical functionalization and efficient lithium ion conduction, limiting their performance as binders, separator coatings, and electrolyte components.

Innovation Solution

Synthesis of oligo(2-oxazoline) macromonomers with reactive chain ends, allowing for copolymerization with ethylenically unsaturated monomers to create highly diversified polymers, particularly PVDF-based polymers, without post-functionalization reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional polymers (PVDF, CMC, SBR) are used as binders and electrolyte components, then basic structural support and electrical contact are provided, but chemical functionalization is limited and lithium ion conduction efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical functionalizationVSAvoidlithium ion conduction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates composite polymer structures by copolymerizing VDF with functional comonomers (MAF, PMVE, PEVE, PPVE) to produce materials that simultaneously provide mechanical integrity and enhanced lithium ion conduction pathways. The composite nature allows combining the structural benefits of PVDF with the functional advantages of fluorinated vinyl ethers and acid-functionalized monomers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces specific functional groups (carboxylic acid from MAF, ether groups from PMVE/PEVE/PPVE) at local positions within the polymer chain to create specialized regions for lithium ion coordination and transport, while maintaining the overall PVDF matrix structure for mechanical support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If fluorinated co-monomers (HFP, CTFE, TFE, PMVE, PEVE, PPVE) are copolymerized with VDF, then polymer functionality and adhesion properties are enhanced, but incorporation efficiency varies and some monomers lack reactive functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymer functionalityVSAvoidincorporation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes copolymerization parameters including monomer feed ratios, reaction temperature, and initiator concentration to maximize the incorporation of functional comonomers into the PVDF matrix. By adjusting these parameters, the invention achieves high functionality while maintaining efficient polymerization rates and satisfactory incorporation percentages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If polymers are used as separator coatings with enhanced safety and electrolyte management, then cycling stability is improved, but dendrite formation prevention and adhesion strength require additional functional groups

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycling stabilityVSAvoidadhesion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention incorporates carboxylic acid functional groups from MAF at specific locations within the separator coating polymer structure to create high-adhesion zones that strongly bond to electrode surfaces, while the bulk PVDF matrix provides mechanical strength and electrolyte management properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The separator coating is designed as a composite material combining PVDF's mechanical properties and electrolyte affinity with the adhesion-enhancing carboxylic acid groups from MAF, creating a multi-functional coating that simultaneously provides strength, adhesion, and cycling stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 resulting polymers exhibit improved lithium ion conduction and enhanced properties as binders, separator coatings, and electrolyte components in lithium-ion batteries.

Implementation Method 1

copolymerization of the oligo(2-oxazoline) macromonomer with at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCopolymerization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

improved lithium ion conduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4656669A1Fluorinated copolymers based on an oligo(2-oxazoline) macromonomer
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ARKEMA FRANCE SA
  • EP4656669A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4656669A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4656669A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a compound of formula (I), wherein said formula (I) is as follows: wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of: linear, branched and cyclic alkyl groups; aromatic groups; linear, branched and cyclic alkenyl groups; wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of: linear, branched and cyclic alkyl groups with or without one or more substituents; linear, branched and cyclic alkenyl groups with or without one or more substituents; linear, branched and cyclic alkynyl groups with or without one or more substituents; the substituents being selected from halogen atoms; aromatic groups; heterocyclic groups; carboxylic acid groups; amide-containing groups; ester-containing groups; and ether-containing groups; wherein R3 is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, halogens and partially or fully halogenated alkyl groups; wherein n is at least 1. The invention also relates to polymers made from this compound and other monomers.