Fluorinated Ether Electrolyte for Safer Lithium Metal Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face safety concerns due to the flammability and volatility of carbonate-based organic solvents, leading to thermal runaway and dendrite formation, which compromises battery energy density and performance.

Innovation Solution

An electrolyte composition for lithium secondary batteries using a combination of fluorine-substituted ether solvents, including a first ether solvent with low lithium salt dissociation ability and a second ether solvent with high dissociation ability, along with specific lithium salts, to enhance flame retardancy and suppress side reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If carbonate-based organic solvents are used as electrolytes, then battery operating voltage can be improved, but safety deteriorates due to flammability and thermal runaway

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery operating voltageVSAvoidbattery safety

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by replacing carbonate-based solvents with fluorinated ether solvents. This parameter change maintains the ability to support high operating voltages while fundamentally altering the flammability and thermal stability characteristics, thereby resolving the contradiction between power and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite electrolyte system combining fluorinated ether solvents with specific lithium salts and additive packages. This composite approach integrates multiple functional components that work synergistically to provide both high voltage stability and enhanced safety, preventing thermal runaway while maintaining electrochemical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If carbonate-based organic solvents are used to increase energy density, then battery performance improves, but dendrite formation increases compromising safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoiddendrite formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fluorinated ether solvents act as intermediary substances between the lithium ions and the electrode materials. These solvents mediate the electrochemical reactions by providing a stable solvation environment that prevents direct contact between lithium ions and electrode surfaces, thereby suppressing dendrite formation while maintaining high energy density capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If high temperatures are used to rapidly increase battery temperature, then charging speed improves, but combustion reaction occurs causing thermal runaway

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidthermal runaway

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of high-temperature operation into a benefit by using fluorinated ether solvents that are inherently thermally stable. These solvents can withstand rapid temperature increases during fast charging without decomposing or igniting, thereby enabling high productivity while preventing thermal runaway through their superior thermal properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 electrolyte composition improves safety through reduced flammability, extends battery life, and maintains high discharge capacity and output characteristics, thereby enhancing the overall performance of lithium secondary batteries.

Implementation Method 1

the first ether solvent... suppress side reactions with the lithium metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical inhibition:

Implementation Method 2

The electrolyte composition improves safety through reduced flammability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlame retardancy:

Data Source

PatentUS20260058210A1Electrolyte composition for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery containing the same

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An electrolyte composition for lithium secondary batteries includes a lithium salt and an organic solvent. The organic solvent comprises a first ether solvent, defined by a specific chemical formula (R—O—R′), where R is a C3-4 alkyl substituted with fluorine, and R′ is an unsubstituted C1-3 alkyl, along with a second ether solvent. The lithium salt may be selected from a range of lithium salts, such as LiTFSI, LiFSI, LiPF6, and others. The first ether solvent is typically present in an amount of 30 to 90 vol % of the total electrolyte volume. Also included are lithium metal secondary batteries incorporating the electrolyte composition. The electrolyte composition enhances battery performance, providing improved stability and conductivity for lithium secondary batteries.