composition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Nonaqueous electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries face challenges such as high flammability, limited chemical stability, and environmental concerns, which affect battery safety and longevity, particularly at high temperatures and during disposal.
Innovation Solution
A nonaqueous battery electrolyte formulation incorporating a partially fluorinated ether compound of Formula 1, which reduces flammability, enhances oxidative stability, and improves electrochemical properties, including capacity retention and compatibility with various electrode chemistries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical electrolyte solvents are used to facilitate ion flow, then electrochemical performance is improved, but flammability increases and safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of ether-based electrolyte solvents by introducing fluorinated groups (e.g., CF3CH2OCH2CH2OCH2CH2OCF3), which changes the physical and chemical parameters of the solvent to reduce flammability while maintaining electrochemical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite electrolyte formulations combining fluorinated ether solvents with lithium salts (e.g., LiPF6, LiBF4) and other co-solvents to create a multi-component system that achieves both safety and performance
2Reliability
If organic carbonate solvents are used to enhance ion solvation, then electrochemical performance is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional organic carbonate solvents to fluorinated ether solvents, changing the chemical composition parameters to reduce environmental persistence and toxicity while maintaining solvation capability for lithium ions
3Productivity
If battery energy density is increased for higher power output, then productivity is improved, but heat accumulation increases and safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of heat accumulation into a benefit by using fluorinated ether solvents with high thermal stability that can withstand higher operating temperatures, allowing the battery to maintain safety even at high power densities where heat generation is significant
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 formulation significantly reduces flammability, enhances oxidative stability, and improves electrochemical performance, leading to better battery performance and safety, especially at high temperatures, while being environmentally more friendly.
Implementation Method 1
The electrolyte needs to provide a medium which is capable of solvating and/or supporting the metal ions
Implementation Method 2
The formulation significantly reduces flammability, enhances oxidative stability
Implementation Method 3
the electrolyte has to be as chemically inert as possible. This is particularly relevant in the context of the expected lifetime of the battery regarding internal corrosion within the battery
Data Source
AI summary
Use of a formulation comprising a metal ion and a compound of Formula 1 in a nonaqueous battery electrolyte formulation wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 are independently selected from the group comprising H, F, Cl, Br, I, CF3, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, haloalkyl and R5 is independently selected from the group CF3, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, perfiuoroalkyl, haloalkyl perfluorohaloalkyl.