Fluoroether Electrolyte Composition for Stable Lithium Metal Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal batteries face challenges with electrolytes that have low conductivity, poor electrochemical stability, inadequate low-temperature performance, and unstable interphases, leading to issues such as dendrite formation, poor cycle life, and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
Development of an electrolyte composition comprising specific weight percentages of fluoroether, bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ions, and optional additives, which enhances ionic conductivity, reduces interfacial resistance, and stabilizes the solid-electrolyte-interphase, enabling fast charging and improved performance at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrolytes are used in lithium metal batteries, then the battery structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the electrolyte has low conductivity and poor electrochemical stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite electrolyte formulation by combining fluoroether solvent with bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt and additional additives to create a multi-component system that achieves superior electrochemical stability and conductivity while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific weight percentage ranges of each electrolyte component (fluoroether: 13-59 wt%, salt: 22-43 wt%, additives: 0.5-5 wt%) to achieve the desired balance between conductivity, stability, and manufacturing feasibility
2Temperature
If conventional electrolytes are used, then the electrolyte formulation is simple, but the low-temperature performance is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrolyte composition by incorporating fluoroether with specific physical properties and optimizing the concentration of lithium salt and additives to enable functional operation at low temperatures while controlling formulation complexity
3Reliability
If conventional electrolytes are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but dendrite formation occurs and cycle life is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary substances (additives such as vinylene carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate) that mediate between the electrolyte and electrode interfaces to prevent dendrite formation and improve cycle life while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining multiple components that work synergistically to suppress dendrite growth and enhance cycling stability without overly complicating the manufacturing process
4Reliability
If conventional electrolytes are used, then the interphase is unstable leading to safety concerns, but changing the electrolyte composition increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses additive substances as intermediaries that stabilize the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) by forming protective layers between the electrolyte and electrodes, thereby improving interphase stability and safety while controlling composition complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fluoroether-based electrolyte creates a more chemically inert environment at the electrode interfaces, reducing unwanted side reactions and stabilizing the interphase, which improves safety while maintaining manageable formulation complexity
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 achieves higher conductivity, reduced interfacial resistance, improved electrolyte retention, and stable cycling, allowing for fast charging and high energy density, while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte composition can comprise between about 10 wt % and about 42 wt % of an electrolyte solvent, between about 13 wt % and about 59 wt % of a fluoroether (FE) and about 22 wt % to about 43 wt % of a salt including bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods described herein relate to electrolyte formulations and the incorporation thereof into batteries. In some aspects, an electrolyte composition can comprise between about 10 wt % and about 42 wt % of an electrolyte solvent, between about 13 wt % and about 59 wt % of a fluoroether. In some embodiments, the electrolyte solvent can make up between about 26 wt % and about 39 wt % of the composition. In some embodiments, the fluoroether can make up between about 18 wt % and about 36 wt % of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition can include between about 0.5 wt % and about 1.5 wt % of a first additive. In some embodiments, the composition can include between about 0.5 wt % and about 5 wt % of a second additive.