Cross-linked Fluoropolymer Electrolyte for 3D Battery Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a stable and non-flammable electrolyte suitable for 3-dimensional lithium batteries, as existing carbonate organic electrolytes pose safety risks due to high flammability and explosiveness.
Innovation Solution
A polymer electrolyte is developed, comprising a cross-linked fluorine-containing polymer matrix with embedded liquid electrolyte, incorporating specific repeating units and ionic liquids, offering high thermal stability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbonate organic electrolyte is used, then ion conductivity is good, but safety deteriorates due to high flammability and explosiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a fluoropolymer matrix (providing thermal stability and non-flammability) with embedded ionic liquid electrolyte (providing ion conductivity). This composite approach allows the electrolyte to simultaneously achieve safety through the fluoropolymer's inherent fire resistance and good ion conductivity through the ionic liquid's properties, directly resolving the contradiction between safety and harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing fluorinated monomers with specific repeating units (Formulae 1-3) and cross-linkable functional groups. This parameter change transforms the electrolyte from flammable carbonate-based to non-flammable fluoropolymer-based, while maintaining ion conductivity through proper selection of ionic liquids and cross-linking density, thereby resolving the safety-flammability contradiction.
2Reliability
If solid electrolyte is used to eliminate flammability, then safety improves, but flexibility and manufacturing adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a flexible solid electrolyte membrane by forming a cross-linked fluoropolymer network with embedded ionic liquid. The cross-linked structure provides mechanical integrity and flexibility, while the ionic liquid ensures ion conductivity. This flexible membrane can be adapted to various battery configurations including 3-dimensional structures, resolving the contradiction between safety and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluoropolymer matrix is designed with a porous or network structure that accommodates the ionic liquid while maintaining mechanical flexibility. This porous structure allows ion transport through the solid matrix, providing both the safety of solid electrolytes and the flexibility needed for various battery form factors.
3Temperature
If cross-linked fluorine-containing polymer matrix is used, then thermal stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cross-linkable functional groups (acrylate or methacrylate) into the fluoropolymer structure during synthesis, allowing the cross-linked network to be formed in advance before battery assembly. This preliminary cross-linking creates a pre-formed stable matrix that can be directly integrated into battery manufacturing, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced material structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the cross-linking parameters by selecting specific cross-linkable functional groups and controlling the cross-linking density through monomer selection. This parameter optimization balances thermal stability with manufacturing ease, ensuring the material achieves sufficient thermal resistance without requiring overly complex processing steps.
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 polymer electrolyte provides enhanced thermal stability, mechanical properties, and ion conductivity, making it suitable for 3-dimensional battery structures while eliminating flammability risks.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer matrix including a cross-linked fluorine-containing polymer
Implementation Method 2
a liquid electrolyte embedded in the polymer matrix
Implementation Method 3
the cross-linkable functional group may be at least one selected from an acrylate group and a methacrylate group
Implementation Method 4
the ionic liquid may include: i) at least one cation selected from an ammonium cation, a pyrrolidinium cation, a pyridinium cation
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer electrolyte including: a polymer matrix including a cross-linked fluorine-containing polymer; and a liquid electrolyte embedded in the polymer matrix.