Functionalized Perfluoropolyether Electrolyte Homogeneity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Perfluoropolyethers have limited compatibility with non-aqueous electrolytes, restricting their concentration due to phase separation, which hinders the exhibition of their properties in lithium ion batteries.

Innovation Solution

A battery electrolyte comprising a non-aqueous solvent with a perfluoropolyether functionalized at one molecule end and a metal salt, allowing for higher proportions of perfluoropolyether to be homogeneously mixed, enhancing flame resistance and compatibility with polar solvents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If perfluoropolyether is added to non-aqueous electrolyte, then flame resistance is improved, but phase separation occurs when concentration exceeds 5%

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame resistanceVSAvoidhomogeneity of electrolyte

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameter of perfluoropolyether by introducing functional groups at one end of the molecule. This structural modification enables the perfluoropolyether to maintain homogeneity in non-aqueous electrolytes at concentrations exceeding 5%, while preserving flame resistance properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite electrolyte system by combining perfluoropolyether with functional groups and non-aqueous electrolyte components. This composite approach allows the perfluoropolyether to interact favorably with other electrolyte components, preventing phase separation and maintaining compositional stability at higher concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If perfluoropolyether concentration is increased, then flame resistance is enhanced, but compatibility with non-aqueous electrolyte deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame resistanceVSAvoidcompatibility with non-aqueous electrolyte

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of perfluoropolyether by introducing functional groups, which changes its interaction characteristics with non-aqueous electrolytes. This enables enhanced compatibility and allows higher concentrations to be used while maintaining flame resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The functional groups act as intermediaries that facilitate interaction between perfluoropolyether and non-aqueous electrolyte components. These functional groups improve compatibility by enabling favorable interactions, allowing the system to achieve both high perfluoropolyether concentration and good electrolyte compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables a safer electrolyte with improved compatibility and flame resistance, allowing for higher concentrations of perfluoropolyether, thus maintaining electrolyte function and stability.

Implementation Method 1

allowing for higher proportions of perfluoropolyether to be homogeneously mixed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHomogeneous mixing:

Implementation Method 2

The metal salt is dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS10411303B2Battery electrolyte including non-aqueous solvent

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A battery electrolyte comprises: a non-aqueous solvent including a perfluoropolyether that is functionalized at only one molecule end, the perfluoropolyether including perfluoroalkyl chains and oxygen atoms in such a manner that a perfluoroalkyl chain and an oxygen atom are alternately bound to each other; and a metal salt that is a magnesium salt, an alkaline earth metal salt, or an alkali metal salt, and that is dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent.