Gel Electrode Precursor Composition Balancing Processability and Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face issues with the use of sacrificial solvents and liquid electrolytes, which are costly and pose safety risks, while gel electrodes with high electrolyte solubility compromise cell durability and processability, and those with low solubility are difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A polymer-electrolyte gel matrix phase comprising a blend of two polymers with different solubilities in the electrolyte, where the more soluble polymer enhances processability and the less soluble polymer ensures durability, allowing for a higher electrolyte concentration and improved electrode stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a polymer with high solubility in liquid electrolyte is used in gel electrode, then processability is improved, but cell lifetime is reduced due to dissolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite polymer system comprising a first polymer (high solubility in electrolyte) and a second polymer (low solubility in electrolyte). The first polymer ensures good processability and gel formation, while the second polymer provides structural stability and resistance to dissolution. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.
2Reliability
If a polymer with low solubility in liquid electrolyte is used in gel electrode, then cell lifetime is improved, but processability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a low-solubility polymer (providing stability and long cell lifetime) with a high-solubility polymer (providing ease of processing and gel formation). The synergistic interaction between the two polymers allows the electrode to maintain both manufacturability and durability, resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.
3Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is used in alkali metal ion secondary cell, then conductivity is improved, but safety is compromised due to flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the liquid electrolyte into a gel state by incorporating it into a polymer matrix. This phase transition from liquid to gel maintains the ionic conductivity necessary for cell operation while eliminating the flammability and safety hazards associated with free liquid electrolyte, thus resolving the contradiction between conductivity and safety.
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 electrode precursor composition balances processability and durability, enabling higher electrolyte content for enhanced conductivity and structural stability, resulting in improved electrochemical performance and cell lifetime.
Implementation Method 1
the first polymer has a solubility in the liquid electrolyte which is higher than the solubility of the second polymer in the liquid electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
preparing gel electrodes. These electrodes can be formed from a composition prepared by mixing the necessary components such as electrochemically active material, polymer, and a liquid electrolyte, and subsequently subjecting the composition to a thermal treatment
Implementation Method 3
a liquid electrolyte is often used within the lithium-ion cells of the battery, to provide conductivity of lithium ions within the cell between the solid, solvent cast anode and cathode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode precursor composition for an alkali metal ion secondary cell, for example a lithium-ion secondary cell, is described. The electrode precursor composition includes a polymer-electrolyte gel matrix phase and a dispersed phase containing an electrochemically active material. The electrode precursor composition may be processed into an electrode.