Gel Electrolyte Precursor for Lithium Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional liquid electrolytes in lithium-based batteries cause volume expansion of the negative electrode active material, leading to degradation due to lithium ion flow in and out of the material, which results in drying out and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A gel electrolyte precursor comprising a lithium salt, solvent, fluorinated monomer, and optional fluorinated crosslinker and initiator is used, forming a gel electrolyte with viscosity between 10 mPa S and 10,000 mPa S, preventing the electrolyte from flowing into the negative electrode and maintaining lithium ion conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional liquid electrolyte is used, then lithium ion conductivity is maintained, but negative electrode active material dries out due to volume expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to gel form. The gel electrolyte precursor comprises a lithium salt, a solvent, and a fluorinated monomer that forms a gel network structure. This parameter change prevents the electrolyte from flowing into and out of the negative electrode, eliminating the drying out issue while maintaining lithium ion conductivity through the gel matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite gel electrolyte system by combining the lithium salt, solvent, and fluorinated monomer (which may include crosslinkers). This composite material forms a gel network that provides both the structural integrity to prevent electrolyte loss and the ionic conductivity necessary for battery operation. The fluorinated monomer specifically contributes to the gel structure formation and stability.
2Loss of substance
If gel electrolyte is used, then electrolyte flow is prevented, but lithium ion conductivity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter of the gel electrolyte to fall within the range of 10-10,000 mPa·s. This parameter change ensures the gel is viscous enough to prevent flow and electrolyte loss, yet maintains sufficient lithium ion conductivity. The fluorinated monomer and crosslinker composition are adjusted to achieve this optimal viscosity range that balances retention and conductivity requirements.
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 gel electrolyte solution prevents the negative electrode active material from drying out, enhancing the battery's charging and discharging performance by maintaining lithium ion flow without causing volume expansion, thus improving the battery's overall durability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorinated monomer, a fluorinated crosslinker, and an initiator
Implementation Method 2
maintaining lithium ion conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a gel electrolyte precursor includes a lithium salt, a solvent, a fluorinated monomer, a fluorinated crosslinker, and an initiator. Another example of a gel electrolyte precursor includes a lithium salt, a solvent, and a fluorinated monomer, wherein the fluorinated monomer is methyl 2-(trifluoromethyl) acrylate, tert-butyl 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylate, or a combination thereof. A gel electrolyte formed from either gel electrolyte precursor may be incorporated into a lithium-based battery.