Gel Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion batteries face safety concerns due to design flaws leading to increased risk of fires and explosions, with aggressive capacity improvements compromising safety, and existing electrolytes lack mechanical performance and thermal stability, leading to leakage and dendrite growth issues.
Innovation Solution
Development of semi-solid and gel electrolyte systems using functionalized ceramics and cross-linked polysilsesquioxanes, which form a three-dimensional matrix with liquid electrolytes, providing enhanced mechanical and thermal stability, reducing leakage, and preventing lithium dendrite growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the separator is made thinner to increase active material loading and battery capacity, then battery capacity increases, but the likelihood of separator failure increases due to breakdown, thickness variation, or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite separator structure consisting of a porous substrate combined with a gel electrolyte layer. The porous substrate provides mechanical strength and dimensional stability, while the gel electrolyte provides ionic conductivity. This composite structure allows the separator to be thinner while maintaining both capacity and reliability, as the substrate prevents breakdown and thickness variation even at reduced thickness.
2Quantity of substance
If aggressive design decisions are made to improve battery capacity, then battery capacity increases, but safety problems increase due to design flaws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to gel form. This parameter change allows the electrolyte to be retained in a thin separator structure without leakage, enabling higher capacity designs while maintaining safety. The gel structure provides thermal stability and prevents the electrolyte from flowing or leaking under aggressive design conditions.
3Speed
If liquid electrolyte systems are used, then ionic conductivity is maintained, but leakage potential increases compared to semi-solid systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite gel electrolyte system combining a liquid electrolyte with a cross-linked polymer matrix. The liquid electrolyte component maintains high ionic conductivity, while the cross-linked polymer network provides structural integrity and prevents leakage. The cross-linked structure forms a three-dimensional network that traps the liquid electrolyte, eliminating leakage potential while preserving ionic transport pathways.
4Speed
If conventional electrolytes are used, then basic ionic conduction is achieved, but mechanical performance and thermal stability are insufficient leading to dendrite growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite gel electrolyte structure where a cross-linked polymer matrix provides mechanical strength and thermal stability, while the liquid electrolyte phase maintains ionic conduction. The cross-linked network creates a rigid framework that prevents dendrite growth by mechanically blocking protrusions, while the liquid electrolyte channels within the network allow continuous ion transport.
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 proposed electrolyte systems improve safety and performance by reducing failure rates, enabling higher charging rates, and maintaining thermal stability, while allowing for thinner designs and safer use of lithium metal electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
The ceramic is cross-linked (e.g., functionalized) ceramic. In specific embodiments, the organic component of the functionalized ceramic, comprises a cross-linkable functional group, such as carbon-carbon unsaturation, an epoxide, or the like. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linkable functional group is an acryloyl, methacryloyl, ethacryloyl, epoxyl, styrenyl, or the like.
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyte or electrolyte system provided herein comprises a solid matrix (e.g., of a ceramic, such as a functionalized ceramic) and a liquid electrolyte (e.g., an ionic liquid), such as wherein solid matrix is a porous matrix comprising the liquid electrolyte configured within the porous matrix (e.g., such as forming a semi-solid or gel).
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are a variety of electrolytes, electrolyte systems, and separator systems, as well as batteries comprising the same and precursors thereof. In specific embodiments are semi-solid or gel electrolytes, particularly those prepared using (i) a cross-linkable polysilsesquioxane with high ionic conductivity and (ii) a liquid electrolyte (e.g., ionic liquid).