Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Safe High-Energy Aqueous Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion batteries face safety concerns due to the flammability of organic electrolytes, leading to thermal runaway and requiring stringent packaging and thermal management, which limits their flexibility and energy density for applications like autonomous systems and wearable sensors.

Innovation Solution

Development of a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with a cross-linked three-dimensional polymer network and a high concentration of electrolyte, incorporating a deep eutectic solvent and water-in-salt components, to enhance ionic conductivity and safety while reducing water content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If organic electrolyte is used in lithium-ion batteries, then energy density is improved, but safety deteriorates due to flammability and thermal runaway risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by incorporating gel polymer matrices with specific cross-linking densities and incorporating solid particulate materials, transforming the electrolyte from a purely liquid organic state to a gel state with enhanced safety properties while maintaining ionic conductivity and energy density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining organic electrolyte components with gel polymer matrices and solid particulate materials, forming a multi-phase composite structure that integrates the high energy density benefits of organic electrolytes with the safety advantages of gel and solid components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If stringent packaging and thermal management systems are added to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but weight increases and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidbattery weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrolyte function with structural and safety functions by integrating gel polymer matrices and solid particulate materials directly into the electrolyte composition, eliminating the need for separate packaging and thermal management systems while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gel polymer electrolyte composition performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the ionic conductor, provides thermal management through its gel structure, offers mechanical support, and ensures safety by preventing thermal runaway, replacing multiple separate components with a single multi-functional material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If stringent packaging and thermal management systems are added to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but device flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs gel polymer matrices that form flexible, thin-film-like structures capable of conforming to various shapes and configurations, enabling flexible battery designs for wearable and portable applications while maintaining safety and performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 GPE composition improves cycle life and ionic conductivity, enabling flexible and safe battery architectures without sacrificing energy density, suitable for diverse applications including wearable sensors and electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) comprising a cross-linked three-dimensional polymer network... and an electrolyte composition absorbed by the GPE

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The GPE may further comprise an electrolyte composition that includes at least one electrolyte and water... to enhance ionic conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a deep eutectic solvent (DES)-containing GPE... comprising a DES component having a eutectic point of less than or equal to 25° C.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEutectic effect:

Data Source

PatentUS11894515B2Electrochemical cells and electrolytes contained therein

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Gel polymer electrolyte compositions including a cross-linked three-dimensional polymer network and an electrolyte composition comprising an electrolyte and water are disclosed. The gel polymer electrolyte compositions can be included in an aqueous electrochemical cell, in which a gel polymer electrolyte can be positioned between an anode and a cathode. Methods of forming a gel polymer electrolyte in the form of a film, and methods of forming an aqueous electrochemical cell including a gel polymer electrolyte, are also disclosed.