Gel Polymer Electrolyte Precursor for Rechargeable Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabrication methods for gel-type polymer electrolytes in lithium rechargeable cells are complex and inefficient, limiting their flexibility and performance in thin, portable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A gel polymer electrolyte precursor comprising a bismaleimide monomer or oligomer prepared by reaction with barbituric acid, combined with a non-aqueous metal salt electrolyte, a non-protonic solvent, and a free radical initiator, which is rapidly formed into a soft gel through heating polymerization/cross-linking, enhancing interface compatibility and lithium ion conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fabrication method is used to form gel-type polymer electrolyte, then polymer film can be formed between electrode plates, but the fabrication process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the polymer film formation and gel electrolyte formation into a single integrated process. The liquid electrolyte is mixed with polymer precursor and initiator to form a slurry that is directly applied to electrodes, eliminating the need for separate film formation and electrolyte filling steps. This merging of operations simplifies the fabrication process while ensuring reliable polymer film formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the polymer electrolyte slurry in advance with all necessary components (polymer precursor, liquid electrolyte, initiator) mixed together before application. This preliminary preparation allows the slurry to be directly applied to electrodes and then cured in-situ, avoiding complex step-by-step fabrication processes while ensuring proper film formation.
2Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is filled to adhere to electrode plates, then electrolyte can be supplied, but electrolyte leakage occurs in lithium rechargeable cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition from liquid to gel state to eliminate electrolyte leakage. The liquid electrolyte is combined with polymer precursor and initiator to form a slurry that, upon curing, transforms into a gel structure. This gel phase maintains the electrolyte's ionic conductivity while providing a stable, non-leaking form that adheres to electrodes. The cross-linked gel network physically constrains the electrolyte, preventing leakage while maintaining lithium ion transport.
3Length of stationary object
If polymer film is interposed between active substance layers, then cell profile can be reduced, but interface compatibility and lithium ion conduction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite gel electrolyte material combining polymer matrix with liquid electrolyte components. This composite structure provides both the mechanical integrity needed for thin cell profile and the ionic conductivity required for efficient lithium ion transport. The gel structure integrates the advantages of solid polymer (mechanical stability) and liquid electrolyte (ionic conductivity), achieving both thin profile and high performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel electrolyte acts as an intermediary between the solid polymer film and liquid electrolyte. It provides the mechanical support and adhesion of a solid film while maintaining the high ionic conductivity of liquid electrolyte. The gel structure mediates between the conflicting requirements of thin profile (needing solid structure) and high conduction (needing liquid properties), delivering both simultaneously.
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 solution results in a gel polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and reduced leakage, exceeding 95% electrolyte retention, improving the performance and longevity of alkali metal rechargeable cells with simplified fabrication.
Implementation Method 1
a free radical initiator... by heating polymerization/cross-linking of the disclosed gel polymer electrolyte precursor
Implementation Method 2
high lithium ion conduction between positive and negative electrodes... with a high ionic conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A gel polymer electrolyte precursor and a rechargeable cell comprising the same are provided. The gel polymer electrolyte precursor comprises a bismaleimide monomer or bismaleimide oligomer, a compound having formula (I):a non-aqueous metal salt electrolyte, a non-protonic solvent, and a free radical initiator, wherein the bismaleimide oligomer is prepared by reaction of barbituric acid and bismaleimide, X comprises oxygen, organic hydrocarbon compounds, organic hydrocarbon oxide compounds, oligomers or polymers, n is 2 or 3, and A independently compriseswherein m is 0˜6, X comprises hydrogen, cyano, nitro or halogen, and R1 independently comprises hydrogen or C1˜4 alkyl.