Gel Polymer Electrolyte via Thiol-Ene Click Reaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gel polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries face challenges in achieving high ionic conductivity while minimizing organic solvent usage, as they often require high temperatures or strong energies for crosslinking, leading to side reactions and reduced stability.
Innovation Solution
A precursor composition for a polymer electrolyte is developed, comprising a first crosslinking agent with multiple thiol groups and a second crosslinking agent represented by Formula 2, which undergoes a thiol-ene click reaction at low temperatures to form a polymer matrix, reducing organic solvent usage and enhancing ionic conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional gel polymer electrolytes use high temperature or strong energy for crosslinking, then crosslinking formation is achieved, but side reactions occur and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the crosslinking parameters by using thiol-ene click reaction that proceeds at low temperature (room temperature to 60°C) instead of high temperature or strong UV energy, thereby achieving crosslinking without causing side reactions and maintaining electrolyte stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the previously harmful high energy input (strong UV or high temperature) into a beneficial low energy process (thiol-ene click reaction at mild conditions), eliminating side reactions while achieving effective crosslinking
2Stability of the object's composition
If gel polymer electrolyte uses chemically crosslinked polymer structure, then structural stability is improved, but ionic conductivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a crosslinked polymer network structure that provides structural stability in certain regions while maintaining liquid electrolyte domains with high ionic conductivity in other regions, achieving both structural integrity and ion transport
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining crosslinked polymer structure (for structural stability) with liquid electrolyte (for ionic conductivity), creating a gel polymer electrolyte that exhibits both structural integrity and high ion transport capability
3Reliability
If gel polymer electrolyte increases organic solvent amount, then ionic conductivity is improved, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a crosslinked polymer network as a flexible shell or matrix that encapsulates the liquid electrolyte, preventing solvent leakage while maintaining the ionic conductivity provided by the liquid electrolyte within the network
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 enables the formation of a gel polymer electrolyte with improved ionic conductivity, stability, and reduced solvent leakage, leading to enhanced performance and stability in lithium secondary batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a precursor composition for a polymer electrolyte which includes: a first crosslinking agent formed of a compound containing at least two thiol groups (—SH), a second crosslinking agent including a compound represented by Formula 2
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a precursor composition for a polymer electrolyte including two types of crosslinking agents and a gel polymer electrolyte formed therefrom.