Gelled Electrolyte with Alumina Network for Leak-Safe Li-Ion Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Li-ion batteries face safety hazards due to electrolyte leakage and low ignition and boiling points, leading to potential fires, and polymer electrolytes have poor room temperature conductivity, limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
A gelled electrolyte composition comprising unmodified alumina particles with specific size and surface area, combined with organic solvents and a lithium salt, which improves mechanical properties and ionic conductivity, forming a stable three-dimensional network that enhances safety and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If organic liquid electrolytes are used in Li-ion batteries, then high energy density and long cycle life are achieved, but safety hazards occur due to electrolyte leakage and low ignition/boiling points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines organic liquid electrolytes with inorganic alumina particles to create a composite gelled electrolyte system. The alumina particles (5-50 nm primary particle size, 40-400 m2/g BET surface area) form a three-dimensional network structure that gels the liquid electrolyte, preventing leakage while maintaining the high energy density characteristics of organic electrolytes and improving safety through enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of alumina particles with high BET specific surface area (40-400 m2/g) to create a three-dimensional network that absorbs and holds the liquid electrolyte. This porous network structure provides mechanical strength to prevent leakage while maintaining adequate ion transport pathways, thus improving safety without significantly compromising energy density.
2Reliability
If polymer electrolytes are used to improve safety, then mechanical strength and leakage prevention are enhanced, but room temperature conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from pure liquid to gelled state by incorporating alumina particles, creating an intermediate state that provides mechanical strength like solids while maintaining liquid-like ionic conductivity. The specific parameter ranges (alumina content 0.2-10 wt%, particle size 5-50 nm, surface area 40-400 m2/g) are optimized to balance gel structure formation with ion transport capability, achieving both improved safety and maintained conductivity.
3Strength
If alumina particles are used to form gelled electrolyte, then mechanical strength and safety are improved, but ionic conductivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local regions of liquid electrolyte between alumina particles that maintain high ionic conductivity, while the alumina particle network itself provides the mechanical strength structure. The local liquid phases preserve ion transport pathways, while the solid particle framework provides structural integrity, achieving both improved mechanical strength and maintained ionic conductivity through spatial differentiation of functions.
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 gelled electrolyte provides improved safety, electrochemical rate, and cycle performance for Li-ion batteries by maintaining high conductivity and mechanical strength, outperforming traditional liquid and modified particle-based electrolytes.
Implementation Method 1
a gelled electrolyte composition comprising i) alumina particles, wherein the mean primary particle size of the alumina particle is from 5 to 50 nm, preferably from 10 to 30 nm and the BET specific surface area is from 40 to 400 m2/g, preferably from 50 to 150 m2/g; ii) at least two organic solvents; and iii) a lithium salt
Data Source
AI summary
A gel composition, in particular a gelled electrolyte, comprising: i) fumed alumina particles, wherein the mean primary particle size of the particle is from 5 to 50 nm and the BET specific surface area is from 40 to 400 m2/g; ii) at least two organic solvents; and iii) a lithium salt; wherein the amount of the alumina particles is 0.2-10% by weight based on the total weight of the gel composition. A method to prepare a gelled electrolyte, a Li-ion battery, a Li-ion battery and a device are also provided.