Graphene Solid Electrolyte for Flexible Batteries

The patent uses a composite structure combining polymer matrix with nanofillers (such as metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, or graphene) to create a solid electrolyte that maintains ionic conductivity at low temperatures while resisting melting at high temperatures. The nanofillers provide thermal stability and prevent polymer chain collapse, while the polymer matrix ensures flexibility and low-temperature operation.

The patent modifies the chemical composition and physical parameters of the polymer electrolyte by adding cross-linking agents, plasticizers, or functionalized nanoparticles to enhance ionic conductivity at low temperatures and raise the melting point. This includes adjusting molecular weight, cross-linking density, and compositional ratios to optimize performance across temperature ranges.

The patent creates a composite solid electrolyte where ceramic particles or nanofillers are dispersed within a polymer matrix. This combination provides the high ionic conductivity of ceramics while the polymer continuous phase maintains flexibility and prevents brittleness. The composite structure allows the material to bend without cracking while maintaining efficient ion transport pathways.

The patent creates local regions with different properties within the solid electrolyte: ceramic-rich regions provide high ionic conductivity, while polymer-rich regions provide flexibility and toughness. This spatial distribution of properties allows the material to simultaneously achieve high ionic conductivity and mechanical flexibility, preventing separation from active materials during bending.

The patent replaces the liquid organic electrolyte system with a solid electrolyte system, fundamentally changing the physical state from liquid to solid. This substitution eliminates the fire hazard associated with volatile organic solvents while maintaining ionic conductivity through solid-state ion transport mechanisms. The solid electrolyte provides intrinsic safety by removing the flammable component entirely.

The patent addresses the fire risk by using solid electrolytes that inherently resist combustion. The solid-state structure prevents the vaporization and ignition that plague liquid organic electrolytes at high temperatures. This converts the potential harm of high-temperature operation with flammable liquids into a safe operating condition with non-flammable solid materials.