Halogenated Borane Solid Electrolytes for Stable Metal-Anode Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sulfide-based solid-state electrolytes in batteries are prone to forming toxic gases upon exposure to moisture, and other classes like polymeric electrolytes have inferior ionic mobility at relevant temperatures, posing challenges for practical use.
Innovation Solution
Development of inorganic solid-state electrolytes comprising metal cations and borate cluster anions with specific halogen exchanges, forming a single phase crystalline solution with enhanced ionic conductivity and mechanical stability, allowing for high coulombic efficiency and compatibility with reactive anodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sulfide-based electrolytes are used to achieve high ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but toxic H2S gas is generated upon moisture exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by replacing sulfide-based materials with halogenated borate cluster compounds. This fundamental parameter change maintains high ionic conductivity while eliminating the harmful H2S gas generation property, as the borate-based chemistry does not produce toxic gases upon moisture exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining metal cations (Li+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, or Al3+) with halogenated borate cluster anions to create a new class of solid-state electrolyte. This composite approach achieves both high ionic conductivity and chemical stability, resolving the contradiction between performance and safety
2Ease of manufacture
If polymeric electrolytes are used to achieve ease of manufacture, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ionic mobility deteriorates at temperatures below 60°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from polymeric (flexible chain structure) to crystalline solid (ordered lattice structure). This parameter change enables the electrolyte to maintain high ionic mobility at room temperature while remaining manufacturable through standard solid-state battery fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a single-phase crystalline structure with specific local atomic arrangements that facilitate ion transport. The halogenated borate clusters form a structured lattice with channels or pathways optimized for ion mobility, achieving high performance at low temperatures without requiring polymeric flexibility
3Strength
If inorganic solid-state electrolytes are used to achieve mechanical stability, then mechanical stability is improved, but elasticity deteriorates (high elastic modulus)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical property parameters by selecting borate clusters with specific vertex configurations and halogen substitutions. These compositional changes result in a crystal structure that inherently possesses both mechanical stability and low elastic modulus, allowing the material to be mechanically robust while remaining soft and flexible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining metal cations with halogenated borate clusters to create a composite solid-state electrolyte. The interaction between the metal cations and the borate clusters creates a composite structure that achieves optimal mechanical properties, balancing stability and softness for practical battery applications
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 electrolytes exhibit superionic conductivity, high chemical compatibility with reactive anodes, and mechanical softness, enabling battery assembly at room temperature without degradation, with coulombic efficiency exceeding 99% and stability at high voltages.
Implementation Method 1
the ionic conductivity for a sulfide electrolyte can exceed 25 mS/cm... the inorganic solid state electrolyte has an elastic modulus less than 15 GPa and a coulombic efficiency of metal plating and stripping greater than 99%
Data Source
AI summary
An inorganic solid state electrolyte includes a metal cation selected from Li+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, or Al3+, and a single phase crystalline solution with a first borate cluster anion and at least one second borate cluster anion different than the first borate cluster anion. The first borate cluster anion and the at least one second borate cluster anion have the same number of vertices, but a different number of hydrogens exchanged with a halogen atom selected from F, Cl, Br, I, or a combination thereof. The inorganic solid state electrolyte also has an elastic modulus of less than 15 GPa and supports a coulombic efficiency of metal or alloy anode charging/discharging greater than 99%.