HFC Electrolyte Composition for Nonflammable Li-Ion Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) deployed in consumer electronics and energy storage systems pose a high fire risk due to the flammability of their electrolytes, which can lead to fires and explosions.

Innovation Solution

A nonflammable electrolyte composition comprising a hydrofluorocarbon solvent with a specific structure (CxHyFz) and a z:y ratio of 2:1 to 10:1, along with an active salt, is used to replace conventional flammable electrolytes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional carbonate electrolytes are used in lithium-ion batteries, then good electrochemical performance is achieved, but high flammability and fire risk occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidflammability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by introducing hydrofluorocarbon compounds with specific molecular structures (CxHyFz where x=4-10, y=1-10, z=5-20, and z:y ratio=2:1 to 10:1). This parameter change transforms the electrolyte from flammable carbonate-based to nonflammable HFC-based, achieving flash point of at least 93°C while maintaining electrochemical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite electrolyte system by combining hydrofluorocarbon compounds with active salts (such as lithium salts). This composite material approach integrates the nonflammable properties of HFCs with the electrochemical functionality of salts, achieving both safety and performance requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If flammable solvents like ether or acetonitrile are used in nonaqueous redox flow batteries, then good solubility and electrochemical activity are achieved, but high flammability risk occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidfire hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by substituting flammable solvents (ether, acetonitrile) with hydrofluorocarbon compounds having specific molecular parameters (CxHyFz with z:y ratio of 2:1 to 10:1). This changes the fundamental safety parameter from flammable to nonflammable while preserving the solvent's ability to dissolve active materials and support electrochemical reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If localized high concentrated electrolyte with fluoroether is used in lithium metal batteries, then low flammability is achieved, but low flash point remains a problem

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflammabilityVSAvoidflash point

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the solvent parameter from fluoroether to hydrofluorocarbon compounds with specific molecular structures (CxHyFz). This parameter change raises the flash point from low (as in fluoroether) to at least 93°C, simultaneously achieving both low flammability and high flash point requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12548798B2Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based safe electrolyte for secondary batteries

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 BATTELLE MEMORIAL INST

AI summary

An electrolyte composition comprising a solution comprising an active salt; and a solvent portion that comprises a first solvent and a second solvent, wherein the first solvent is a hydrofluorocarbon compound having a structure of CxHyFz, wherein x is from 4 to 10, y is from 1 to 10, z is from 5 to 20, and the z:y ratio is from 2:1 to 10:1.