Hybrid Battery Electrolyte for Stable High-Energy Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cells face challenges in stability, cost, and energy density, which hinder their widespread adoption and effectiveness in mitigating climate change.
Innovation Solution
The development of a hybrid electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt, an aliphatic sulfone solvent, a fluorinated solvent, and an alkene carbonate additive, which enhances the stability and performance of lithium-ion and lithium metal battery cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional electrolytes are used in high energy battery cells, then the battery can operate at high energy density, but the stability and longevity of the battery cell deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite electrolyte system combining three distinct components: cyclic carbonate (EC), chain carbonate (DMC), and linear sulfone (DMOS). This composite approach allows the electrolyte to simultaneously achieve high energy density support and enhanced stability, as each component contributes different properties that complement each other in resolving the contradiction between energy density and reliability
2Quantity of substance
If advanced battery technologies are developed to increase energy density, then the energy storage capacity improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of each electrolyte component to achieve cost-effective manufacturing. Specifically, EC is used at 10-30 wt%, DMC at 40-70 wt%, and DMOS at 10-30 wt%, with lithium salt at 5-20 wt%. These parameter ranges balance performance requirements with manufacturing costs, avoiding overly complex or expensive formulations while maintaining high energy storage capacity
3Device complexity
If existing electrolyte formulations are used, then the battery cell structure remains simple, but the energy density and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrolyte into three functional components with distinct roles: EC provides high dielectric constant for lithium salt dissolution, DMC provides low viscosity for ion mobility, and DMOS provides chemical stability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively achieving high energy density without excessive overall complexity
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 proposed electrolyte improves the stability and energy density of battery cells, reduces costs, and enables the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase, thereby enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the batteries.
Implementation Method 1
enables the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase
Implementation Method 2
Battery cells are often used to store and discharge electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to an electrolyte for a battery cell such as a rechargeable battery cell and includes (i) an alkali metal salt, e.g., a lithium salt; (ii) a solvent including an aliphatic sulfone and can further include a fluorinated solvent; and (iii) an additive including an alkene carbonate. The electrolyte can enhance cell power performance, including at lower temperatures (such as −10° C. or lower) without sacrificing cycle life performance at high temperatures. The electrolyte can be included in a battery cell with a hybrid anode and advantageously can be configured with voltage cathode materials.