Hybrid Electrolyte Nanoparticles for Battery Ionic Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid electrolytes for lithium and sodium secondary batteries face challenges with mechanical properties, ionic conductivity, and concentration polarization due to ambipolar conductivity, which limits their performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-free nanoscale organic hybrid material is developed where the anion of a lithium or sodium salt is covalently grafted onto inorganic nanoparticles, preventing anion mobility and enhancing mechanical properties without the need for cross-linking, while maintaining high ionic conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polymer electrolytes are used to improve mechanical properties and compliance with volume changes, then mechanical strength is improved, but ionic conductivity decreases and operation requires temperatures above room temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining inorganic nanoparticles (providing mechanical strength and thermal stability) with organic polymer matrices (providing ionic conductivity and flexibility). This composite structure allows the electrolyte to maintain both mechanical integrity and high ionic conductivity at room temperature, resolving the contradiction between strength and conductivity.
2Strength
If cross-linking is applied to improve mechanical resistance, then mechanical strength is improved, but thermal motion of chains decreases and conductivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing cross-linking only at specific locations (at the nanoparticle-polymer interface) rather than throughout the entire polymer matrix. This localized cross-linking provides mechanical reinforcement where needed while preserving the thermal motion and ionic conductivity of the bulk polymer chains.
3Strength
If conventional polymer electrolytes are used, then mechanical properties are improved, but ambipolar conductivity causes concentration polarization and reduces power capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anions from the mobile phase by immobilizing them on the nanoparticle surfaces through coordination or covalent bonding. This leaves only the cations as mobile charge carriers, eliminating ambipolar conductivity and the associated concentration polarization effects that harm battery performance.
4Reliability
If inorganic solid electrolytes are used to improve safety and electrochemical stability, then reliability is improved, but brittleness increases and cracks form during volume changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible polymer matrices that can accommodate volume changes during battery operation. The polymer electrolyte forms a flexible shell around the inorganic nanoparticles, allowing the material to deform without cracking while maintaining the electrochemical stability provided by the inorganic components.
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
This approach results in improved mechanical stability, reduced concentration polarization, and enhanced ionic conductivity, effectively addressing the limitations of existing electrolytes and ensuring safer and more efficient battery operation.
Implementation Method 1
a nanoparticulate organic hybrid material comprising an inorganic nanoparticle covalently grafted with at least one anion of an organic lithium or sodium salt through a linker group
Implementation Method 2
These materials are used in combination with a suitable lithium salt... Conductivity levels sufficient for battery operation (10−5-10−3 S·cm−1) are only obtained above room temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A nanoparticulate organic hybrid material comprising inorganic nanoparticles covalently grafted with at least one anion of an organic sodium or lithium salt is provided. In addition, a process for preparing the nanoparticulate organic hybrid material and its use in the preparation of electrolytes suitable for lithium and sodium secondary batteries are provided.