Hybrid Solid-State Electrolyte Composition for Conductivity and Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state electrolytes face challenges in large-scale commercialization due to poor adhesion to electrodes and mechanical properties, leading to high bulk resistance and dendrite formation, with existing solutions compromising ionic conductivity when improving mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state electrolyte composition featuring ionically conductive inorganic particles in a non-ionically conductive polymer matrix with a cross-linked polymer network, which maintains high ionic conductivity while enabling dense, thin film formation through in-situ polymerization under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic solid-state electrolytes are used to achieve high ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but adhesion to electrodes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite solid-state electrolyte by combining inorganic ion-conductive particles (such as sulfide glasses) with an organic polymer matrix. This composite structure allows the inorganic particles to provide high ionic conductivity while the polymer matrix provides flexibility and adhesion to electrodes, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and adhesion.
2Reliability
If glass and ceramic solid-state conductors are used to achieve high ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines brittle inorganic solid-state conductors with flexible organic polymer materials to form a composite electrolyte. The polymer matrix provides mechanical flexibility and ductility while the inorganic particles maintain high ionic conductivity, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte system by introducing organic polymer components with specific molecular weights, glass transition temperatures, and functional groups. This allows tuning of mechanical properties while maintaining ionic conductivity through proper selection of polymer-inorganic particle interactions.
3Strength
If polymer binder is added to improve adhesion, then adhesion is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the organic polymer matrix as an intermediary between the inorganic ion-conductive particles and the electrodes. This intermediary polymer phase provides adhesion functionality while allowing ionic conduction through the inorganic particles, preventing direct contact between binder and ions that would block conduction pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functional qualities to different components: the inorganic particles are optimized for ionic conductivity while the organic polymer matrix is optimized for adhesion and mechanical properties. This local specialization allows each component to excel at its primary function without compromising the other.
4Reliability
If solid-state electrolytes are made into dense thin films to reduce resistance, then bulk resistance is improved, but processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the electrolyte by incorporating organic polymers that provide ductility and flexibility. This allows the electrolyte to be processed into dense thin films through conventional techniques without cracking or breaking, reducing bulk resistance while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 solution achieves high ionic conductivity and improved mechanical properties, allowing for efficient processing and adhesion to electrodes, preventing dendrite formation and enabling the use of lithium metal anodes and sulfur cathodes.
Implementation Method 1
initiating polymerization of the polymer matrix precursors while applying a pressure of at least 10 MPa to the mixture to form a polymer matrix
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods of forming solid-state ionically conductive composite materials that include particles of an inorganic phase in a matrix of an organic phase. The methods involve forming the composite materials from a precursor that is polymerized in-situ after being mixed with the particles. The polymerization occurs under applied pressure that causes particle-to-particle contact. In some embodiments, once polymerized, the applied pressure may be removed with the particles immobilized by the polymer matrix. In some implementations, the organic phase includes a cross-linked polymer network. Also provided are solid-state ionically conductive composite materials and batteries and other devices that incorporate them. In some embodiments, solid-state electrolytes including the ionically conductive solid-state composites are provided. In some embodiments, electrodes including the ionically conductive solid-state composites are provided.