Hybrid Solid-State Electrolyte Composition for Higher Ionic Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion batteries have limited energy storage capacity and high production costs, making them unsuitable for competing with combustion engines in terms of range and safety, particularly in the automotive sector.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing a conductive composite material for batteries, involving the use of an ion-conducting electrolyte matrix with plasticizable substances and ion-conducting particles, homogenized through kneading, extruding, or rolling, without the use of solvents, to create a hybrid electrolyte with ceramic particles for enhanced conductivity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If classical lithium-ion batteries are used to achieve high energy density, then energy storage capacity is improved, but production costs increase and the energy storage remains too small for automotive applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining ceramic particles (such as lithium phosphate, lithium silicate, or lithium aluminate) with polymer electrolyte matrix to create a hybrid solid-state electrolyte. This composite structure enables the battery to achieve higher energy density and improved safety characteristics while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of abundant ceramic materials rather than rare expensive components.
2Quantity of substance
If more energy is stored in the battery to compete with combustion engines in terms of range, then energy storage capacity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to the limitations of classical lithium-ion batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the electrolyte state from liquid to solid by incorporating ceramic particles into a polymer matrix. This parameter change eliminates the safety risks associated with liquid electrolytes (fire hazards, leakage) while enabling higher energy storage capacity. The solid-state hybrid electrolyte maintains structural integrity even at high energy densities, thus improving safety.
3Quantity of substance
If the energy storage capacity is increased beyond current lithium-ion limits, then range is improved, but the battery design space and weight are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrolyte into two functional components: a polymer matrix providing flexibility and ion conductivity, and ceramic particles providing structural stability and safety. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently, enabling higher energy storage capacity without compromising the overall battery design flexibility or increasing weight excessively.
4Quantity of substance
If classical lithium-ion batteries are used to achieve high energy density, then energy storage is improved, but the batteries are near their maximum theoretical energy density with only extremely limited further increase possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte state parameter from liquid to solid-hybrid, which fundamentally alters the energy density characteristics. This parameter change opens up new scalability potential because the solid-state hybrid electrolyte can accommodate higher concentrations of active materials and enables new electrode configurations that are not possible with liquid electrolytes, thus providing pathways for further energy storage increases beyond current lithium-ion limits.
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 method results in a conductive composite material with increased ionic conductivity, enabling higher power capacity and reduced production costs, while maintaining mechanical flexibility and stability against lithium dendrites.
Implementation Method 1
homogenizing of the mixture. The homogenizing of the mixture is produced by means of at least one method selected from the following list: kneading, extruding, and/or rolling by using a homogenizing device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a conductive composite material for a battery such as a solid-state battery includes providing an ion-conducting electrolyte matrix that can be plasticized and that includes an ion-conducting first substance a base substance that can be plasticized and/or a polyelectrolyte; providing a second ion-conducting substance in the form of ion-conducting particles; introducing the ion-conducting particles into the electrolyte matrix to produce a mixture consisting of the ion-conducting particles and the electrolyte matrix; and homogenizing the mixture.