Hydrolyzed Polymer Separator for High-Conductivity Battery Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional separators in energy storage devices face challenges with low ionic conductivity, swelling, and permeability to vanadium ions and hydrogen, leading to safety issues and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A separator is developed through hydrolysis of a resin film composed of non-hydrolyzable and hydrolyzable organic polymers, with specific functional groups and fillers, enhancing ionic conductivity and preventing ion permeation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional separator is used, then the basic separation function is provided, but the ion conductivity is insufficient and safety issues such as leakage and rupture occur
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is constructed as a composite material consisting of a non-hydrolyzable polymer base (such as polybenzimidazole) combined with a hydrolyzable polymer component. This composite structure provides both mechanical integrity and enhanced ionic conductivity through the hydrolyzable portion, resolving the contradiction between safety (reliability) and ion conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator utilizes parameter changes through hydrolysis - the hydrolyzable polymer component undergoes chemical transformation when exposed to moisture or water, changing from a less conductive state to a highly conductive ionic state. This dynamic parameter change allows the separator to achieve high ion conductivity while maintaining structural stability from the non-hydrolyzable base.
2Quantity of substance
If the separator structure is optimized for high ion conductivity, then ion transport is improved, but mechanical stability and resistance to rupture decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure with non-hydrolyzable polymer provides mechanical strength and structural stability, while the hydrolyzable polymer component provides the ionic conduction pathways. This division of functional roles within the composite material resolves the contradiction between mechanical stability and ion conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions or components of the separator have different properties - the non-hydrolyzable polymer regions provide mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the hydrolyzable polymer regions provide ionic conductivity. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous optimization of both mechanical stability and ion conductivity.
3Reliability
If the separator prevents ion permeability to improve safety, then leakage is reduced, but ion conductivity necessary for battery operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The separator exploits parameter changes through hydrolysis - initially having lower ion conductivity for safety, then transforming to high ion conductivity when hydrolyzed by moisture or water in the battery environment. This dynamic transformation allows the separator to provide both leakage prevention and necessary ion conductivity at different stages.
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 separator exhibits improved ionic conductivity, low swelling, and reduced permeability to vanadium ions and hydrogen, enhancing battery safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrolyzable organic polymer being hydrolyzable with treatment of at least one of an aqueous acid solution, an aqueous alkaline solution and pure water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a separator formed by hydrolysis of a resin film. The resin film comprises a non-hydrolyzable organic polymer; and a hydrolyzable organic polymer being hydrolyzable by treatment with at least one of an acid aqueous solution, an alkaline aqueous solution and pure water, wherein the content of the hydrolyzable organic polymer ranges from 10 parts by weight to 70 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the resin film. The separator of the present invention has good ion conductivity and thus, is extremely suitable for use in various types of batteries.