In-Situ Polymer Electrolyte for Dendrite-Safe Lithium Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion batteries face safety issues due to uncontrolled lithium dendrite formation and low ionic conductivity in solid polymer electrolytes, which hinder their application in high-energy-density storage systems.
Innovation Solution
In-situ polymerization of a polymer electrolyte using unsaturated carbonated ester monomers and trimethylolpropane ethoxylate triacrylate forms a robust polymer skeleton, combined with a lithium salt and optional organic solvent, to create a gel or solid polymer electrolyte with improved mechanical strength and ionic conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid polymer electrolyte is used to suppress lithium dendrite growth, then safety is improved, but ionic conductivity at room temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polymer electrolyte with porous cellulose substrate to create a hybrid structure that leverages the mechanical strength of the polymer for dendrite suppression while the porous cellulose provides pathways for ion transport, thereby improving ionic conductivity without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous cellulose as the substrate for the polymer electrolyte. The porous structure provides three-dimensional ion transport channels that reduce ion transmission resistance and improve ionic conductivity while maintaining the mechanical integrity needed for dendrite suppression
2Strength
If traditional preparation process of polymer electrolyte is used, then mechanical strength is improved, but solvent consumption and process complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs in-situ polymerization where the polymer electrolyte is synthesized directly within the battery structure using monomers and initiators placed in the battery before assembly. The polymerization reaction occurs automatically when heated during battery formation, eliminating the need for separate coating and drying processes and reducing solvent consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and chemical composition parameters by using monomer solutions that polymerize in-situ. The process transforms liquid monomers into solid polymer structures through thermal initiation, achieving strong mechanical properties without requiring traditional solvent-based coating processes
3Quantity of substance
If thinner cellulose membrane is used, then lithium ion transmission resistance is reduced, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where thin cellulose membrane is reinforced with polymer electrolyte. The polymer fills the porous structure of the cellulose, providing mechanical strength to the thin membrane while the porous cellulose framework maintains low ion transmission resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the structure: the cellulose substrate provides the porous framework for ion transport in thinner regions, while the polymer electrolyte provides mechanical reinforcement. This local differentiation allows thin membranes to maintain both low resistance and adequate strength
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 resulting polymer electrolyte exhibits superior cycle performance, wider electrochemical stability window, and inhibits lithium dendrite formation, enhancing safety and performance in lithium metal batteries.
Implementation Method 1
In-situ polymerization of a polymer electrolyte using unsaturated carbonated ester monomers and trimethylolpropane ethoxylate triacrylate forms a robust polymer skeleton
Data Source
AI summary
Monomers for preparing a polymer electrolyte precursor composition capable to form an in-situ polymerized polymer electrolyte, which comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of A1) a first monomer and A2) a second monomer. A polymer electrolyte precursor raw material composition, a polymer electrolyte precursor composition capable to form a polymer electrolyte comprising the monomers, a polymer electrolyte and an electrochemical device are also provided.