Non-aqueous Ion Conductive Gel for Lithium Battery Electrolyte
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid electrolytes for lithium secondary batteries face challenges with low ionic conductivity, low lithium ion transference number, and weak mechanical strength, limiting their performance and stability.
Innovation Solution
A non-aqueous freestanding ion conductive gel is developed, comprising a hydrophobic polymer matrix, a hydrophilic ionic liquid domain, and a surface-active ionic liquid layer, forming a bi-continuous structure with controlled ion channel thickness, which includes lithium salts, and is prepared through photopolymerization of a microemulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If gel-type solid polymer electrolytes are used, then stability is improved, but ionic conductivity and lithium ion transference number are low and mechanical strength is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a hydrophobic polymer matrix and a hydrophilic ionic liquid domain, creating a bi-continuous phase system. This composite material approach allows the electrolyte to simultaneously achieve high stability from the polymer matrix and high ionic conductivity from the ionic liquid domain, resolving the contradiction between stability and ionic conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates distinct regions with different properties: the hydrophobic polymer matrix provides mechanical strength and stability, while the hydrophilic ionic liquid domains provide high ionic conductivity. This local differentiation of material properties allows each region to optimize its function, resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and ionic conductivity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If gel-type solid polymer electrolytes are used, then stability is improved, but mechanical strength is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-continuous phase composite structure combines the mechanical strength of the hydrophobic polymer matrix with the functional properties of the hydrophilic ionic liquid domain. The polymer matrix provides the structural framework and mechanical integrity, while the ionic liquid domains are distributed throughout to provide conductivity without compromising overall mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
By localizing the ionic liquid domains within the polymer matrix structure, the invention maintains mechanical strength in the continuous polymer phase while concentrating ionic conductivity in the dispersed hydrophilic domains. This spatial separation of functions resolves the contradiction between mechanical strength and ionic conductivity.
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 gel exhibits high ionic conductivity, high lithium ion transference number, and excellent mechanical strength, making it suitable for lithium secondary batteries and other energy storage devices, while avoiding the use of water, thus enhancing stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a non-aqueous freestanding bi-continuous ion conductive gel obtained by photopolymerizing an ionic liquid and a non-aqueous microemulsion from which water is removed
Implementation Method 2
a surface active layer including an ionic liquid having surface activity, in which a portion of a hydrophobic segment in a chain of the ionic liquid having surface activity is positioned in the matrix, and a portion of a hydrophilic segment in the chain is positioned in the domain
Implementation Method 3
a matrix including a hydrophobic polymer formed through polymerization of monomers having an unsaturated double-bond
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are a non-aqueous freestanding ion conductive gel for application to an electrolyte of a lithium secondary battery and a preparation method thereof. The non-aqueous freestanding ion conductive gel including: a matrix including a hydrophobic polymer famed through polymerization of monomers having an unsaturated double-bond; a domain dispersed in the matrix and including a hydrophilic ionic liquid; and a surface active layer including an ionic liquid having surface activity, in which a portion of a hydrophobic segment in a chain of the ionic liquid having surface activity is positioned in the matrix, and a portion of a hydrophilic segment in the chain is positioned in the domain. The gel has high ionic conductivity, high lithium ion transference number, and excellent mechanical strength. The gel can be used as an electrolyte of a lithium