Ionic-Side-Branch Polymer Gel Electrolyte for Conductivity and Self-Healing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymer gel electrolytes face a trade-off between mechanical robustness and ionic conductivity, limiting their performance in electrochemical devices, and there is a need for materials that can self-heal and maintain functionality under deformation.
Innovation Solution
A random copolymer with an ionic domain and non-ionic domain, combined with an ionic liquid, forms ion clusters that enable ultrafast self-healing and high mechanical strength, allowing for super-stretchable ion gels with rapid recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanically strong polymer gel electrolytes are used, then mechanical robustness is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The copolymer is segmented into distinct ionic domains and non-ionic domains. The ionic domains (containing cationic groups and anionic groups) are separated from the non-ionic polyolefin backbone, creating phase-separated structures. This segmentation allows the non-ionic backbone to provide mechanical strength while the ionic domains provide high ionic conductivity pathways, resolving the trade-off between mechanical robustness and ionic conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure within the copolymer molecule itself, combining hydrophobic polyolefin chains (for mechanical strength) with hydrophilic ionic domains (for ionic conductivity). The copolymer integrates multiple functional components at the molecular level, achieving both mechanical robustness and high ionic conductivity simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ion gels are stretched or deformed, then flexibility is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ionic clusters within the copolymer structure are dynamic and can reversibly form and break under mechanical stress. When the ion gel is stretched or deformed, the ionic clusters can dissociate and reform, allowing the material to undergo large deformations while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic behavior enables the ion gel to be super-stretchable while preventing permanent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic clusters act as pre-formed crosslinking points that provide structural support before deformation occurs. These clusters serve as a cushioning network that prevents catastrophic failure during stretching, allowing the material to absorb mechanical energy and then recover its original structure when the stress is removed.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional physically crosslinked ion gels are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but mechanical robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of crosslinking from physical (weak van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds) to chemical (strong covalent bonds between ionic groups). By forming covalent crosslinks through ionic interactions within the copolymer structure, the mechanical robustness is dramatically enhanced while the synthesis remains relatively straightforward through copolymerization reactions.
4Reliability
If self-healing capability is added to ion gels, then reliability under deformation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ion gel contains built-in ionic clusters that automatically perform the self-healing function without external intervention. When the material is damaged, the ionic clusters dynamically reorganize and reform crosslinks at the damage site, enabling autonomous repair. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external healing systems while maintaining reliability under deformation.
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 copolymer-based ion gels exhibit superior conductivity, self-heal within 1 minute with 90% recovery, and maintain stability through hundreds of deformation cycles, suitable for flexible and wearable electrochemical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a copolymer comprising an ionic domain and a non-ionic domain; and an ionic liquid, and having a plurality of ion clusters (ICs) formed as an ionic moiety of the ionic domain is bonded to the ionic liquid
Implementation Method 2
ion clusters (ICs) formed as an ionic moiety of the ionic domain is bonded to the ionic liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in the present specification is a high-performance self-healing polymer cell electrolyte comprising ionic side branches. The polymer gel electrolyte comprises: a copolymer comprising an ionic domain and a non-ionic domain; and an ionic liquid, and having a plurality of ion clusters (ICs) formed as an ionic moiety of the ionic domain is bonded to the ionic liquid.