Cross-Linked Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Safer Li-Ion Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion batteries face safety concerns due to high flammability and volatility of traditional carbonate-based electrolytes, which limits their thermal and electrochemical stability, and there is a need for improved ionic conductivity and mechanical strength in next-generation batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
Innovation Solution
A polymerizable ionic liquid (IL) monomer formulation is developed, incorporating functional groups capable of interacting with lithium ions and reactive polymerizable groups for crosslinking, combined with a lithium ion conducting salt, plasticizer, and cross-linker, to form a solid polymer electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity and thermal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional carbonate-based electrolytes are used, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but flammability and volatility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by incorporating ionic liquids with specific cation-anion combinations, transforming the electrolyte from flammable carbonate-based to non-flammable ionic liquid-based while maintaining ionic conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining ionic liquid components with specific functional groups, integrating multiple materials (cations, anions, plasticizers) to achieve both thermal stability and ionic conductivity simultaneously
2Strength
If cross-linking is increased to improve mechanical strength, then structural stability improves, but ionic conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different cross-linking density within the polymer matrix, allowing areas with sufficient mechanical strength while maintaining channels with higher ionic conductivity for ion transport
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the cross-linking degree parameter to a specific range that balances mechanical strength and ionic conductivity, avoiding excessive cross-linking that would block ion transport pathways
3Stability of the object's composition
If polymerizable functional groups are added to improve stability, then thermal stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multifunctional ionic liquid components that simultaneously provide thermal stability, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability, reducing the need for multiple separate additives and simplifying the overall formulation
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 solid polymer electrolyte exhibits improved ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, addressing safety concerns and expanding the operational temperature range of lithium-based batteries, making them suitable for electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
Implementation Method 1
a polymerizable ionic liquid (IL) monomer containing at least one functional group capable of interacting with lithium ions
Implementation Method 2
a reactive polymerizable functional group capable of crosslinking the monomer
Data Source
AI summary
A solid polymer electrolyte including a cross-linked ionic liquid (IL) matrix having functional group capable of interacting with lithium ions; polymerizable PEM formulations containing polymerizable ionic liquid (IL) materials (monomers) having functional group capable of interacting with lithium ions and a reactive polymerizable functional group capable of crosslinking; electrolytes prepared from a polymerizable formulation including a lithium conducting salt, a plasticizer, a cross-linker, and a polymerizable IL compound that contains at least one functional group capable of interacting with lithium ions and a reactive polymerizable functional group capable of crosslinking; electrochemical cells containing the electrolytes incorporating these solid PEMs containing the polymerized ionic liquid (IL) materials; and methods thereof are disclosed.