Li-Ion Battery Ionic Liquid Electrolyte for 100°C Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion batteries are not stable at high temperatures, leading to degradation, self-discharge acceleration, and potential catastrophic failures, limiting their use in harsh environments, while current high-temperature rechargeable batteries are scarce and require frequent replacements, resulting in high maintenance costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A lithium-ion battery design featuring thermally stable cathodes and anodes, a lithium salt-based room temperature ionic liquid electrolyte, and a high-temperature separator, allowing operation up to 100°C with low self-discharge and internal resistance, achieved through specific material compositions and manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional lithium-ion batteries are used, then they provide high energy density and long cycle life at room temperature, but they degrade and become unstable at high temperatures above 45°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by using ionic liquids instead of conventional organic carbonates, and modifies electrode materials with specific coatings and compositions. These parameter changes enable the battery to operate stably at temperatures up to 100°C without degradation, directly resolving the temperature-range limitation of conventional batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials including ionic liquid electrolytes combined with specific electrode materials (such as LiFePO4 cathodes and graphite anodes with surface treatments). These composite material systems provide both high-temperature stability and maintained energy density, overcoming the reliability issue at elevated temperatures.
2Temperature
If conventional organic liquid electrolytes are used, then they enable high ionic conductivity at room temperature, but they become flammable and decompose at temperatures above 50°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the electrolyte parameter from organic carbonates to ionic liquids, which have inherently higher thermal stability and non-flammable properties. This parameter change eliminates the fire hazard and decomposition issues while maintaining ionic conductivity through careful selection of ionic liquid compositions and additives.
Solution Approach 2:
Ionic liquids create an inherently safer, more stable electrochemical environment that is non-flammable and thermally stable. This inert-like environment prevents the harmful combustion and decomposition reactions that occur with conventional organic electrolytes at high temperatures.
3Temperature
If primary lithium-ion battery chemistries are used for high-temperature operation, then they can operate up to 100°C, but they require periodic replacements and cannot be recharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of both electrodes and electrolyte to enable reversible lithium ion insertion/extraction at high temperatures. Specifically, the ionic liquid electrolyte and thermally stable electrode materials allow the battery to be recharged up to 100°C, eliminating the need for replacement and enabling full rechargeable operation in harsh environments.
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 battery exhibits stable cyclability and low self-discharge at high temperatures, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact by providing a reliable, rechargeable alternative to primary batteries for extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte comprising a lithium salt and a room temperature ionic liquid
Implementation Method 2
a separator positioned between the cathode and the anode and having the electrolyte to either side of the separator
Data Source
AI summary
A high temperature Li-ion rechargeable battery capable of operating in the temperature range of 60 to 100° C. is disclosed. The Li-ion battery includes a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte in contact with the cathode and with the anode, and a separator positioned between the cathode and the anode and having the electrolyte to either side of the separator. The cathode includes one of LiFePO4 (LFP), a composition of LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC), a composition of LiNixCoyAl1-yO2 (NCA), and a composition of LiMnxNi2-xO4 (LMO/LMNO). The anode includes one of Li4Ti5O12 (LTO), graphite, Silicon, and a composite of silicon. The separator is one of polypropylene, quartz, and glass fiber. The electrolyte a Lithium salt and a solvent. The solvent is a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) with or without additives and/or diluents.