Lithiated MOF Electrolytes With Bound Solvent for Fast Li-Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lithiating metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are time-consuming and result in insufficient lithium loading, limiting their ionic conductivity and practical application in solid-state batteries.
Innovation Solution
A method for simpler and faster lithium loading of MOFs, achieving high lithiation levels and enhanced Li+-ion conductivity by using a lithiation buffer with controlled pH and lithium concentration, and binding solvent molecules to create a solid-liquid like interface, which can function as a solid electrolyte or additive in batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional lithiation methods are used on MOFs, then the process is simple to perform, but the lithium loading is insufficient and ionic conductivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the lithiation buffer solution to optimize lithium loading. By controlling the pH within specific ranges (e.g., pH 7-9 for UiO-66), the method achieves high lithium uptake (Li/Zr6 ratios of 2-7) while maintaining structural integrity, thereby improving both quantity and time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by binding solvent molecules (such as propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate) to the lithiated MOF structure. This composite approach enhances ionic conductivity by providing additional lithium ion transport pathways while maintaining the crystalline framework, achieving conductivity values up to 0.05 S/cm
2Reliability
If MOFs are used as solid electrolytes, then safety is improved by eliminating flammable liquids, but ionic conductivity is insufficient for practical battery applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous crystalline structure of MOFs to achieve high ionic conductivity while maintaining safety. The controlled porosity and defect sites in lithiated MOFs provide channels for lithium ion transport, achieving conductivity up to 0.05 S/cm, which is sufficient for practical battery applications while eliminating flammable liquid electrolytes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the MOF structure through lithiation and solvent binding. By adjusting the lithiation level (Li/Zr6 ratio) and binding appropriate solvent molecules, the ionic conductivity is enhanced by several orders of magnitude compared to non-lithiated MOFs, making them viable solid electrolyte candidates
3Quantity of substance
If high lithiation levels are achieved in MOFs, then ionic conductivity is enhanced, but the synthesis procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a lithiation buffer solution as an intermediary to achieve high lithium loading. The buffer (e.g., boric acid/borate, phosphoric acid/phosphate) mediates the lithiation process by controlling pH and providing a controlled release of lithium ions, preventing structural collapse while achieving high Li/Zr6 ratios (2-7) through a simple soaking procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary lithiation of the MOF structure before final assembly into the battery. By pre-lithiating the MOF in a buffer solution and then binding solvent molecules, the material is prepared in advance with optimal lithium content and conductivity, simplifying the overall battery manufacturing process
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 method achieves exceptionally high ionic conductivity in MOFs, with conductivity values ranging from 1×10−8 to 0.05 S/cm, enabling their use in rechargeable lithium batteries with improved performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
providing a lithiation buffer comprising a lithium containing compound and a buffer; contacting a metal organic framework structure with the lithiation buffer to lithiate the metal organic framework structure
Implementation Method 2
binding solvent molecules to create a solid-liquid like interface
Implementation Method 3
the resulting lithiated MOF materials have fast Li+-ion conductivity and can serve in various capacities, for example, in rechargeable lithium batteries
Data Source
AI summary
Lithiated metal organic frameworks, methods of manufacturing lithiated metal organic frameworks, for example, by binding a solvent molecule to the MOF structure to achieve a highly lithiated bound solvent metal organic framework having improved Li+-ion conductivity, and applications for use of the lithiated metal organic frameworks, for example, in various capacities in rechargeable lithium batteries.