Lithium Air Battery Electrolyte Evaporation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium air batteries face performance degradation due to electrolyte evaporation, leading to reduced battery capacity and lifespan, as well as reduced interfacial area between the positive electrode and electrolyte.
Innovation Solution
A lithium air battery design incorporating a lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte membrane with a first electrolyte comprising lithium ion conductive polymers, specific compounds, and lithium salts, which inhibits evaporation by forming a stable polymeric matrix, thereby maintaining effective ion migration and preventing electrolyte loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid electrolyte is used in lithium air battery, then ion conductivity is improved, but electrolyte evaporation occurs leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by incorporating lithium ion conductive polymers and specific compounds (Formula 1) to form a stable polymeric matrix. This parameter change eliminates evaporation while maintaining lithium ion conductivity, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining lithium ion conductive polymers, compounds of Formula 1, and lithium salts. This composite material approach integrates multiple functional components to achieve both high ion conductivity and evaporation resistance, solving the contradiction between performance stability and electrolyte loss.
2Productivity
If electrolyte is used to maintain interfacial area with positive electrode, then electrical characteristics are improved, but evaporation reduces interfacial area and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
By transforming the electrolyte into a solid polymeric matrix, the patent eliminates the evaporation issue that limits battery lifespan while preserving the electrical characteristics necessary for high discharge performance. This parameter change enables both improved productivity and extended duration of action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a stable, non-evaporating electrolyte system that eliminates the need for frequent electrolyte replacement or battery recharging due to evaporation, effectively extending the operational lifespan while maintaining high discharge performance.
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 solution effectively inhibits electrolyte evaporation, enhancing the battery's electrical characteristics, including improved discharge performance and extended lifespan by maintaining a stable interfacial area and ion conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrolyte comprising lithium ion conductive polymers, compounds represented by Formula 1 below, and lithium salts are included between the lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte membrane and the positive electrode
Implementation Method 2
Lithium air batteries include a negative electrode in which lithium ions are intercalatable and deintercalatable, a positive electrode including oxygen as a positive active material and a redox catalyst of oxygen, and a lithium ion conductive medium between the positive electrode and the negative electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A lithium air battery including an electrolyte including lithium ion conductive polymers and lithium salts between a positive electrode and a lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte membrane. The lithium ion conductive polymers are hydrophilic matrix polymers.