Functionalized Detection Materials for Lithium Electrolytes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack effective and stable materials for detecting alkaline elements, particularly cationic lithium, in liquid media like alkali metal-ion battery electrolytes, which is crucial for monitoring battery health and preventing degradation.

Innovation Solution

Development of functionalized polymers and inorganic materials with aromatic rings containing imine substituents and atoms bearing lone pairs, capable of complexing alkaline elements and undergoing optical changes such as absorbance or fluorescence for detection and quantification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional detection methods are used for alkaline elements, then detection can be performed, but the materials lack stability and effectiveness in liquid media such as battery electrolytes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection stabilityVSAvoidsuitability for liquid medium
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of detection materials by introducing specific functional groups (imine substituents and lone pair-bearing atoms) that change the material's properties to enable stable operation in liquid electrolyte media while maintaining detection effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials combining aromatic rings with imine substituents and lone pair-bearing atoms, creating a multifunctional material that provides both structural stability in liquid media and effective complexation capability for alkaline element detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If local lithium ion concentration measurement is implemented, then battery degradation can be monitored, but the complexity of the detection system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal lithium ion concentration measurementVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection material performs self-detection through intrinsic optical properties (absorbance or fluorescence changes) upon complexation with lithium ions, eliminating the need for complex external detection systems or multiple measurement components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or electrical detection systems with a chemical-optical detection mechanism where the material's optical properties change in response to lithium ion concentration, simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

These materials enable precise detection and quantification of alkaline elements, improving battery management by monitoring lithium ion concentration, thus preventing premature degradation and ensuring safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

by a mechanism involving complexation and a change in a given optical quantity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplexation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a change in a given optical quantity (for example, absorbance or fluorescence)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorbance: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a change in a given optical quantity (for example, absorbance or fluorescence)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3816152B1Specific materials used for the detection of at least one alkaline element
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

The invention relates to a material usable for the detection of at least one alkali element in cationic form chosen from polymers or inorganic materials, said material being functionalized by at least one group, referred to as group A, comprising one or more aromatic rings, the or all or part of said aromatic rings comprising at least one imine substituent and the or all or part of said aromatic rings comprising at least one atom bearing a lone pair within the or all or part of said rings and/or at least one other substituent other than an imine substituent comprising at least one atom bearing a lone pair.