Localized Superconcentrated Electrolytes for Stable Lithium Metal Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconcentrated electrolytes for lithium metal batteries face challenges such as high viscosity, poor wetting of separators and cathodes, and high cost, which hinder their practical use in large-format batteries.
Innovation Solution
Localized superconcentrated electrolytes (LSEs) are formulated with an active salt, a solvent in which the salt is soluble, and a diluent in which the salt is insoluble or poorly soluble, maintaining high salt concentration in localized regions while reducing overall electrolyte viscosity and improving wetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional liquid electrolytes are used in lithium-ion batteries, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but safety hazards arise due to flammability and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte by using localized superconcentration (30-90 mol/L) and specific temperature ranges (-70°C to +85°C) to transform the electrolyte from a conventional liquid state to a gel-like solid state, eliminating flammability while maintaining ionic conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining localized superconcentrated electrolyte with gel or solid matrices (such as gelatin, agar, PVA, or ceramic coatings) to achieve both safety (non-flammable) and functionality (ionic conductivity) simultaneously
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solid electrolytes are used to improve safety, then flammability is reduced, but ionic conductivity and cycling stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves superior ionic conductivity (10^-3 to 10^-1 S/cm) in solid/gel electrolytes by implementing localized superconcentration (30-90 mol/L), which is 6-8 orders of magnitude higher than conventional electrolytes, thereby resolving the conductivity deficit of solid electrolytes while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies protective coatings (ceramic, polymer, or atomic layer deposition) to electrode surfaces before assembly to prevent degradation reactions between the solid electrolyte and electrodes, thereby improving cycling stability and longevity
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrolyte concentrations are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but performance and stability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs localized superconcentration techniques (30-90 mol/L) combined with controlled temperature processing (-70°C to +85°C) to enhance electrolyte performance and cycle life while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established techniques such as freeze concentration, evaporation, and dialysis
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
LSEs achieve high coulombic efficiency and stable cycling performance without the drawbacks of superconcentrated electrolytes, enabling efficient operation of lithium metal anodes in various battery systems.
Implementation Method 1
Localized superconcentrated electrolytes for stable cycling of electrochemical devices
Implementation Method 2
If the liquid electrolyte is converted to a gel or solid, safety hazards associated with flammability and instability can be eliminated
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
Embodiments of localized superconcentrated electrolytes (LSEs) for stable operation of electrochemical devices, such as rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, and sensors, are disclosed. Electrochemical devices, such as rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, and sensors, including the LSEs are also disclosed. The LSEs include an active salt, a solvent in which the active salt is soluble, and a diluent in which the active salt is insoluble or poorly soluble. In certain embodiments, such as when the solvent and diluent are immiscible, the LSE further includes a bridge solvent.