Mixed Composite Solid State Electrolyte for Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid polymer electrolyte-based electrochemical cells require high operating temperatures, which is a barrier for large-scale implementation, and ceramic electrolyte-based cells have higher internal resistance affecting power capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A solid state electrolyte comprising a mixture of ionically conductive polymer and ceramic material, with specific weight ratios and particle size distributions, is used to enhance ion conductivity and reduce operating temperature, allowing for improved power capabilities at room temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid polymer electrolyte is used, then inherent safety is improved and weight is reduced, but operating temperature requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a solid polymer electrolyte layer and a porous ceramic layer. The ceramic layer provides ion conduction pathways that remain active at lower temperatures, complementing the polymer layer's safety and weight advantages. This composite approach allows the battery to maintain inherent safety while reducing the operating temperature requirement through the ceramic's thermal stability and ion conductivity at ambient conditions.
2Temperature
If ceramic electrolyte is used, then operating temperature is reduced, but internal resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure combines the low-temperature ion conduction capability of ceramic with the high ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolyte. The porous ceramic layer enables operation at reduced temperatures while the polymer layer provides efficient ion transport pathways that mitigate the internal resistance issue, thereby maintaining power capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous ceramic layer provides a high surface area with numerous ion conduction pathways. This porous structure reduces the effective resistance by offering multiple parallel routes for ion transport, compensating for the inherently higher resistance of ceramic materials while enabling operation at lower temperatures.
3Device complexity
If solid polymer electrolyte is used, then separator function is integrated, but device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated composite structure combines separator and electrolyte functions in a single layered assembly. The porous ceramic layer serves as both the separator preventing electrode contact and the electrolyte providing ion conduction. This integration simplifies the overall device structure while the standardized layering process establishes clear manufacturing specifications for achieving the required precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous ceramic layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical separator to prevent electrode short circuits, provides ion conduction pathways for electrochemical reactions, and offers thermal stability. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying device complexity while defining specific manufacturing requirements for the ceramic layer's porosity and thickness.
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 solid state electrolyte composite enables electrochemical cells to operate closer to room temperature with enhanced ion conductivity and structural integrity, balancing power performance and temperature requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the ionically conductive ceramic material has a median particle size that is less than or equal to 40 percent of the film thickness
Implementation Method 2
a solid state electrolyte includes a mixture of an ionically conductive polymer that is interspersed with an ionically conductive ceramic material
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell includes a solid state material that functions as an electrolyte and a separator within the electrode assembly. The solid state material is a mixture of a polymer that is interspersed with an ionically conductive ceramic material.