Mixed Ionic Electronic Conductor Battery Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current battery materials face challenges in achieving a balance between ionic and electronic conductivity, stability, and energy density, with existing solutions like PEDOT:PSS systems being unstable and having suboptimal ionic conductivity.

Innovation Solution

A battery electrode material composed of a charge-conducting radical polymer, poly[poly(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate] (PPEGMA), and lithium salts, which forms a mixed ionic and electronic conductor with a specific ratio of [Li+]:[O], allowing for simultaneous ionic and electronic conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional electrode materials are used, then structural stability is maintained, but energy density deteriorates due to required conductive and binder materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges previously separate functional components (conductive additive, binder, and electrolyte) into a single integrated composite material. By combining PEDOT:PSS and PEO electrolyte into one material system, the patent eliminates redundant components and reduces the total volume required for non-active materials, thereby increasing energy density while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite material performs multiple functions simultaneously: electron conduction, ion conduction, and structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conductive additives and binders, reducing the proportion of non-active materials in the electrode and increasing the fraction of active materials, thus improving energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If existing mixed conductor materials are used, then both ionic and electronic conductivity are achieved, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixed conductivityVSAvoidmaterial stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials to achieve both ionic and electronic conductivity while maintaining stability. The PEDOT:PSS component provides stable electronic conductivity, while the PEO-based polymer electrolyte provides stable ionic conductivity. The composite structure allows each component to maintain its stability characteristics while contributing its specific conductivity function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 material achieves high ionic and electronic conductivity across a wide temperature range, reducing the need for conductive and binder materials, thereby increasing energy density and stability in battery applications.

Implementation Method 1

a charge-conducting radical polymer... electronic conductivity at room temperature of at least about 10−3 S/cm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectronic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

poly[poly(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate] (PPEGMA)... a lithium salt... ionic conductivity at room temperature of at least about 10−4 S/cm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11335902B1Polymer blends having mixed electronic and ionic conductive properties

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A battery electrode material includes a composition of (A) a charge-conducting radical polymer, (B) poly[poly(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate] (PPEGMA); and (A) a lithium salt, the composition being a mixed ionic and electronic conductor with ionic conductivity at room temperature of at least about 10−4 S/cm and electronic conductivity of at least about 10−3 S/cm.