Molecular solid electrolyte and lithium metal battery containing the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal batteries face challenges with stability due to lithium dendrite formation and low coulombic efficiency, limiting their energy density and operational temperature range compared to lithium ion batteries.
Innovation Solution
A molecular solid electrolyte is developed using a non-aqueous organic solvent with specific structural features that allows phase change to a solid below the electrolyte's freezing point, forming a lattice structure with lithium transfer channels, which suppresses dendrite formation and enables stable lithium ion transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is used as a negative electrode to increase energy density, then the battery capacity increases significantly, but lithium dendrite formation occurs causing internal short circuits and stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by controlling temperature below the freezing point. This parameter change transforms the electrolyte into a solid phase that prevents dendrite formation while maintaining ionic conductivity through a structured lattice with lithium transfer channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the electrolyte from liquid to solid state. By operating below the freezing point, the electrolyte undergoes phase transition to form a solid lattice structure that allows controlled lithium ion transfer while suppressing dendrite growth, thus resolving the contradiction between capacity and stability
2Reliability
If the electrolyte is operated below its freezing point to form a solid structure, then lithium dendrite formation is suppressed, but the operational temperature range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately operates in the solid phase region below the freezing point, utilizing the phase transition property to achieve dendrite suppression. The solid lattice structure formed below freezing point provides controlled lithium ion pathways while preventing uncontrolled dendrite growth
3Reliability
If a solid electrolyte structure is formed to prevent dendrites, then battery stability improves, but ionic conductivity may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific lithium transfer channels within the solid lattice structure. While the overall electrolyte forms a rigid solid structure for stability, localized regions with appropriate spacing and arrangement of negatively charged atoms create conductive pathways that maintain high ionic conductivity for lithium ion transfer
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 molecular solid electrolyte enhances the stability and energy density of lithium metal batteries by maintaining ionic conductivity and lithium ion transference number, allowing operation below the freezing point and preventing degradation or short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the electrolyte solution undergoes a phase change to a solid below a freezing point of the electrolyte solution to form a lattice structure including a lithium transfer channel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a molecular solid electrolyte and a lithium metal battery including the same, the molecular solid electrolyte formed from an electrolyte solution including a non-aqueous organic solvent, and a lithium salt,wherein the non-aqueous organic solvent is a single solvent, in the molecule, at least one central atom selected from a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, and an atomic group consisting of these is contained, each of the central atoms are each independently linked to at least one oxygen atom; at least one sulfur atom; or a maximum distance between two adjacent negatively charged atoms among the oxygen atom, sulfur atom, and nitrogen atom located at or linked to the central atom is less than or equal to about 5 Å, andthe electrolyte solution undergoes a phase change to a solid below a freezing point of the electrolyte solution to form a lattice structure including a lithium transfer channel.