Molten Lithium-Sulfur Battery Solid Electrolyte Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional molten salt-based lithium-sulfur batteries face limitations in energy density, safety due to electrolyte leakage and thermal runaway, and restricted temperature range, which hinders power output and rechargeability.
Innovation Solution
A molten lithium-sulfur battery using a solid electrolyte and metal foam as a binder, support, and conductor, with a molten salt film to reduce interfacial resistance, allowing operation from room temperature to the boiling point of sulfur, thus preventing electrolyte leakage and enabling rechargeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a molten salt electrolyte is used in a lithium-sulfur battery, then the battery can operate at high temperature with good ionic conductivity, but the electrolyte may leak and cause safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid (molten salt) to solid (solid electrolyte), fundamentally altering the parameter of electrolyte state to eliminate leakage while maintaining ionic conductivity through material selection and temperature optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials including solid electrolyte, metal foam, and sulfur cathode to create a multi-component system that combines the advantages of different materials: solid electrolyte for non-leakage, metal foam for conductivity and structure, and sulfur for high capacity
2Power
If the operating temperature is increased to improve power output, then the ionic conductivity increases, but the risk of thermal runaway and explosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the operating temperature parameter to a moderate range (room temperature to 445°C) that balances ionic conductivity and safety, avoiding the extreme high temperatures that cause thermal runaway while maintaining sufficient power output through solid electrolyte material selection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the operating temperature is decreased to improve safety, then the risk of thermal runaway decreases, but the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs solid electrolyte composite materials that maintain high ionic conductivity across a wide temperature range, including at lower temperatures where molten salt electrolytes would fail, thus enabling safe low-temperature operation with preserved power output
4Device complexity
If a conventional molten salt electrolyte is used, then the battery structure is simple, but the usable temperature range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte from liquid to solid state, which fundamentally expands the usable temperature range from limited high-temperature operation to a broad range from room temperature up to 445°C, while maintaining relatively simple battery structure
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 electrolyte and metal foam configuration enhances ionic conductivity, increases power output, and extends the usable temperature range, minimizing the need for chemical heat sources and thermal insulators, resulting in a more efficient, safer, and rechargeable battery design.
Implementation Method 1
the ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte is lower than that of the liquid electrolyte in such a low operating temperature range
Implementation Method 2
a metal foam including lithium or a lithium alloy, as an anode active material, and sulfur or metal sulfide, as a cathode active material, is used as a support and a current collector
Implementation Method 3
the only elements that actually participate in the electrochemical reaction are lithium of the anode and sulfur (S) of the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a lithium-sulfur battery and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a molten salt-based lithium-sulfur battery and a method of manufacturing the same, in which a metal foam including lithium or a lithium alloy, as an anode active material, and sulfur or metal sulfide, as a cathode active material, is used as a support and a current collector, and a solid-state electrolyte is used to thus improve energy density and power output characteristics.