Multilayer Solid-State Electrolyte for Wider Battery Voltage Windows
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state electrolytes in batteries suffer from poor electrochemical and chemical stability, leading to narrow operational voltage windows and incompatibility with lithium metal anodes, restricting their application in high-voltage systems.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer solid-state electrolyte structure is employed, comprising different electrolyte materials for the anode and cathode, with an interlayer in between, to expand the operational voltage window and enable compatibility with lithium metal anodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single solid-state electrolyte material is used, then the battery structure is simple, but the operational voltage window is narrow and compatibility with lithium metal anodes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The solid-state electrolyte is divided into multiple layers, each with different material compositions optimized for specific voltage ranges. The first solid-state electrolyte layer contacts the anode and is optimized for low-voltage stability, while the second solid-state electrolyte layer contacts the cathode and is optimized for high-voltage stability, allowing each layer to perform its function within its optimal voltage range
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrolyte system are assigned different material properties: the first electrolyte layer near the anode has materials selected for electrochemical stability at low potentials, while the second electrolyte layer near the cathode has materials selected for stability at high potentials, creating local optimization throughout the electrolyte structure
2Use of energy by moving object
If high-voltage cathode materials are used, then energy density increases, but electrochemical stability decreases due to narrow voltage window
Solution Approach 1:
The first solid-state electrolyte layer acts as an intermediary between the lithium metal anode and the multilayer electrolyte structure, providing a stable interface that prevents direct contact and reactions between the anode and higher-voltage electrolyte layers, thereby protecting the system from electrochemical instability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte system uses composite material construction with at least two different solid-state electrolyte materials having different electrochemical stability characteristics, combining materials that are individually stable at different voltage ranges to create a unified structure that maintains stability across the entire operating voltage range
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 multilayer electrolyte design provides a wider operational voltage range, enabling high-voltage applications and compatibility with lithium metal anodes, enhancing battery performance and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The electrolyte facilitates the movement of lithium ions between the anode and cathode during charge and discharge
Implementation Method 2
the first low-voltage solid-state electrolyte includes a material that is electrochemically stable at a voltage measured relative to a lithium electrode reference that is below 2.5 V
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include a solid-state battery with a multilayer solid-state electrolyte. An exemplary vehicle includes an electric motor and a battery pack electrically coupled to the electric motor. The battery pack includes a battery cell that includes an anode current collector and a composite anode layer having an anode active material embedded with a first low-voltage solid-state electrolyte. The battery pack includes a cathode current collector and a composite cathode layer having a cathode active material embedded with a first high-voltage solid-state electrolyte. A multilayer solid-state electrolyte is between the composite anode layer and the composite cathode layer. The multilayer solid-state electrolyte includes a second low-voltage solid-state electrolyte, a second high-voltage solid-state electrolyte, and an interlayer solid-state electrolyte directly between the second low-voltage solid-state electrolyte and the second high-voltage solid-state electrolyte.