Nanostructured Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Li-Ion Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gel polymer electrolytes for Li-ion batteries face challenges with mechanical robustness, ionic conductivity, reactivity with lithium, and solvent volatility, limiting their performance and recyclability.
Innovation Solution
A nanostructured gel polymer electrolyte comprising a conductive polymer phase and a structural polymer phase, formed by linear block copolymers, which provides high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength without cross-linking, using a liquid electrolyte with a solvent and salt, and a structural polymer phase with a bulk modulus greater than 1x10^6 Pa, enabling efficient ion flow and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cross-linking or thermosetting of the polymer matrix is used to achieve mechanical robustness, then mechanical strength is improved, but processibility and ionic conductivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer matrix into discrete domains separated by glassy polymer spacers. This segmentation allows the conductive domains to maintain ion flow pathways while the spacer domains provide mechanical strength, eliminating the need for cross-linking that would otherwise block processibility and reduce conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining glassy polymer spacers with conductive polymer domains. This composite approach integrates the mechanical strength of glassy polymers with the ionic conductivity of conductive polymer phases, achieving both robustness and processibility without cross-linking.
2Strength
If cross-linking is used to achieve mechanical robustness, then mechanical strength is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the matrix into conductive domains separated by glassy spacers, the patent preserves continuous ion flow pathways within the conductive domains while the spacers provide mechanical support. This avoids the conductivity reduction that occurs with cross-linking.
Solution Approach 2:
The glassy polymer spacers are strategically positioned between conductive domains to provide localized mechanical support without interfering with the ionic conductivity within the conductive domains. This local differentiation maintains high conductivity while achieving robustness.
3Reliability
If polymer electrolytes are swollen with liquid electrolyte to achieve adequate conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrolyte system into conductive domains (swollen with liquid electrolyte) and glassy polymer spacer domains. This allows the conductive domains to be sufficiently swollen for high ionic conductivity while the glassy spacers maintain mechanical properties by remaining less swollen.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the polymer matrix exhibit different swelling characteristics - the glassy polymer domains swell less and maintain mechanical strength, while the conductive domains swell more to achieve adequate ionic conductivity. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction.
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 nanostructured gel polymer electrolyte enhances energy density, thermal and environmental stability, reduces self-discharge rates, improves safety, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining mechanical integrity and recyclability.
Implementation Method 1
the first domain forming a conductive portion of the electrolyte material
Implementation Method 2
the structural polymer phase having a bulk modulus greater than 1x10^6 Pa
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Nanostructured gel polymer electrolytes that have both high ionic conductivity and high mechanical strength are disclosed. The electrolytes have at least two domains—one domain contains an ionically-conductive gel polymer and the other domain contains a rigid polymer that provides structure for the electrolyte. The domains are formed by block copolymers. The first block provides a polymer matrix that may or may not be conductive on by itself, but that can soak up a liquid electrolyte, thereby making a gel. An exemplary nanostructured gel polymer electrolyte has an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10−4 S cm−1 at 25° C.