Non-Flammable Battery Electrolyte for Graphene Electrode Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lithium-ion batteries using carbonate electrolytes are flammable, posing a significant fire hazard, and alternative non-flammable solvents result in lower energy and power densities due to incompatibility with electrode materials like graphene.

Innovation Solution

A lithium ion energy storage device with a fire-resistant electrolyte comprising lactone, such as gamma-butyrolactone, and additives like lithium bis(oxalato) borate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, and 1,3-Dioxol-2-one, combined with graphene or reduced graphene oxide electrodes, to achieve high energy and power densities while preventing ignition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If carbonate electrolytes are used in lithium-ion batteries, then high energy and power densities are achieved, but the batteries become flammable and pose fire hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidflammability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by replacing carbonate solvents with lactone-based solvents (gamma-butyrolactone, delta-valerolactone) and fluorinated ethers, fundamentally altering the flammability characteristics while maintaining ionic conductivity for high energy density operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite electrolyte formulations combining multiple non-flammable solvents (lactones, fluorinated ethers) with lithium salts (LiBF4, LiPF6) and cyclic carbonate additives (VC, FEC) to achieve both fire resistance and high energy density, creating a multi-component system that leverages the complementary properties of each ingredient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-flammable solvents such as ionic liquids and fluoroethers are used, then fire resistance is improved, but energy and power densities decrease due to incompatibility with electrode materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cyclic carbonate additives (vinylene carbonate VC and fluoroethylene carbonate FEC) as intermediary substances that mediate between the non-flammable lactone/fluorinated ether solvents and the electrode materials, forming protective interface layers that prevent direct harmful interactions while maintaining electrochemical performance and high energy density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the concentration ratios of different solvent components (lactones, fluorinated ethers, cyclic carbonates) to achieve the right balance between fire resistance and energy density, adjusting physical and chemical parameters such as viscosity, dielectric constant, and ionic conductivity to maximize performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-flammable solvents are used, then fire resistance is improved, but power density decreases due to incompatibility with graphene electrodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidpower density

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses cyclic carbonate additives (VC, FEC) as intermediary substances that form protective interface layers on graphene electrodes, preventing direct contact between non-flammable solvents and electrode materials, thereby maintaining high ionic conductivity and electrochemical activity for high power density while preserving fire resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device provides superior energy and power densities with fire resistance, suitable for electric vehicles, and withstands internal short circuits and overheating, ensuring safety and stability across various weather conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a fire resistant electrolyte comprising lactone... confirmed through nail penetration testing... resistance to igniting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFire resistance:

Implementation Method 2

lithium ion energy storage device... high energy and power densities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250329777A1Non-flammable electrolyte for energy storage devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 NANOTECH ENERGY INC

AI summary

Provided herein are energy storage devices high energy and power densities, cycle life, and safety. In some embodiments, the energy storage device comprise a non-flammable electrolyte that eliminate and/or reduce fire hazards for improved battery safety, with improved electrode compatibility with electrode materials.