Functionalized Optical Fiber for In Situ Battery Electrolyte Lithium Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for measuring lithium concentration in battery electrolytes are limited by their inability to perform in situ or operando measurements, require disassembly of the battery, and are expensive, making it difficult to monitor lithium concentration in real-time for optimizing battery performance and health.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber is functionalized by grafting probe groups and organic cations onto its surface, allowing for stable, real-time measurement of lithium concentration in the electrolyte without disrupting battery operation. The organic cations protect the probes from self-condensation, maintaining sensitivity over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement techniques (XANES, NMR, XRD, etc.) are used to measure lithium concentration, then measurement capability is achieved, but in situ/operando measurement is not possible and disassembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
An optical fiber sensor acts as an intermediary device that can be inserted into the battery electrolyte to measure lithium concentration in situ. The sensor comprises an optical fiber with a functionalized surface containing chelating groups that selectively bind lithium ions, converting chemical concentration information into optical signal changes that can be detected without disassembling the battery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical analysis systems (XANES, NMR, XRD equipment requiring sample preparation and disassembly) with an optical measurement system. Light propagation through the functionalized optical fiber enables lithium concentration detection through optical property changes, eliminating the need for mechanical disassembly and complex laboratory equipment
2Measurement precision
If probes are used to measure lithium concentration in high concentration electrolyte (1-2M), then measurement sensitivity is improved, but probe self-condensation occurs reducing the number of probes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by grafting probes onto the optical fiber surface before deployment into the electrolyte. This surface immobilization prevents probe self-condensation reactions that would otherwise occur in high concentration electrolytes, maintaining a stable number of active probes throughout battery operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by grafting chelating probe molecules onto the optical fiber surface, forming a stable hybrid material. This composite approach anchors the probes in a fixed geometry, preventing their migration and self-condensation while maintaining high lithium binding affinity, thus preserving measurement sensitivity over time
3Measurement precision
If high quantity of probes is used for effective measurement in high lithium concentration, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but probe self-condensation leads to degradation and loss of sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The probes are preliminarily fixed onto the optical fiber surface through grafting before being exposed to the electrolyte environment. This preliminary anchoring action prevents subsequent probe degradation and self-condensation, ensuring long-term reliability and stable sensitivity throughout the battery's operational life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical fiber surface as a flexible substrate for probe immobilization. The thin film-like functionalized surface provides a large area for probe attachment while maintaining flexibility and compatibility with the electrolyte environment, enabling stable long-term operation without probe loss or degradation
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
This solution enables accurate, in situ measurement of lithium concentration in battery electrolytes, providing real-time data for battery management systems to optimize performance and extend battery lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
Optical fiber for in situ measurement of the lithium concentration in the electrolyte of a battery, methods for obtaining the optical fiber and uses thereof Optical fiber functionalized by grafting onto at least a portion of its surface a plurality of first groups comprising a probe and by grafting, onto said at least a portion of its surface or onto the first groups, a plurality of second groups comprising an organic cation
Implementation Method 2
Probes, in particular based on an aryl or heteroaryl group substituted by at least two vicinal groups chosen from -OH and C 1 -C 3 alkoxy groups, are likely to be able to allow the measurement of the lithium concentration under the aforementioned conditions
Implementation Method 3
the lithium concentration to be measured is often very high (of the order of 1 to 2M), and requires a high quantity of these probes for an effective measurement. However, these probes tend, when they do not complex the lithium, to self-condense, which leads to a reduction in the number of these probes
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical fiber functionalized by grafting on at least a part of its surface a plurality of first groups comprising a probe and by grafting, on said at least a part of its surface or on the first groups, a plurality of second groups comprising an organic cation, as well as its methods of obtaining.