PFPE Polymer Liquid Electrolyte for Lithium Battery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium batteries face safety concerns due to the flammability of carbonate-based solvents used in non-aqueous electrolytes, and existing alternatives often compromise on conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A novel liquid electrolyte composition comprising a lithium salt and a (per)fluoropolyether (PFPE) polymer, with specific molecular structures and formulations that minimize flammability while maintaining high ionic conductivity, is developed. This composition includes a PFPE polymer in a range of 10 to 85 wt.% and a lithium salt concentration of 0.5 to 2 moles/liter, along with non-aqueous solvents like ethylene carbonate and fluorinated aliphatic carbonates, which are mixed with the polymer and lithium salt to form a stable and conductive electrolyte.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbonate-based solvents are used in non-aqueous electrolytes, then ionic conductivity is improved, but flammability increases causing safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by replacing carbonate-based solvents with fluorinated cyclic carbonate solvents and fluorinated chain carbonate solvents. This substitution maintains the necessary ionic conductivity while fundamentally altering the flammability characteristics, achieving both safety and performance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite electrolyte system combining multiple fluorinated carbonate components (cyclic and chain types) with lithium salts. This composite approach allows the electrolyte to exhibit both the safety properties of fluorinated compounds and the high ionic conductivity needed for battery operation
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 solution provides a non-flammable liquid electrolyte with ionic conductivity comparable to traditional electrolytes, ensuring safety and performance in lithium batteries, while maintaining high lithium ion mobility and stability across various temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a non-aqueous electrolyte for a secondary cell, which comprises a lithium salt, at least one hydro-fluoroether and at least one compound comprising a carbonate functional group
Implementation Method 2
a lithium salt and a (per)fluoropolyether (PFPE) polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel liquid electrolyte to be used in lithium batteries, said electrolyte comprising a lithium salt and a (per)fluoropolyether (PFPE) polymer.