Phase-Transforming Solid Electrolyte for Dendrite-Resistant Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid electrolytes exhibit brittleness and are prone to fracture, especially when paired with lithium metal negative electrodes, leading to dendrite formation and short circuits in solid-state batteries.
Innovation Solution
A modified solid electrolyte with a phase-transforming toughening agent dispersed at grain boundaries, which undergoes phase transformation under external stress to enhance mechanical strength and toughness, preventing defects and dendrite propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solid electrolytes are used, then the battery structure can be simplified and safety improved, but the electrolyte exhibits brittleness and is prone to fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite solid electrolyte system by introducing a phase-transforming toughening agent (such as zirconium oxide particles) into the solid electrolyte matrix. This composite structure combines the safety benefits of solid electrolytes with the fracture resistance of phase-transforming materials, resolving the contradiction between safety and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transformation of the toughening agent (e.g., martensitic transformation in zirconium oxide) under stress to absorb energy and prevent crack propagation. This phase transition mechanism directly addresses the brittleness issue while maintaining the inherent safety advantages of solid electrolyte systems.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional solid electrolytes are paired with lithium metal negative electrodes, then high energy density can be achieved, but dendrites form and cause short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase-transforming toughening agents specifically at grain boundaries and interfaces where dendrites are most likely to form. This localized reinforcement prevents dendrite propagation at critical locations while maintaining the high energy density benefits of lithium metal electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-transforming toughening agent acts in advance to prevent dendrite-induced fractures. When stress concentrates at potential dendrite penetration points, the toughening agent undergoes phase transformation to absorb stress before cracks can form, thereby preventing short circuits while allowing lithium metal electrodes to function.
3Reliability
If solid electrolytes are used to avoid flammability issues, then safety is improved, but the electrolyte is prone to fracture under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the flammability-resistant solid electrolyte matrix with phase-transforming toughening agents. This composite approach maintains the fire safety advantages of solid electrolytes while adding fracture resistance through the toughening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase transformation of the toughening agent under stress provides a mechanism to absorb mechanical energy and prevent fracture, while the solid electrolyte matrix continues to provide flammability resistance. This resolves the contradiction between fire safety and fracture resistance.
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 modified solid electrolyte significantly improves mechanical strength and toughness, reducing fractures and enhancing the reliability of solid-state batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the phase-transforming toughening agent is capable of phase transformation under the action of an external force
Implementation Method 2
When subjected to an external force, the phase-transforming toughening agent produces internal stress correspondingly
Data Source
AI summary
A modified solid electrolyte, a preparation method thereof, a solid-state battery, and an electric apparatus are disclosed. Components of the modified solid electrolyte include a solid electrolyte substrate and a phase-transforming toughening agent dispersed within the solid electrolyte substrate; and in the modified solid electrolyte, the phase-transforming toughening agent is primarily dispersed at grain boundaries of the solid electrolyte; where the phase-transforming toughening agent is capable of phase transformation under the action of an external force.