Piezoelectric Separator Structure for Faster Lithium-Ion Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium ions are easily blocked by the separator during migration, reducing the charging and discharging performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Innovation Solution

A separator comprising at least two base films with a piezoelectric material layer between them, which generates a spontaneously polarized electric field to facilitate lithium ion penetration, improving ionic conductivity and charging/discharging capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional separator is used, then the structure is simple, but lithium ions are easily blocked during migration, reducing charging and discharging performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging and discharging performanceVSAvoidseparator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator is constructed as a composite structure combining at least two base films with a functional layer containing piezoelectric nanomaterials dispersed in a binder resin. This composite structure improves lithium ion transfer efficiency while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between performance enhancement and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The functional layer with piezoelectric nanomaterials is selectively applied only where needed - between the base films and in contact with the electrolyte - rather than making the entire separator complex. This localized functional enhancement improves ion transfer at critical interfaces while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the separator thickness is reduced to improve ion transfer, then the charging performance improves, but the strength and reliability of the separator decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion transfer efficiencyVSAvoidseparator strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-layer composite structure with piezoelectric functional layer provides both mechanical strength from the base films and enhanced ion transfer properties from the functional layer, allowing thin separator design without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The functional layer contains piezoelectric nanomaterials with inherent porosity and high surface area, creating numerous pathways for lithium ion transport that enable thin separator design while maintaining high ion transfer efficiency and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Productivity

If a piezoelectric material layer is added to improve lithium ion transfer, then the ionic conductivity improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidseparator fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric nanomaterials are dispersed in a binder resin to form a functional layer that can be applied to base films through coating processes. This parameter change from bulk piezoelectric materials to nanoscale dispersed phase simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining high ionic conductivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If the piezoelectric nanomaterial is directly exposed to electrolyte to maximize function, then the ion transfer efficiency improves, but the oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion transfer efficiencyVSAvoidoxidation and corrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric nanomaterials are concentrated in the functional layer that interfaces with the electrolyte, while the base films provide protective outer layers. This local concentration maximizes the piezoelectric effect where needed while the base films provide general protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines piezoelectric nanomaterials with binder resin and base films, creating a hierarchical protection system where the functional layer maximizes ion transfer while the base films provide oxidation and corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 piezoelectric material enhances lithium ion transfer efficiency and maintains consistent performance throughout cyclic charging and discharging, reducing the risk of short circuits and improving overall battery performance.

Implementation Method 1

the piezoelectric material generates a spontaneously polarized electric field under a pressure or an external electric field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250349978A1Diaphragm and manufacturing method therefor, and electrode assembly, battery cell, battery and electric device
Publication Date: 2025.11.13 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US20250349978A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed in the present application are a diaphragm and a manufacturing method therefor, and an electrode assembly, a battery cell, a battery and an electric device. The diaphragm comprises at least two layers of base membranes and at least one functional layer, wherein the functional layer is arranged between two adjacent base membranes, and the functional layer comprises a piezoelectric material. In the technical solution of the present application, the conductivity is increased, and the strength of the diaphragm is also improved by fixing the position of a piezoelectric material by means of two base layers of membranes and by means of the adhesion of a functional layer, which is sandwiched between the base membranes.