Polycarbonate Solid Electrolytes Without Catalyst Residue Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synthesizing solid electrolytes for lithium batteries, particularly using aliphatic polycarbonates, face challenges such as inadequate control over polymer formation, high energy consumption, and the presence of catalyst residues that can affect battery performance, leading to suboptimal ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability.
Innovation Solution
A new process involving ring-opening polymerization of cyclic carbonates catalyzed by super Brønsted acids, followed by neutralization with alkali or alkaline earth metal hydrides to form ionic conductive salts, eliminating the need for intermediate purification steps and catalyst removal, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving polymer control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ring-opening polymerization of cyclic carbonates is used to synthesize solid electrolytes, then polymer formation can be achieved, but control over polymer structure is inadequate and catalyst residues remain that affect battery performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful catalyst residues from the polymerization system by using a catalyst-free ring-opening polymerization method. This extraction of the harmful element (catalyst) eliminates the source of contamination while still achieving effective polymer synthesis through alternative mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reaction parameters by operating at room temperature instead of requiring high temperatures for conventional polymerization. This parameter change enables better control over polymer structure and eliminates the need for catalysts that would require high-energy removal processes.
2Productivity
If conventional synthesis methods are used, then solid electrolytes can be produced, but energy consumption is high due to purification steps and catalyst removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the energy-intensive purification and catalyst removal steps from the synthesis process. By using a catalyst-free approach, the method removes the need for these high-energy operations, directly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymerization process is designed to be self-cleaning, where the reaction conditions naturally prevent catalyst residue formation and eliminate the need for separate purification steps. The system serves itself by avoiding contamination at the source rather than requiring energy-intensive cleanup operations.
3Reliability
If traditional electrolyte formulations are used, then ionic conductivity can be achieved, but electrochemical stability is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by using pure polycarbonates synthesized without catalysts. This compositional change eliminates harmful residues that would otherwise degrade electrochemical stability and battery performance over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining polycarbonate polymers with specific ionic conductors in a carefully controlled ratio. This composite approach optimizes both ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability by synergistically combining materials with complementary properties.
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 process yields solid electrolytes with enhanced ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, and mechanical strength, suitable for high-energy density lithium batteries with improved thermal and electrochemical stability, and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
synthesis of polycarbonates, in particular poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) or their copolymers with ε-caprolactone (PTMC-PCL), by ring-opening (co)polymerization (ROP), catalyzed by a Brønsted super acid
Implementation Method 2
transformation, directly in the synthesis reaction medium, of the Brønsted super acid into an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal salt, by neutralization with a metal hydride
Implementation Method 3
forming a solid electrolyte by evaporation of the solvent medium
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a process for preparing a solid electrolyte or a composite electrode incorporating a solid electrolyte, intended for an electrochemical system, comprising at least the following steps: (i) synthesis, in a solvent medium, of at least one (co)polymer by ring-opening (ROP) (co)polymerization of at least one cyclic carbonate of five to eight members and, optionally, of at least one lactone of five to eight members, catalyzed by at least one Brønsted super acid and initiated by at least one compound comprising one or more hydroxide function(s); (ii) addition to the reaction medium of a sufficient quantity of an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydride, in particular LiH, to neutralize all of said catalyst and obtain an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt and to protect said terminal hydroxyl function(s) of said (co)polymer(s);(iii) addition or not to the mixture obtained at the end of step (ii) of at least one salt of said alkali or alkaline earth metal, in particular a lithium salt; and (iv) formation of a solid electrolyte by evaporation of the solvent medium or of a composite electrode incorporating said solid electrolyte.