Polyether Compound Electrolyte Ion Conductivity Fluidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymer electrolyte compositions lack sufficient ion conductivity and fluidity, making them difficult to handle and shape during the production and application of electrochemical devices.
Innovation Solution
A polyether compound with specific cationic groups and counter anions, and a controlled number of repeating units is developed, allowing for improved ion conductivity and fluidity, achieved through ring opening polymerization and anion exchange reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid electrolyte using a solvent is used, then ion conduction between electrodes is achieved, but reduction in the amount of liquid along with time due to evaporation of the solvent or liquid leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the electrolyte from liquid phase to solid phase by using a polymer compound. The solid polymer electrolyte maintains ion conduction functionality while eliminating evaporation and leakage issues inherent to liquid electrolytes, thus preventing loss of substance over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite polymer compound incorporating cationic structures and counter anions within a polymer matrix. This composite structure enables the material to function as an electrolyte while maintaining solid form, combining the benefits of polymer flexibility with ionic conductivity
2Loss of substance
If a solid polymer electrolyte is used, then liquid leakage is prevented and handling is easier, but ion conductivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cationic structures at specific locations (main chain or side chains) within the polymer compound, creating localized regions of high ionic activity. This local concentration of ionic groups enhances overall ion conductivity while maintaining the solid polymer structure that prevents leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the polymer by incorporating specific cationic structures and counter anions. These parameter changes (adding ionic groups, adjusting molecular structure) significantly improve ion conductivity while preserving the solid state properties
3Ease of manufacture
If a solid polymer electrolyte is used, then desired shapes can be formed by various shaping methods, but adjustment of the shape is difficult at the time of application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a polymer electrolyte with dynamic properties that allow shape adjustment. The solid polymer compound can be molded into desired shapes during manufacturing and then adjusted or reconfigured during application, combining the benefits of formability with operational flexibility
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 resulting polymer material exhibits suitable fluidity and enhanced ion conductivity, facilitating easier handling and shaping in electrochemical devices such as secondary cells and fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
a polyether compound which is excellent in ion conductivity
Implementation Method 2
ring opening polymerizing a monomer composition which contains epichlorohydrin
Implementation Method 3
reacting the obtained imidazolium chloride structure unit-containing polyether compound with a salt of an anion comprised of 2 to 25 atoms and a metal cation to perform an anion exchange reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A polyether compound containing oxirane monomer units in an average number per molecule of 10 to 100, wherein the polyether compound contains repeating units which are represented by the general formula (2) as at least part of the oxirane monomer units is provided. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a polymer material which has suitable fluidity and is excellent in ion conductivity. (R1 to R4 respectively independently indicate a hydrogen atom or C1 to C3 alkyl group, and R2 and R3 may be bonded with each other. Further, X- is an anion which is comprised of 2 to 25 atoms.)