Polymaleimide Polymer Electrolytes for High-Voltage Battery Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid electrolytes in batteries are flammable and volatile, leading to safety issues like fire and explosions, while solid polymer electrolytes suffer from low ion conductivity, instability at high voltages, and polarization, which reduces battery performance over cycles.

Innovation Solution

A polymer electrolyte composed of first and second polymaleimide polymers, optionally with a plasticizing agent, is produced through a thiol-ene reaction without a processing solvent, forming a thio-ether linkage for high ionic conductivity and stability, reducing polarization and enhancing battery performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional liquid electrolytes are used, then high ionic conductivity is achieved, but safety deteriorates due to flammability and volatility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidionic conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite gel polymer electrolyte system combining cross-linked polymer matrix (providing structural stability and safety) with liquid electrolyte (providing high ionic conductivity). This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both material types while mitigating their individual disadvantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte system by transitioning from pure liquid electrolyte to gel polymer electrolyte, changing the state of matter and molecular structure. This parameter change enables the system to maintain ionic conductivity while improving safety characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If gel polymer electrolytes are used, then safety is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates due to cross-linked structure hindering ion movement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidionic conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the cross-linking density and polymer matrix structure to create sufficient free volume and ion transport pathways. By carefully controlling the gel composition and cross-linking parameters, the system achieves a balance where structural integrity is maintained while ionic conductivity is preserved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The gel polymer electrolyte combines the structural benefits of cross-linked polymers with the ionic conductivity of liquid electrolyte components, creating a composite material that resolves the contradiction between mechanical stability and ion transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If polyether groups are used in polymer electrolyte, then ionic conductivity is improved, but stability deteriorates at high voltage above 4V

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidvoltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition of the polymer electrolyte by selecting alternative polymer backbones and functional groups that are inherently more stable at high voltages. This compositional parameter change enables the system to maintain ionic conductivity while achieving voltage stability above 4V.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs additives and protective layers that form stable interface films on the electrodes, protecting the bulk polymer electrolyte from high voltage degradation. These protective elements act as sacrificial components that stabilize the system at high voltages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Quantity of substance

If dual-ion conducting salt is used, then ionic conductivity is improved, but polarization increases reducing battery performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidbattery performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the salt concentration, cation-anion ratio, and electrolyte composition to achieve high ionic conductivity while maintaining low polarization. By carefully tuning these parameters, the system maximizes ion transport efficiency and minimizes concentration gradients during charge-discharge cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 polymer electrolyte achieves high ionic conductivity, mechanical stability, and resistance to high voltages, improving battery lifetime and performance by minimizing polarization, especially during repeated charging and discharging cycles.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThiol-ene reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250210706A1Polymer electrolytes and methods to produce them

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 BELENOS CLEAN POWER HLDG

AI summary

A polymer electrolyte for a battery cell comprising i) a first polymaleimide polymer comprising first polymaleimide repeat units, wherein the first polymaleimide repeat units are according to R3(Q)μ, wherein R3, individually, is a polyether or C(H)h(CxH2x+1)i((CH2)ψ)j(CH2OC(O)(CH2)σ)k, wherein i is between 0 and 2; j and k, individually, are between 0 and 4; h is 4-i-j-k; h+i is between 0 and 2; x is between 1 and 6; L) is between 1 and 10; σ is between 1 and 20; μ, individually, is at least 2; and Q, individually, is according to a particular formula.