Composite Polymer-Ceramic Electrolyte for Conductivity and Dendrite Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid state electrolytes for lithium metal batteries suffer from low ionic conductivity and mechanical deficiencies, hindering their commercialization due to issues like Li dendrite growth and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A composite electrolyte comprising an electrolytic inorganic powder embedded in a matrix of an unsaturated fluoropolymer and an electrolyte salt, with a reinforcing polymer, achieving high ionic conductivity and mechanical stability through a specific weight ratio and processing method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic solid particulate electrolytes are used to achieve high ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte by embedding inorganic solid particulate electrolyte (such as LLZO, LLTO, or LSGO powders) within a polymer matrix (such as PVDF, PAN, or PMMA). This composite structure combines the high ionic conductivity of inorganic materials with the mechanical flexibility and processability of polymers, resolving the contradiction between ionic conductivity and mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic electrolyte particles are distributed throughout the polymer matrix at specific concentrations (typically 30-70 wt%), creating regions of high ionic conductivity within the mechanically robust polymer framework. This local concentration strategy optimizes both ionic transport pathways and mechanical integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If polymer electrolytes are used to achieve good processing properties, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating inorganic electrolyte particles into the polymer matrix, the composite maintains the polymer's excellent processing characteristics (flexibility, ease of fabrication into thin films) while the inorganic particles provide the necessary ionic conductivity for practical battery applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as inorganic particle size (typically sub-micron to micron scale), particle concentration (30-70 wt%), and polymer matrix composition to achieve both good processability and sufficient ionic conductivity. The particle size and distribution are controlled to maintain mechanical integrity while creating continuous ionic conduction pathways.
3Reliability
If high solid loading of inorganic powder is used to improve ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies an optimal range for inorganic powder content (30-70 wt%) that balances ionic conductivity and mechanical integrity. Within this range, sufficient inorganic particles provide ionic conduction pathways while the polymer matrix maintains structural coherence and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic particles are distributed uniformly throughout the polymer matrix, creating localized regions of high ionic conductivity without compromising the overall mechanical structure. The polymer matrix acts as a binding phase that maintains integrity even at high inorganic loadings.
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 composite exhibits improved ionic conductivity and mechanical integrity, mitigating Li dendrite growth and enhancing battery safety, enabling high-energy density lithium metal batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The composite may have a high solid loading of the electrolytic inorganic powder with a high ionic conductivity
Implementation Method 2
mixing an electrolytic inorganic powder, an unsaturated fluoropolymer of a saturated fluoropolymer that has undergone dehydrofluorination, an electrolyte salt and a solvent that dissolves the unsaturated fluoropolymer and electrolyte salt to form a slurry
Data Source
AI summary
A composite useful for making a solid electrolyte is comprised of an electrolytic inorganic powder (EIP) embedded in matrix comprised of an unsaturated fluoropolymer, an electrolyte salt, and may include a reinforcing polymer. The composite may be formed by dissolving the unsaturated fluoropolymer, salt in a solvent with the EIP forming a slurry that may be dried and a reinforcing polymer added thereto (i.e., in the slurry or after the slurry is dried). The unsaturated fluoropolymer may be formed insitu in the slurry when making the composite.