Solid Polymer Electrolyte Copolymer for Safer Battery Ion Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion batteries face safety concerns due to thermal instability and the use of flammable liquid electrolytes, with existing solid polymer electrolytes exhibiting reduced mechanical integrity and conductivity, necessitating the development of novel, flexible, and ionically conductive polymers for solid state batteries.
Innovation Solution
A copolymer comprising vinylene carbonate or its derivatives, combined with specific compatible monomers, is used to form conductive films and separators that function as solid electrolytes, eliminating the need for liquid solvents and enhancing ion conductivity and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is used in lithium-ion batteries, then ionic conductivity is improved, but safety and thermal stability deteriorate due to flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer form, fundamentally altering the safety parameters while maintaining ionic conductivity through polymer chain mobility and segmental motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite polymer electrolytes combining multiple polymer components (e.g., polyethylene oxide with other polymers) and inorganic additives to achieve both high ionic conductivity and enhanced thermal stability, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and safety
2Object-generated harmful factors
If solid polymer electrolyte is used to replace liquid electrolyte, then safety and thermal stability are improved, but ionic conductivity and mechanical integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies polymer chain flexibility through chemical composition adjustments and crosslinking density control to enable sufficient segmental motion for ion transport while maintaining solid polymer thermal stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite formulations incorporating inorganic lithium sources, ceramic particles, or plasticizers within the polymer matrix to enhance ionic conductivity without compromising the solid polymer structure's thermal stability
3Object-generated harmful factors
If solid polymer electrolyte is used to replace liquid electrolyte, then safety is improved, but mechanical integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates reinforcing inorganic fillers, ceramic particles, or crosslinks within the polymer electrolyte matrix to enhance mechanical strength and structural integrity while preserving the solid polymer's inherent thermal stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized crosslinked regions or reinforces specific areas of the polymer electrolyte to improve overall mechanical integrity without affecting the bulk ionic conductivity pathways
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 copolymer-based films and separators provide improved ionic conductivity and mechanical integrity, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and enhancing the safety and performance of solid state batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a solid state metal ion conductive separator... wherein at least one of the solid state anode and the solid state separator comprise a component having the copolymer composition
Implementation Method 2
Between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode is typically a micro-porous polymer layer such as polyethylene or polypropylene layer which has the purpose of providing electronic separation and ionic conduction
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer formed from a first monomer of vinylene carbonate and at least one second monomer different form the first monomer that does not contain a glycidyl group, wherein the molar ratio of the first monomer to the second monomer is from 4:1 to 99:1. The polymer, preferably the copolymer, dissolves metal salts and the composition of the copolymer and metal salt may have an ionic conductivity greater than 0.01 mS/cm. The polymer is suitable for use in various components of solid state batteries.