Cross-Linked Polymer Electrolyte for Dendrite-Stable Lithium Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal batteries face issues with high reactivity and dendrite formation due to the use of liquid electrolytes, leading to reduced lifespan and stability.
Innovation Solution
A cross-linked polymer electrolyte is developed, comprising repeating units derived from cross-linkable monomers with ester bonds and ionic monomers, which improves ionic conductivity and high-temperature stability, preventing dendrite formation and enhancing capacity retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid electrolyte is used in lithium metal battery, then ionic conductivity is improved, but dendrite formation and high-temperature instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer form, fundamentally altering the parameters of the electrolyte system. This transformation eliminates dendrite formation while maintaining ionic conductivity through the polymer matrix, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite polymer electrolyte materials combining multiple polymer components and ionic compounds. This composite structure achieves both high ionic conductivity and dendrite prevention, simultaneously improving reliability while eliminating harmful effects that plague single-component systems
2Reliability
If cross-linked polymer electrolyte is used, then high-temperature stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cross-linkable functional groups into the polymer electrolyte structure during manufacturing, enabling subsequent cross-linking through simple heat treatment or UV irradiation. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall process by converting a complex multi-step cross-linking procedure into a single integrated step
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters such as temperature or light exposure to trigger cross-linking of the polymer electrolyte. This approach transforms the complex chemical cross-linking process into a simple parameter-driven transformation, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving high-temperature stability
3Ease of manufacture
If unreacted monomers are present in polymer electrolyte, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ionic conductivity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes polymerization parameters such as temperature, time, and catalyst concentration to achieve complete monomer conversion. By precisely controlling these parameters, the system achieves high ionic conductivity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control in the polymerization process by monitoring monomer conversion levels and adjusting process parameters accordingly. This ensures complete reaction while preventing degradation, simultaneously achieving ease of manufacture and high ionic conductivity through closed-loop control
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 improved ionic conductivity, high-temperature stability, and capacity characteristics in lithium batteries by reducing unreacted monomers and ensuring uniform lithium ion plating, thereby enhancing battery performance.
Implementation Method 1
a repeating unit (A) derived from a cross-linkable monomer including two or more double bond functional groups including an ester bond
Implementation Method 2
a repeating unit (B) derived from an ionic monomer including an ionic functional group and one double bond functional group
Data Source
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AI summary
A polymer electrolyte including a cross-linked polymer including: a repeating unit (A) derived from a cross-linkable monomer including two or more double bond functional groups including an ester bond; and a repeating unit (B) derived from an ionic monomer including one double bond functional group and an ionic functional group.