Polymer Electrolyte Composition for High Lithium-Ion Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrolytes for lithium ion batteries and similar batteries suffer from insufficient transport numbers of alkali metal ions due to the migration of anions when a voltage is applied, limiting the efficiency of ion conduction.

Innovation Solution

A polymer is developed comprising specific structural units and a plasticizer, such as an ionic liquid, which enhances the transport number of alkali metal ions by incorporating an alkali metalized phenolic hydroxyl group and a crosslinked carbon chain, along with a structural unit that includes a tertiary amino group, to improve ion conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional electrolytes are used, then ion conduction occurs, but anions migrate causing insufficient transport number of alkali metal ions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport number of alkali metal ionsVSAvoidanion migration
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful anion migration component from the electrolyte system by using a polymer electrolyte where the polymer chains themselves provide the ion conduction pathway. The polymer structure with alkali metalized phenolic hydroxyl groups and tertiary amino groups creates a system where cation transport is facilitated while anion migration is suppressed, effectively removing the harmful effect of anion movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite polymer structure combining multiple functional units: structural unit (A) with alkali metalized phenolic hydroxyl groups for cation coordination, structural unit (B) with tertiary amino groups for additional cation interaction, and structural unit (C) as the polymer backbone. This composite structure creates selective ion transport channels that enhance alkali metal ion transport while blocking anion migration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If polymer structure with specific structural units is designed, then transport number of alkali metal ions increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport number of alkali metal ionsVSAvoidpolymer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the polymer structure into distinct functional units: structural unit (A) containing alkali metalized phenolic hydroxyl groups, structural unit (B) containing tertiary amino groups, and structural unit (C) as the backbone. Each segment performs a specific function in ion transport, allowing the complex overall structure to be designed and synthesized through modular approaches, thereby managing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the mole ratios of structural units (A), (B), and (C) to achieve desired transport properties. By adjusting these compositional parameters within specific ranges, the polymer electrolyte achieves high alkali metal ion transport numbers while maintaining feasible synthesis conditions and manageable structural complexity.

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 achieves a high transport number of alkali metal ions, particularly lithium ions, leading to improved performance in battery electrolytes by reducing anion interference and enhancing ion conduction.

Implementation Method 1

the transport number of alkali metal ions is not sufficient... provide a polymer having a high transport number of alkali metal ions... enhances ion conduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

incorporating an alkali metalized phenolic hydroxyl group... structural unit that includes a tertiary amino group... reducing anion interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20250015349A1Polymer, method for producing same, electrolyte composition, and battery
Publication Date: 2025.01.09 SUMITOMO CHEM CO LTD
  • US20250015349A1 patent drawing
  • US20250015349A1 patent drawing
  • US20250015349A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A polymer including a structural unit (A) represented by the following formula (A) and a structural unit (B) represented by the following formula (B) or the following formula (C).(In the formula, Y is a group having a lithiated phenolic hydroxyl group.)(In the formula (B), X is an oxygen atom or a tertiary amino group represented by NR6, and R6 is an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.)(In the formula (C), Z is a covalent bond or a divalent group. R12 is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. R11, R13 and R14 are each a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group or R11 forms a ring together with R13 or R14.)