Solid-State Polymer Electrolyte for Wide-Voltage Li-Ion Batteries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes face safety concerns due to flammability and low power density, while solid-state batteries suffer from low ionic conductivity and mechanical integrity issues, limiting their operating voltage range and discharge time.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state polymer electrolyte membrane is created using a co-network of crosslinkable polyether and amine additions with lithium salts and plasticizers, achieving high ionic conductivity and mechanical stability, allowing for a wider operating voltage range and extended discharge time through lithiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is used in lithium-ion batteries, then ionic conductivity is high, but safety is poor 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 by eliminating flammability while maintaining ionic conductivity through careful selection of polymer matrix and plasticizer components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solid polymer electrolyte system combining poly(ethylene oxide) matrix, succinonitrile plasticizer, and lithium salt, where each component contributes specific properties: the polymer provides structural integrity and non-flammability, the plasticizer enhances ionic conductivity, and the lithium salt provides ion source
2Reliability
If solid polymer electrolyte is used, then safety and chemical stability are improved, but ionic conductivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces succinonitrile as an intermediary plasticizer component that mediates between the solid polymer matrix and lithium ions, facilitating ion transport through the solid electrolyte while maintaining its structural integrity, thereby achieving high ionic conductivity of 10^-3 S cm^-1 at room temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the composition ratios of polymer matrix, plasticizer, and lithium salt to achieve the critical parameter of ionic conductivity above 10^-3 S cm^-1, transforming the solid electrolyte from low-conductivity to high-conductivity state suitable for practical battery applications
3Reliability
If solid-state battery is used, then power density is low, but safety is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high power density in solid-state configuration by optimizing the ionic conductivity parameter to exceed 10^-3 S cm^-1 through the polymer-plasticizer-lithium salt composite system, enabling fast ion transport rates comparable to liquid electrolytes while maintaining solid-state safety advantages
4Object-generated harmful factors
If plasticizer is added to solid polymer electrolyte, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the plasticizer content parameter within specific ranges that simultaneously achieve high ionic conductivity (>10^-3 S cm^-1) and adequate mechanical integrity, finding the critical balance point where sufficient plasticizer enhances ion transport without excessive plasticizer compromising structural strength
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 solid-state polymer electrolyte membrane enables lithium-ion batteries to operate over a wider voltage range of 0.01 to 4.3 V, doubling discharge time compared to standard liquid electrolyte batteries, with enhanced ionic conductivity and mechanical integrity, reducing the risk of short-circuiting and fires.
Implementation Method 1
a co-network of a crosslinkable polyether addition and a crosslinkable amine addition
Implementation Method 2
lithium-ion transportation
Implementation Method 3
ionizing the ionic lithium salt
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state polymer electrolyte membrane and a supercapacitive lithium-ion battery utilizing the solid-state polymer electrolyte membrane. The solid-state polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a mixture of a lithium salt, a plasticizer, and a co-network of a crosslinkable polyether addition and a crosslinkable amine addition. The co-network is crosslinked, and the solid-state polymer electrolyte membrane is conductive on the order of 10−3 S cm−1. The supercapacitive lithium-ion battery utilizing the solid-state polymer electrolyte membrane has an operating range of between about 0.01 and about 4.3 V without short-circuiting while also having a higher capacity relative to conventional liquid electrolyte lithium-ion batteries.