High-Elasticity Polymer Layer for Lithium Anode Dendrite Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable lithium metal batteries face challenges with lithium metal dendrite formation leading to internal short circuits and thermal runaway, and detrimental reactions between lithium metal and electrolyte, which hinder their commercialization due to safety and cycling stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A lithium secondary battery design featuring a high-elasticity polymer layer with recoverable tensile strain and lithium ion conductivity between the lithium anode and electrolyte, preventing dendrite formation and maintaining ion transport efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective layer is applied to the lithium anode to prevent dendrite formation, then safety and cycling stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A polymer electrolyte layer is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium anode and the electrolyte solution. This intermediate layer acts as a physical barrier that prevents direct contact between lithium metal and the electrolyte, thereby suppressing dendrite formation and improving cycling stability without requiring complex multi-layer structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin polymer electrolyte film as a flexible protective shell on the lithium anode. This thin film structure provides effective dendrite prevention while maintaining simplicity and avoiding the complexity of thicker or multi-layer protective structures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective coating is deposited on the lithium anode to prevent dendrites, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function and the electrolyte function are merged into a single polymer electrolyte layer. This combined structure eliminates the need for separate protective coating deposition processes, thereby improving safety against dendrites while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer electrolyte layer functions as a composite material that simultaneously provides dendrite prevention and ionic conductivity. This composite approach achieves protective functionality without requiring complex multi-step manufacturing processes
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 high-elasticity polymer layer effectively prevents dendrite formation, ensures uniform lithium ion deposition, and enhances cycle stability and safety, addressing long-standing issues in lithium metal batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a thin layer of a high-elasticity polymer having a recoverable tensile strain no less than 2%, a lithium ion conductivity no less than 10−6 S/cm at room temperature
Implementation Method 2
a thin layer of a high-elasticity polymer having a recoverable tensile strain no less than 2%
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is lithium secondary battery comprising a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte or separator-electrolyte assembly disposed between the cathode and the anode, wherein the anode comprises: (a) a foil or coating of lithium or lithium alloy; and (b) a thin layer of a high-elasticity polymer disposed between the foil/coating and the electrolyte (or separator-electrolyte assembly), having a recoverable tensile strain no less than 2%, a lithium ion conductivity no less than 10−6 S/cm at room temperature, and a thickness from 1 nm to 10 μm, wherein the high-elasticity polymer contains a cross-linked network of polymer chains having an ether linkage, nitrile-derived linkage, benzo peroxide-derived linkage, ethylene oxide linkage, propylene oxide linkage, vinyl alcohol linkage, cyano-resin linkage, triacrylate monomer-derived linkage, tetraacrylate monomer-derived linkage, or a combination thereof in the cross-linked network of polymer chains.