Polymer Solid Electrolyte for Non-Pressurized Lithium Battery Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lithium-ion batteries using inorganic electrolytes face issues with internal short circuits due to lithium metal penetration and require high pressure for stability, making them unsuitable for large-area applications.

Innovation Solution

A solid electrolyte composed of an organic polymer with thermal self-polymerization capabilities is used, filled with organic polymer flakes forming a plate-like structure, enhancing electrical and chemical stability and ionic conductivity without the need for pressurization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If inorganic material particles are used as electrolyte, then flame retardancy is improved, but lithium metal penetration through grain boundaries causes internal short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame retardancyVSAvoidinternal short circuit prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite solid electrolyte consisting of inorganic particles (e.g., Li2SiO3, Li4SiO4) dispersed in an organic polymer matrix (e.g., polyethylene oxide). This composite structure combines the flame retardancy of inorganic materials with the flexibility and lithium-ion conductivity of organic polymers, preventing lithium metal penetration while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte by controlling particle size (0.1-10 μm), composition ratios, and cross-linking density of the polymer matrix. These parameter changes optimize both flame retardancy and resistance to lithium metal penetration without compromising ionic conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high pressure is applied to maintain contact between electrolyte particles, then electrical stability is improved, but additional equipment is required reducing energy density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical stabilityVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible organic polymer-based solid electrolyte that can dynamically adapt to volume changes and maintain contact with electrodes without requiring external pressure. The polymer matrix deforms elastically to accommodate lithium metal expansion/contraction during charging-discharging cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical properties of the electrolyte by selecting polymers with appropriate glass transition temperatures and elastic moduli, enabling the electrolyte to maintain stable contact at atmospheric pressure while accommodating volume changes during battery operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If organic polymer is used as electrolyte, then safety is improved, but ionic conductivity is reduced compared to liquid electrolytes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidionic conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite solid electrolyte where inorganic particles (Li2SiO3, Li4SiO4, Li3PO4) are dispersed in an organic polymer matrix. The inorganic particles provide additional lithium-ion conduction pathways and increase overall ionic conductivity while the polymer matrix maintains flexibility and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes a porous structure with controlled void spaces that facilitate lithium-ion transport. The porous polymer matrix and inter-particle voids create continuous conduction pathways, increasing ionic conductivity while maintaining the solid-state safety advantages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 organic polymer-filled solid electrolyte suppresses lithium metal growth, maintains stability, and improves ionic conductivity, enabling stable operation under low pressure.

Implementation Method 1

an organic polymer capable of thermal self-polymerization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal self-polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20260018663A1Solid electrolyte, manufacturing method of the same, and non-pressurized secondary battery including the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 POSTECH ACADEMY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION

AI summary

A solid electrolyte includes an organic polymer represented by Chemical Formula 1. The polymer comprises a repeating unit having at least one of ester, thioester, or dithioester linkages, and may include alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl substituents. The solid electrolyte exhibits enhanced ionic conductivity and thermal stability, making it suitable for application in a non-pressurized secondary battery. A method for preparing the solid electrolyte involves polymerizing a monomer containing functional groups defined in Chemical Formula 1 under controlled conditions. The secondary battery includes the solid electrolyte and demonstrates improved cycle characteristics and safety. The invention provides a solid electrolyte solution that enables safer battery designs for non-pressurized secondary batteries without compromising performance.