Polymer Solid Electrolyte Crosslinking for Battery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face safety concerns due to the use of flammable solvents in liquid electrolytes, which can lead to fires or explosions during overcharging or short-circuiting, limiting their performance and cycle life.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymer solid electrolyte materials through crosslinking reactions using cross-linkers like di-acrylates, tri-acrylates, silanes, and triazinane-triones, which provide improved ionic conductivity and decomposition potential, enabling safer and longer-life lithium batteries without liquid electrolytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If liquid carbonate electrolyte is used to achieve high energy density, then battery performance improves, but safety deteriorates 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 characteristics while maintaining ionic conductivity. This phase change eliminates flammability while preserving energy storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer electrolyte system combining multiple polymer components (PVDF, PMMA, PEO) with lithium salts to achieve both high ionic conductivity and enhanced safety. The composite structure provides synergistic effects that simultaneously address energy density and flammability concerns
2Strength
If crosslinking density is increased to improve mechanical strength, then structural stability improves, but ionic conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces localized amorphous regions within the crosslinked polymer matrix that serve as ion transport channels. These local non-crosslinked zones provide pathways for lithium ion movement while the surrounding crosslinked regions maintain mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The crosslinked polymer structure creates a three-dimensional network with inherent porosity and free volume that accommodates ion transport. The controlled crosslinking generates a sponge-like structure where pores facilitate ionic conductivity while the framework provides mechanical strength
3Object-affected harmful factors
If polymer solid electrolyte is used to improve safety, then flammability risk decreases, but ionic conductivity deteriorates compared to liquid electrolytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the polymer electrolyte to perform multiple functions simultaneously: PVDF provides structural framework and electrochemical stability, PMMA enhances mechanical properties and creates ion channels, PEO facilitates lithium ion solvation and transport, and LiFSO3 provides high ionic conductivity. This multi-functional composition achieves both safety and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses plasticizers and additives as intermediary substances that mediate between the rigid polymer matrix and the requirement for ion mobility. These intermediaries create flexible regions within the polymer structure that facilitate lithium ion transport while maintaining the solid-state safety advantages
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 solid electrolytes exhibit high ionic conductivity and decomposition voltages, enhancing the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries by facilitating faster lithium ion transport and providing stability at higher voltages, thus addressing the safety concerns and performance limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer comprising a product of a crosslinking reaction including at least one cross-linker selected from the group consisting of: a) di-acrylates, tri-acrylates, and tetra-acrylates; b) modified tri-acrylates and tetra-acrylates; c) silanes and siloxanes; and d) triazinane-triones
Implementation Method 2
curing the slurry by UV curing or by thermal curing
Implementation Method 3
curing the slurry by UV curing or by thermal curing
Implementation Method 4
The polymer solid electrolytes exhibit high ionic conductivity and decomposition voltages, enhancing the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries by facilitating faster lithium ion transport
Data Source
AI summary
An article includes a polymer. The polymer includes a product of a crosslinking reaction including at least one cross-linker selected from the group consisting of: a) di-acrylates, tri-acrylates, and tetra-acrylates; b) modified tri-acrylates and tetra-acrylates; c) silanes and siloxanes; and d) triazinane-triones.