Polymer Solid Electrolytes for Safe Lithium Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face safety concerns due to the use of flammable solvents, which can lead to accidents such as fires and explosions during overcharging or short-circuiting, necessitating the development of safer and more stable electrolyte materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of polymer solid electrolyte materials with urea or carbamate functional groups that enhance mechanical and electrochemical properties, including high ionic conductivity, decomposition potential, and tensile strength, through crosslinking reactions and the use of specific polymer structures and plasticizers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flammable solvents (carbonate/ether) are used as electrolyte systems, then ionic conductivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to fire and explosion risks during overcharging or short-circuiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using polymer matrices, fundamentally altering the safety parameters while maintaining ionic conductivity through careful selection of polymer structures and plasticizers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer electrolyte systems combining multiple polymer components (e.g., polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide) with plasticizers and crosslinking agents to achieve both safety and electrochemical performance
2Object-generated harmful factors
If polymer solid electrolyte materials are developed to eliminate flammable solvents, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to crosslinking reactions and specific polymer structure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer electrolyte into functional modules: base polymer matrix, plasticizer components, and crosslinking agents, allowing independent optimization of each component while simplifying the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses crosslinking reactions to transform the polymer structure from linear to networked, changing mechanical properties and thermal stability parameters while maintaining processability through controlled reaction conditions
3Strength
If crosslinking reactions are used to enhance mechanical properties and electrochemical performance, then tensile strength and decomposition potential are improved, but processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates crosslinkable functional groups into the polymer structure during synthesis, preparing the material in advance for crosslinking without requiring complex post-processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition during crosslinking (from processable state to cured network) to achieve both ease of manufacturing in the initial state and high strength in the final state
4Object-generated harmful factors
If polymer solid electrolytes are used to replace flammable solvents, then safety and stability are improved, but ionic conductivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces plasticizers as intermediary substances within the polymer matrix that facilitate ion transport while maintaining the solid structure, effectively mediating between safety requirements and conductivity needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the glass transition temperature and free volume parameters of the polymer electrolyte through plasticizer selection and crosslinking density control to maximize ionic conductivity while maintaining safety
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
These polymer solid electrolytes provide safer, longer-life lithium batteries with improved charging/discharging rates and enhanced stability, avoiding the risks associated with flammable solvents while maintaining efficient ion conduction and mechanical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer comprising a product of a crosslinking reaction including a polymer selected from the group consisting of:
Implementation Method 2
maintaining efficient ion conduction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to various polymer solid electrolyte materials suitable for various electrochemical devices. Certain aspects include a polymer, a plasticizer, and an electrolyte salt. In some cases, the polymer may exhibit certain structures such as:where R1 can be one of the following groups:where n is an integer between 1 and 10000, m is a integer between 1 and 5000, and R2 to R6 can each independently be one of the following structures: