Quasi-Solid Hybrid Electrolyte for Anode-Less Lithium Battery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal batteries face challenges such as dendrite formation, thermal runaway, and flammability due to volatile organic solvents, hindering their commercialization for electric vehicles and other applications, while lithium-ion batteries struggle with safety and energy density issues.
Innovation Solution
A non-flammable, high-concentration lithium salt electrolyte composition is developed, which forms a quasi-solid electrolyte when combined with a liquid solvent and additives, enhancing lithium ion transport and safety by suppressing flammability and maintaining flowability, eliminating the need for lithium metal at the anode during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used as anode active material to achieve high energy density, then energy density is improved, but dendrite formation and thermal runaway occur leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes lithium metal from the anode structure entirely, using only a current collector without active material. This extraction eliminates the source of dendrite formation while maintaining high energy density through high-concentration electrolyte that provides sufficient lithium ions for cathode reactions during discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the electrolyte concentration parameter to ultra-high concentrations (10-20 M or higher), which transforms the electrolyte from a flammable liquid into a non-flammable quasi-solid gel. This parameter change suppresses dendrite growth and eliminates thermal runaway risks while maintaining ionic conductivity.
2Reliability
If conventional electrolyte solvents are used to enable lithium ion transport, then ionic conductivity is improved, but flammability and volatility increase leading to thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the electrolyte to ultra-high levels (10-20 M), which fundamentally alters the physical state from liquid to quasi-solid gel. This parameter change eliminates flammability and volatility while maintaining sufficient ionic conductivity for battery operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining ultra-high concentration lithium salts with specific solvents and additives, forming a quasi-solid gel structure. This composite material integrates the ionic conductivity of liquid electrolytes with the safety and structural stability of solid gels, eliminating flammability while enabling lithium ion transport.
3Reliability
If high concentration lithium salt electrolyte is used to suppress flammability, then safety is improved, but viscosity increases reducing flowability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a composite electrolyte formulation combining ultra-high concentration lithium salts with specific solvent mixtures and additives that create a quasi-solid gel structure. This composite maintains adequate flowability for manufacturing while providing the safety benefits of high concentration, resolving the contradiction between safety and processability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional components locally within the electrolyte system: ultra-high concentration lithium salts provide safety and non-flammability, while specific solvent additives maintain local flowability and ionic conductivity. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between safety and operability.
4Quantity of substance
If lithium metal anode is used to achieve high capacity, then anode capacity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to handling sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts lithium metal from the anode structure, using only a simple current collector without active material. This simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for specialized handling facilities, moisture-free environments, and complex safety protocols associated with lithium metal, while anode capacity is maintained through high-concentration electrolyte providing sufficient lithium ions during discharge.
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 solution provides a safe, high-energy-density, long-cycle-life lithium battery with reduced risk of explosion, compatible with existing production facilities, and suitable for various lithium-based cell types, including lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur cells.
Implementation Method 1
A non-flammable, high-concentration lithium salt electrolyte composition is developed, which forms a quasi-solid electrolyte when combined with a liquid solvent and additives
Implementation Method 2
enhancing lithium ion transport and safety by suppressing flammability
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable lithium cell comprising: (a) a cathode having a cathode active material and a first electrolyte in ionic contact with the cathode active material; (b) an anode having an anode current collector but no anode active material and having no lithium metal when the cell is made; (c) an optional porous separator electronically separating the anode and the cathode; and (d) a second electrolyte, comprising a polymer electrolyte in ionic contact with the first electrolyte, wherein the polymer electrolyte is disposed substantially between the anode and the cathode, between the separator and the cathode, and/or between the separator and the anode. The polymer electrolyte substantially does not permeate into the anode or the cathode. Also provided is a method of preparing or operating such an anode-less lithium cell.