RAFT Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for High-Conductivity Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current polymer electrolytes used in lithium polymer batteries face challenges with low ionic conductivity and mobility, which affect the stability and performance of the batteries.

Innovation Solution

A polymer electrolyte membrane is developed using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, incorporating a RAFT agent with styrene functional groups and a solvate ionic liquid containing a lithium salt and a glyme-based or amide-based material, to enhance ionic conductivity and mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gel-type polymer electrolyte is used to improve ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but battery stability deteriorates due to leakage of liquid electrolyte

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery stabilityVSAvoidelectrolyte leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining polymer matrix with solvate ionic liquid filling the free volume, creating a gel-type polymer electrolyte that maintains both high ionic conductivity and battery stability by preventing liquid electrolyte leakage through the polymer framework

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If liquid electrolyte is used to improve ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but battery safety deteriorates due to risk of leakage and explosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidleakage and explosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a polymer matrix as a flexible confining structure that holds the solvate ionic liquid in a gel-type format, creating a thin film electrolyte that prevents leakage and explosion risks while maintaining high ionic conductivity for safe battery operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 resulting polymer electrolyte membrane exhibits improved ionic conductivity and mobility, leading to enhanced battery performance and stability, while also preventing leakage and allowing for thinner, more flexible battery designs.

Implementation Method 1

ion conduction is achieved by internal ion transfer of a stable polymer electrolyte as in a solid phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

ions of dissociated salts by adding electrolytic salts to the polymer containing heteroatoms such as O, N, and S are moved by segmental movement of the polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSegmental movement: Brownian Motion

Data Source

PatentEP3764450B1Polymer electrolyte and manufacturing method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte and a method for manufacturing the same. More specifically, a polymer electrolyte membrane having excellent ionic conductivity and low crosslinking degree can be prepared using a crosslinkable reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization agent (RAFT agent).