Segmented Anolyte Catholyte Electrolyte Architecture for Lithium Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid polymer electrolyte batteries face limitations in achieving high energy density and moderate to high rate performance due to low ionic conductivities, which result in ion transport limitations and require thin porous electrodes, leading to reduced energy density and power output.

Innovation Solution

The use of non-porous electrodes with multiple electrolyte layers, where one electrolyte layer is reductively stable adjacent the negative electrode and another is oxidatively stable adjacent the positive electrode, enhances energy and power density by minimizing inactive components and optimizing ion transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If thin porous electrodes are used to compensate for low ionic conductivity, then ion transport limitations are reduced, but energy density decreases due to increased inactive component fractions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverate performanceVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single electrolyte system into two separate electrolyte layers: an anolyte layer adjacent to the negative electrode and a catholyte layer adjacent to the positive electrode. This segmentation allows each electrolyte layer to be optimized independently, enabling thicker electrodes to be used without compromising ion transport, thereby resolving the contradiction between rate performance and energy density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different electrolyte compositions and properties to different regions of the battery. The anolyte is specifically designed for stability against the negative electrode, while the catholyte is designed for stability against the positive electrode. This local optimization allows each region to function at its maximum potential, enabling thicker electrodes and higher energy density while maintaining good rate performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If thicker porous electrodes are used to increase energy density, then inactive component fractions decrease, but ion transport limitations worsen due to low ionic conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidrate performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the electrolyte into two separate layers, the patent reduces the ion transport distance through each individual electrolyte layer. This allows thicker electrodes to be used for higher energy density while maintaining short ion transport paths in each electrolyte layer, thus preserving rate performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a thin separator layer as an intermediary between the two electrolyte layers. This separator facilitates efficient ion transport between the anolyte and catholyte, enabling thicker electrodes to be used without compromising overall ion transport efficiency, thereby achieving both high energy density and good rate performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single electrolyte layer is used, then device complexity is reduced, but electrochemical stability window is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte structureVSAvoidelectrochemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrolyte system into two specialized layers, each optimized for electrochemical stability against a specific electrode. This segmentation expands the overall electrochemical stability window of the battery, allowing the use of higher voltage cathodes and more reactive anodes, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition and properties of the electrolyte in different regions of the battery. By selecting anolyte and catholyte materials with appropriate electrochemical stability ranges, the system achieves an expanded overall stability window, enabling higher energy density and improved reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration results in higher energy and power densities, improved charge transfer kinetics, and efficient lithium ion transport, overcoming the limitations of traditional solid polymer electrolyte systems.

Implementation Method 1

anolyte layer which is reductively stable and chemically stable against the negative electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

catholyte layer which is oxidatively stable and chemically stable against the positive electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

efficient lithium ion transport

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS9923231B2High energy lithium battery with separate anolyte and catholyte layers

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 SEEO INC

AI summary

An optimal architecture for a polymer electrolyte battery, wherein one or more layers of electrolyte (e.g., solid block-copolymer) are situated between two electrodes, is disclosed. An anolyte layer, adjacent the anode, is chosen to be chemically and electrochemically stable against the anode active material. A catholyte layer, adjacent the cathode, is chosen to be chemically and electrochemically stable against the cathode active material.