Self-Healing Solid Electrolyte for Dendrite-Resistant Li Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid state batteries face challenges such as mechanical robustness issues with electrolyte layers, high production costs, the need for high temperature processing, and Li dendrite growth leading to cell failure.
Innovation Solution
Development of self-forming solid state batteries with a polymer-inorganic composite electrolyte based on the S vulcanization mechanism, which forms a self-healing electrolyte layer that suppresses dendrite growth and enables stable Li cycling, using a solution-based processing method to deposit the electrolyte directly on the metal surface, eliminating the need for a stand-alone separator and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a thin solid electrolyte sheet is used with Li metal, then energy density is improved, but mechanical robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite solid electrolyte consisting of inorganic ceramic particles dispersed in a polymer matrix. This composite structure combines the high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength of ceramics with the flexibility and processability of polymers, achieving both high energy density and mechanical robustness simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte system by using a polymer-inorganic composite with controlled particle size, distribution, and composition. This allows tuning of mechanical properties while maintaining thin film geometry for high energy density.
2Strength
If a stand-alone ceramic sheet is used, then mechanical robustness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a cost-effective composite electrolyte by combining inexpensive polymer material with small amounts of ceramic particles. This approach achieves the mechanical robustness of ceramic sheets while using significantly less ceramic material, reducing overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer matrix acts as an intermediary that binds ceramic particles together, providing mechanical support and reducing the need for thick, expensive ceramic sheets. The polymer fills the spaces between particles and distributes stress, maintaining robustness at lower cost.
3Reliability
If current solid electrolyte processing methods are used, then electrolyte formation is achieved, but high temperature processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing temperature parameter from high temperature to room temperature by using a solution-based approach. The electrolyte is formed by depositing a precursor solution that then solidifies, eliminating the need for high temperature sintering or processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal processing mechanisms with solution-based deposition and evaporation mechanisms. Instead of using heat to form the electrolyte, the process uses solvent evaporation and phase change at lower temperatures to achieve electrolyte formation.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional battery assembly is used, then battery construction is achieved, but Li dendrite growth occurs leading to cell failure
Solution Approach 1:
The solid electrolyte composite structure provides self-protection against dendrite growth through its inherent mechanical properties. The composite material's combination of hardness and flexibility allows it to resist dendrite penetration and heal minor defects, providing self-service protection without additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the composite polymer-inorganic structure to suppress Li dendrite growth. The ceramic particles create a tortuous path for dendrites, while the polymer matrix provides flexibility to accommodate volume changes, together preventing cell failure during conventional battery construction and operation.
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 achieves high energy density (>1000 Wh/L), mechanical robustness, and cost-effectiveness while preventing Li dendrite growth, resulting in safer and more durable batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer-inorganic composite electrolyte based on the S vulcanization mechanism, which forms a self-healing electrolyte layer
Implementation Method 2
using a solution-based processing method to deposit the electrolyte directly on the metal surface
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions, manufacturing processes, articles of manufacture, and structures/batteries for self-forming batteries and self-healing solid electrolytes are disclosed. Example embodiments include a self-forming battery. The battery may include a first electrode material and a second electrode material. Assembly of the two electrode materials may result in a chemical reaction that forms an electrolyte layer between the two electrode materials.