Semi-IPN Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Safe Room-Temperature Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary battery cells using liquid electrolytes face issues such as toxicity, flammability, poor mechanical stability, and low ionic conductivity at room temperature, which limit their application in modern devices requiring high energy density and safety.

Innovation Solution

A semi-interpenetrating polymer network solid polymer electrolyte (semi-IPN SPE) is developed, comprising cellulosic polymers, lithium ion sources, ceramic particles, and plasticizers, which provides high ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability, enabling safer and more efficient energy storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid electrolytes are used in secondary batteries, then ionic conductivity can be maintained, but toxicity and flammability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidtoxicity and flammability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer form, while maintaining ionic conductivity through specific polymer composition and plasticizer addition. This phase change eliminates flammability and toxicity associated with liquid electrolytes while preserving the essential ionic conduction function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite solid polymer electrolyte system combining cellulosic polymers, plasticizers, and ceramic particles. This composite approach achieves high ionic conductivity (10^-3 S/cm) while maintaining mechanical strength and eliminating the harmful properties of liquid electrolytes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If solid polymer electrolytes are used to replace liquid electrolytes, then safety improves, but ionic conductivity at room temperature decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidionic conductivity at room temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the glass transition temperature and chain mobility of the polymer matrix through plasticizer selection and concentration optimization. This enables the solid polymer electrolyte to achieve 10^-3 S/cm ionic conductivity at room temperature while maintaining solid-state safety advantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The incorporation of ceramic particles and optimization of polymer-plasticizer ratios creates a composite structure that facilitates ion transport at room temperature while maintaining the mechanical integrity and safety benefits of solid polymer electrolytes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If ceramic particles are added to increase ionic conductivity, then conductivity improves, but mechanical stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a balanced composite formulation where ceramic particles are dispersed in an optimized polymer-plasticizer matrix. The cellulosic polymer provides structural framework while plasticizers maintain flexibility, achieving both high ionic conductivity and mechanical stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The ceramic particles are strategically dispersed within the polymer matrix to create localized high-conductivity pathways while the surrounding polymer matrix maintains overall mechanical integrity. This local optimization allows conductivity enhancement without sacrificing bulk mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 semi-IPN SPE achieves ionic conductivity of 10−3 S/cm at room temperature, supports high energy density batteries, and allows for simplified casing and cooling systems, making it suitable for high voltage applications like portable power tools and electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the one or more photo-initiators, following irradiation with light, promotes polymerization of at least one of the one or more polymerizable components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11855258B2Secondary battery cell with solid polymer electrolyte

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 CMC MATERIALS INC

AI summary

A secondary battery cell includes a cathode of a first electrode material, an anode of a second electrode material, and a solid polymer electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode and anode. The solid polymer electrolyte includes a first surface in contact with the cathode and a second surface in contact with the anode. The solid polymer electrolyte layer includes a cellulosic polymer matrix. The cellulosic polymer matrix includes a network of the cellulosic polymer. Lithium ions are dispersed in the cellulosic polymer matrix. Ceramic particles are dispersed in the cellulosic polymer matrix. The ceramic particles include a metal oxide. One or more plasticizers are dispersed in the cellulosic polymer matrix. One or more polymer networks are in contact with the cellulosic polymer matrix. The one or more polymer networks include an acrylate-containing polymer.