Hybrid-Coated Separator for Low-Mass Strength and Electrolyte Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separators for electrical apparatuses, particularly in high-tech applications like new energy vehicles and aerospace, fail to meet the requirements for high energy density, low mass per unit area, high air permeability, mechanical strength, and excellent electrolyte wettability and retention.
Innovation Solution
A separator with a coating layer containing an organic-inorganic hybrid composite compound, specifically designed with a periodic assembly of basic units expressed by formula I, which includes metal cations, ligands, and optional components, forming a porous material with enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional polymer separators are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but energy density and ionic conductivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer matrix with metal-organic framework (MOF) coating layers. The separator consists of a polymer base layer coated with MOF materials such as Cu3(BTC)2, creating a composite structure that enhances ionic conductivity and energy density while maintaining the fundamental separator function. This composite approach allows the separator to achieve superior performance characteristics without completely redesigning the basic separator architecture.
2Strength
If separator thickness is increased to improve mechanical strength, then strength is improved, but mass per unit area and air permeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous materials by utilizing the inherent porosity of MOF coating layers. The MOF structure provides a porous network that allows ion transport while maintaining mechanical integrity. The porous nature of the MOF coating enables the separator to achieve high mechanical strength with reduced mass per unit area, as the porous structure provides strength through surface area and network connectivity rather than material density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the functional enhancement in the coating layer rather than throughout the entire separator thickness. The MOF coating is applied only on the surface of the polymer separator, providing localized improvement in mechanical strength, ionic conductivity, and thermal stability without increasing the overall separator mass. This surface-focused approach allows the bulk polymer to remain lightweight while the coating provides enhanced properties.
3Reliability
If organic polymer particles are deposited on matrix, then electrolyte wettability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical deposition methods with chemical self-assembly processes. Instead of physically depositing organic polymer particles through complex coating equipment, the MOF materials are formed through chemical reactions where metal ions and organic linkers self-assemble into the desired coating structure. This chemical approach simplifies manufacturing by using solution-based coating methods that can be applied through dip-coating or spray-coating techniques, reducing equipment complexity while achieving superior electrolyte wettability.
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 separator exhibits improved energy density, ionic conductivity, cycling performance, mechanical strength, and thermal stability, leading to enhanced performance of batteries and other electrical apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
exhibits astonishingly high energy density, low mass per unit area, high air permeability, high mechanical strength, and excellent electrolyte wettability and retention rate
Implementation Method 2
excellent electrolyte wettability and retention rate, gas absorption
Implementation Method 3
ions in the battery can pass through the separator to move between the positive electrode and negative electrode
Implementation Method 4
high air permeability, ionic conductivity
Implementation Method 5
excellent thermal properties and thermal stability; required thermal parameters
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a separator, an electrical apparatus containing such separator, and preparation methods thereof. The separator includes a coating layer containing an organic-inorganic hybrid composite compound and provides improved performance in a number of aspects, and the organic-inorganic hybrid composite compound is formed by periodically assembling, along at least one spatial direction, basic units expressed by formula I. This application further provides a battery and electrical device containing such separator, preparation methods thereof, organic-inorganic hybrid composite compound for improving performance of a separator. Lx(MaCb)y•Az formula I