Single-Ion Conductive Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Battery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium batteries face safety risks due to volatile and flammable liquid non-aqueous electrolytes, and solid electrolytes offer improved thermal stability but reduced flexibility, necessitating the development of alternative electrolytes with advanced properties.
Innovation Solution
The development of novel single-ion conductive polymers with adjustable porosity, suitable for use as electrolytes in lithium batteries, allowing control over volumetric energy density and compatibility with various electroactive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid non-aqueous electrolytes are used, then high Li-ion conductivity is achieved, but safety risks increase due to volatility and flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer form, fundamentally altering safety parameters while maintaining ionic conductivity. The solid polymer electrolyte eliminates volatility and flammability inherent in liquid electrolytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite polymer electrolytes combining poly(ethylene oxide) with lithium salts and optional inorganic fillers to achieve both safety (solid state) and conductivity (through lithium salt integration and filler enhancement).
2Temperature
If solid electrolytes are used, then thermal stability is improved, but flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film polymer electrolyte structures that provide flexibility and conformability while maintaining solid-state thermal stability. The film form factor enables bending and adaptation to electrode surfaces without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the polymer chain structure and crosslinking density to optimize the balance between thermal stability and flexibility, allowing the solid electrolyte to be both thermally robust and mechanically adaptable.
3Ease of operation
If porosity is increased to improve flexibility, then volumetric energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes controlled porosity in the polymer electrolyte structure to maintain flexibility and ion transport pathways while optimizing the balance with volumetric energy density. The porous structure enables mechanical flexibility without completely sacrificing energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adjusts porosity parameters and polymer composition to achieve an optimal balance between flexibility and volumetric energy density, allowing the electrolyte to be both mechanically adaptable and energetically efficient.
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
These polymers enhance safety and performance by adjusting porosity and energy density, offering a flexible and stable solution for lithium batteries, addressing the limitations of existing electrolytes.
Implementation Method 1
The advantages of these liquid non-aqueous electrolytes are a high Li-ion conductivity
Implementation Method 2
a good solid-electrolyte-interface formation
Data Source
AI summary
A solid single-ion conductive polymer comprising a repeat unit of formula (Ia):wherein R1 is H, or C1 to C16 linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, alkinyl;m is 1 to 5; each M+ is independently selected from Li+, Na+ or K+; andX is selected from CF3, CH3, or F; and the polymer has an average molecular weight of 350.000 to 1.200.000 Da.