Composite Solid Electrolyte Coating for Higher Ionic Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional composite polymer solid electrolytes face challenges in achieving high ionic conductivity due to limitations in dispersing ceramic particles uniformly in a polymer matrix, particularly when using highly crystalline polymers like polyethylene oxide, and methods to enhance conductivity through structural deformation or plasticizers are insufficient.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the preparation of a polymer film using a PEO-based copolymer with crosslinkable functional groups, combined with ceramic compounds, followed by vapor-deposition of a polar compound to form a three-dimensional network structure, allowing for continuous production and improved ionic conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a highly crystalline polymer such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) is used in a composite polymer solid electrolyte, then the stability of the electrolyte is improved, but the ionic conductivity is reduced due to limited chain mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidionic conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the polymer by introducing copolymerization with crosslinkable functional groups and controlling the crystallinity to 40% or less. This parameter optimization allows the polymer to maintain stability while achieving sufficient chain mobility for ionic conductivity of 1 mS/cm or higher

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining PEO-based copolymer with ceramic particles (such as Li7La3Zr2O12 or Li3xLa2/3-xTiO3). The ceramic particles fill the spaces between polymer chains and provide additional ionic conduction pathways, while the copolymer matrix maintains structural stability, achieving synergistic improvement in both stability and ionic conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If structural deformation or plasticizers are added to improve chain mobility and ionic conductivity, then the ionic conductivity is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity and process difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates crosslinkable functional groups directly into the polymer chain structure during synthesis, rather than requiring post-synthesis modification. The crosslinking reaction is then triggered by simple UV irradiation or thermal treatment, eliminating the need for complex plasticizer addition processes and reducing manufacturing steps while achieving the desired chain mobility and ionic conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If ceramic particles are dispersed in a polymer matrix to create a composite solid electrolyte, then the ionic conductivity is improved, but the uniformity of dispersion and optimization of polymer matrix properties become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoiddispersibility uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the local environment around ceramic particles by selecting polymer matrices with specific glass transition temperatures and controlling the interfacial interaction between ceramic particles and polymer chains. This local optimization ensures uniform dispersion and prevents aggregation, while maintaining high ionic conductivity throughout the composite electrolyte

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 method enables the production of an electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity and mechanical properties through uniform dispersion of ceramic particles, maintaining polymer chain mobility and stability, facilitating mass production.

Implementation Method 1

forming an electrolyte layer by transferring the substrate having the polymer film to a vapor deposition section and vapor-depositing a polar compound on the polymer film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

forming a polymer film by transferring the substrate having the coating film formed thereon to a drying section and drying the same

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20260094863A1Method for preparing electrolyte and electrolyte prepared thereby

Publication Date: 2026.04.02 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A method for preparing an electrolyte and an electrolyte prepared by the preparation method are provided. The preparation method includes the steps of: (S1) preparing a solution comprising a polyethylene oxide(PEO)-based copolymer having crosslinkable functional groups and a ceramic compound; (S2) supplying a substrate to a transfer path by unwinding the substrate using an unwinder; (S3) forming a coating film by coating the solution on the substrate; (S4) forming a polymer film by transferring the substrate having the coating film formed thereon to a drying section and drying the same; (S5) forming an electrolyte layer by transferring the substrate having the polymer film to a vapor deposition section and vapor-depositing a polar compound on the polymer film; and (S6) winding and recovering the substrate including the electrolyte layer using a rewinder.