Solid-State Electrolyte for Single-Cation Conduction and Dendrite Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion batteries with graphite negative electrodes are limited by energy density and safety concerns, such as dendrite growth and flammability, which hinder their commercialization for high-energy density applications.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state electrolyte with a porous coordination polymer having unsaturated metal sites and coordinated anionic groups, allowing for single cation conduction and suppressing dendrite growth, thereby enhancing electrochemical and safety performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a liquid-state electrolyte is used to enable high energy density with metal negative electrodes, then energy density is improved, but safety risks such as flammability and explosiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, fundamentally altering the safety characteristics while maintaining ionic conductivity. The solid-state electrolyte uses inorganic materials such as sulfides, oxides, or nitrides that are non-flammable and thermally stable, directly resolving the safety issue while enabling metal negative electrode usage for high energy density
2Ease of manufacture
If a polymer electrolyte is used as solid-state electrolyte, then processing performance is improved, but ion conductivity and cation transport quantity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite solid-state electrolytes combining inorganic materials (sulfides, oxides, nitrides) with organic binders or conductive additives. This composite structure leverages the high ion conductivity of inorganic materials while incorporating processing aids from organic components, achieving both ease of manufacture and high ion conductivity simultaneously
3Reliability
If an inorganic electrolyte is used as solid-state electrolyte, then ion conductivity is improved, but processing performance and electrode interface contact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite electrolyte systems where inorganic materials providing high ion conductivity are combined with organic processing aids, binders, or surface modifiers. This allows the inorganic component to maintain its superior ion conductivity while the organic component improves processability and interfacial contact with electrodes
4Reliability
If existing organic-inorganic composite electrolyte is used, then some deficiencies of pure polymer or inorganic electrolytes are compensated, but cation transport quantity and composite uniformity remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating heterogeneous composite structures where inorganic and organic components are strategically distributed at different scales. The composite electrolyte features localized regions of high ionic conductivity interspersed with phases that provide mechanical integrity and processing benefits, achieving both high cation transport and uniform composite structure through controlled phase distribution
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 solid-state electrolyte improves ion conductivity, reduces internal impedance, and increases the safety and cycle performance of batteries, facilitating the use of metal negative electrodes like lithium, sodium, or potassium.
Implementation Method 1
an anionic group coordinated with and grafted on the unsaturated metal site
Implementation Method 2
the solid-state electrolyte can implement fast transmission of a single cation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a solid-state electrolyte. The solid-state electrolyte includes a porous coordination polymer having an unsaturated metal site, an anionic group coordinated with and grafted on the unsaturated metal site, and a cation bound with the anionic group. The anionic group includes one or more substituted carboxylate anionic groups and/or one or more substituted sulfonate anionic groups. The cation includes one or more of a lithium ion, a sodium ion, a potassium ion, a magnesium ion, a zinc ion, and/or an aluminum ion.