Solid Electrolyte Membranes for Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion batteries are prone to swelling and safety hazards due to electrolyte degradation and flammability, especially when damaged, which can damage devices and pose risks to users.
Innovation Solution
The use of lithium-ion batteries with solid electrolyte membranes, such as those utilizing lithiated Nafion, which replaces liquid electrolyte with a non-flammable lithium-ion conducting solid polymeric electrolyte separator, reducing the risk of swelling and improving safety by eliminating liquid electrolyte-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If liquid electrolyte is used in lithium-ion batteries, then ionic conductivity and battery performance are improved, but swelling, flammability, and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using a lithiated polymer electrolyte membrane. This parameter change eliminates the flammability and swelling issues associated with liquid electrolytes while maintaining ionic conductivity through the solid polymer matrix that allows lithium ion transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material structure where lithiated polymer electrolyte is integrated into a membrane format. This composite approach combines the ionic conductivity benefits of polymer electrolytes with the structural stability of a membrane, resolving the contradiction between performance and safety.
2Reliability
If solid electrolyte membrane is used to replace liquid electrolyte, then safety and swelling prevention are improved, but manufacturing complexity and process adaptation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lithiated polymer electrolyte membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the electrolyte medium for ionic conduction, as a separator between electrodes, and as a safety component that prevents swelling and flammability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the advanced material requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If solid electrolyte membrane is implemented, then battery stability and performance are enhanced, but energy density and capacity requirements must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the solid electrolyte membrane including its thickness, lithiation degree, and polymer structure to achieve the right balance between stability and energy density. By carefully controlling these parameters, the membrane provides enhanced stability while minimizing the volume occupied by the electrolyte component, thereby preserving energy density.
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 solution effectively prevents battery swelling, enhances performance and stability, and reduces safety risks, maintaining battery capacity and energy density while being cost-effective and compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
lithiated Nafion, which replaces liquid electrolyte with a non-flammable lithium-ion conducting solid polymeric electrolyte separator
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for lithium-ion batteries with solid electrolyte membranes. In one embodiment, a battery cell may include a copper current collector, a first layer in contact with the copper current collector, the first layer comprising polyvinylidene fluoride, an anode comprising a first lithiated polymer binder configured to conduct lithium ions, where the first layer is disposed between the copper current collector and the anode, and a lithiated polymer electrolyte membrane in contact with the anode. The battery cell may include a cathode in contact with the lithiated polymer electrolyte membrane and comprising a second lithiated polymer binder configured to conduct lithium ions, a second layer in contact with the cathode, the second layer comprising polyvinylidene fluoride, and an aluminum current collector disposed adjacent to the second layer, wherein the aluminum current collector is a positive current collector.