Solid Electrolyte Film via Polymer Alignment and Gelation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium batteries face challenges with the instability and mechanical weakness of organic liquid electrolytes, while inorganic solid electrolytes, such as oxide-based and sulfide-based ones, have limitations in manufacturing and sensitivity to humidity.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a solid electrolyte with high ion conductivity and stability is developed, involving the preparation of an electrolyte paste by dissolving polymers in a cosolvent, adding a lithium solution, and forming an electrolyte film through coating, which exhibits thixotropy and improved mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If organic liquid electrolyte is used, then ion mobility is high, but stability and mechanical strength are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte consisting of polymer matrix (first and second polymers) combined with lithium salt to create a solid electrolyte that maintains ion conductivity while providing mechanical strength and stability. The composite structure integrates the benefits of organic electrolytes (ion mobility) with solid materials (stability and mechanical strength).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to solid by using polymer-based electrolyte. The electrolyte paste is prepared in a sol state and then gelled to form a gel state paste, which is then coated to form a solid electrolyte film. This phase transition maintains ion conductivity while providing mechanical integrity.
2Reliability
If oxide-based solid electrolyte is used, then stability and mechanical strength are improved, but grain boundary resistance increases and bulk manufacturing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from bulk oxide-based electrolytes to film-forming polymer-based electrolytes. The electrolyte paste is applied in a sol state and then gelled to form a uniform film, avoiding grain boundary issues inherent in oxide-based bulk electrolytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent produces a thin film electrolyte by coating the electrolyte paste on a substrate. This thin film structure eliminates grain boundary resistance problems associated with bulk oxide-based electrolytes while maintaining stability and mechanical strength.
3Speed
If sulfide-based solid electrolyte is used, then ion conductivity is good, but sensitivity to humidity prevents manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent avoids the need for inert atmosphere manufacturing by using polymer-based electrolyte that is not sensitive to humidity. The electrolyte paste can be prepared and processed in normal atmospheric conditions, eliminating the manufacturing complexity associated with sulfide-based electrolytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses readily available polymer materials that are stable in ambient conditions, replacing sensitive sulfide-based materials that require special handling and inert atmosphere processing.
4Strength
If electrolyte paste in gel state is formed, then mechanical strength and uniformity are improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the electrolyte paste in a sol state first, which has good flowability for coating. After coating on the substrate, the paste is then gelled to form the final gel state with improved mechanical strength and uniformity. This preliminary preparation in sol state simplifies the coating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition from sol state to gel state after coating. The electrolyte paste is applied in a fluid sol state for easy coating, then transformed to gel state to achieve mechanical strength and uniformity, simplifying the overall processing.
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 a solid electrolyte with enhanced ion conductivity and stability, facilitating the manufacturing of lithium batteries with improved mechanical strength and uniformity, suitable for large-scale production.
Implementation Method 1
preparing a preparation solution by dissolving first polymers and second polymers in a cosolvent which includes a first cosolvent and a second cosolvent
Implementation Method 2
preparing an electrolyte paste having a gel state by gelling the electrolyte paste having a sol state at from about 5° C. to about 50° C.
Implementation Method 3
preparing an electrolyte paste by removing the second cosolvent of the mixture solution
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a solid electrolyte includes dissolving first polymers and second polymers in a cosolvent including a first cosolvent and a second cosolvent to provide a preparation solution; adding a lithium solution to the preparation solution to provide a mixture solution; removing the second cosolvent from the mixture solution to prepare an electrolyte paste that exhibits thixotropy; and coating the electrolyte paste onto a substrate to form an electrolyte film, wherein the electrolyte paste in a gel state is characterized by the first polymers being aligned in parallel to one another in one direction; the second polymers randomly surrounding the first polymers and having an average molecular weight that is greater than that of the first polymers; and a lithium solution provided between the first polymers and the second polymers.