Solid Polymer Electrolyte Battery Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium ion batteries with liquid electrolytes face issues such as safety hazards, weight and bulk due to metal packaging, slow charge times, limited recharges, corrosion, dendrite formation, flammability, and inability to achieve voltages above 4.2 volts, along with the need for separators and vents.
Innovation Solution
A lithium ion battery utilizing a solid polymer electrolyte that is lighter, safer, and more energy-dense, eliminating the need for heavy packaging and separators, and allowing for higher voltages without flammability, achieved through a semi-crystalline or crystalline ionic polymer structure that can be formed into various shapes and manufactured using extrusion or molding techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is used, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but safety hazards and flammability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer form. This parameter change eliminates flammability while maintaining ionic conductivity through the solid polymer matrix, directly resolving the safety and flammability contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite solid polymer electrolyte materials that combine polymer matrices with ionic conductive components. This composite approach achieves both safety (non-flammable solid structure) and functionality (ionic conductivity) simultaneously
2Reliability
If metal hermetic packaging is used, then battery protection is improved, but weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal hermetic packaging from the battery structure. The solid polymer electrolyte inherently provides protection without requiring additional metal containers, eliminating unnecessary weight and bulk while maintaining protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The solid polymer electrolyte acts as a flexible protective barrier that replaces rigid metal packaging. This thin film approach provides necessary protection with minimal weight and volume addition
3Quantity of substance
If liquid electrolyte is used, then battery operation is achieved, but energy density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer form, enabling higher operating voltages (greater than 4.2 volts) that were not achievable with liquid electrolytes. This parameter change directly increases energy density while the solid structure enables faster ion transport for quicker charging
4Reliability
If separator is added, then ion flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid polymer electrolyte performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the ionic conductive medium and the separator that prevents direct contact between electrodes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate separator components, reducing complexity while maintaining ion flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of electrolyte and separator into a single solid polymer component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate separator parts, simplifying the battery structure while achieving both ionic conductivity and electrode isolation
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 polymer electrolyte battery achieves a 10-fold energy density improvement, reduced weight, lower costs, and enhanced safety, enabling higher voltage operation without thermal management systems, and can be integrated into diverse applications with improved mechanical and chemical resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The electrolyte material is a solid ionically conductive polymer which has preferably a semi-crystalline or crystalline structure which provides a high density of sites for ionic transport
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a battery including a solid ionically conductive polymer electrolyte having a first surface and a second surface; a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the solid ionically conductive polymer electrolyte; a second electrode disposed on the second surface of the solid ionically conductive polymer electrolyte; and at least a first conductive terminal and a second conductive terminal, each terminal being in electrical contact with respectively the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode. The invention is also directed to a material including a polymer; a dopant; and at least one compound including an ion source; wherein a liberation of a plurality of ions from the ion source provides a conduction mechanism to form an ionically conductive polymer material. The present invention is further directed to methods for making such batteries and materials.