Solid Polymer Electrolyte with Domain Morphology for Battery Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid polymer electrolytes face challenges in achieving high ionic conductivity while maintaining mechanical stability, as high conductivity often requires high polymer chain mobility, which compromises mechanical properties, and attempts to enhance conductivity through additives or structural modifications often deteriorate mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A solid polymer electrolyte material with a two- or three-domain morphology, comprising conductive and structural domains made of different polymers, arranged in specific configurations such as lamellar or perforated structures, which enhances ionic conductivity while maintaining mechanical robustness through unique bonding configurations and the inclusion of a third rubbery domain to impede crystallization and improve toughness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high polymer chain mobility is used to achieve high ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer electrolyte into distinct conductive domains and structural domains. The conductive domains contain polymer chains with high mobility for ion transport, while the structural domains provide mechanical stability. This segmentation allows each domain to optimize its function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between ionic conductivity and mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the polymer electrolyte are given different properties: conductive domains are designed with high chain mobility and ionic conductivity, while structural domains are designed with high mechanical strength and stability. This local differentiation of properties allows the material to simultaneously achieve high ionic conductivity and mechanical stability where needed.
2Reliability
If additives or structural modifications are made to enhance ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite polymer electrolyte system consisting of conductive polymer domains and structural polymer domains. By combining different polymer materials with complementary properties, the system achieves high ionic conductivity through the conductive domains while maintaining mechanical stability through the structural domains, avoiding the need for additives that compromise mechanical properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional polymer processing methods are used for manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but achieving high ionic conductivity and mechanical stability simultaneously becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the polymer electrolyte with specific parameters including domain size, domain spacing, and polymer composition that can be controlled through conventional processing methods. By optimizing these parameters, the material achieves high ionic conductivity and mechanical stability while remaining compatible with standard polymer processing techniques such as extrusion and molding.
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 material achieves high ionic conductivity (at least 1×10−5 Scm−1 at 90°C) and mechanical stability, enabling improved energy density, thermal stability, and safety in lithium-based batteries, with enhanced processability and reduced self-discharge rates.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive domain provides at least one pathway for ion conduction to flow through a bulk electrolyte material
Implementation Method 2
Lamellae of the structural domains provide sufficient support to confer structural stability to a bulk electrolyte material
Implementation Method 3
The morphology includes a plurality of extensions of the first domains whereby the plurality of extensions extend into perforations in the second domain
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to electrolyte materials. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides for a solid polymer electrolyte material that is ionically conductive, mechanically robust, and can be formed into desirable shapes using conventional polymer processing methods. An exemplary polymer electrolyte material has an elastic modulus in excess of 1×106 Pa at 90 degrees C. and is characterized by an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10−5 Scm-1 at 90 degrees C. An exemplary material can be characterized by a two domain or three domain material system. An exemplary material can include material components made of diblock polymers or triblock polymers. Many uses are contemplated for the solid polymer electrolyte materials. For example, the present invention can be applied to improve Li-based batteries by means of enabling higher energy density, better thermal and environmental stability, lower rates of self-discharge, enhanced safety, lower manufacturing costs, and novel form factors.