Solid Polymer Electrolyte Films for Safer Lithium Metal Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion batteries face safety concerns due to the use of liquid electrolytes, which are flammable and can lead to thermal runaway and explosion, especially in extreme temperatures. Additionally, the energy density of graphite anodes is significantly lower than solid lithium metal anodes, posing challenges for high-performance battery applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel polymers, specifically copolymers containing vinylene carbonate, which can be used to create solid electrolytes and separators for batteries. These polymers are designed to be flexible, lightweight, and ionically conductive, eliminating the need for liquid electrolytes and enhancing safety and energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used in lithium-ion batteries, then ionic conduction is achieved, but safety deteriorates due to flammability and thermal runaway risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using vinylene carbonate copolymers. This parameter change eliminates the flammability inherent in liquid electrolytes while maintaining ionic conduction capability through the solid polymer matrix, directly resolving the safety contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite polymer structures containing vinylene carbonate units combined with other monomer units. This composite approach creates a solid electrolyte material that combines the beneficial properties of different polymer components to achieve both safety and ionic conduction.
2Reliability
If graphite anodes are used, then safety is improved, but energy density deteriorates due to lower lithium storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the anode material from graphite to solid lithium metal, representing a fundamental parameter change in the active material. This enables significantly higher lithium storage capacity and energy density while the solid electrolyte ensures safe operation by preventing dendrite formation and thermal runaway.
3Reliability
If solid polymers are used as electrolytes, then safety is improved by eliminating flammable liquids, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vinylene carbonate copolymer electrolyte forms a self-supporting solid membrane that inherently provides both ionic conduction and structural integrity. This self-service property simplifies battery manufacturing by eliminating the need for separate liquid electrolyte filling and sealing operations, reducing overall device complexity despite the advanced material.
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 use of these novel polymers in solid-state batteries improves safety by eliminating flammable liquids and enhances energy density by providing a more efficient ion conduction mechanism, enabling batteries to perform well in extreme temperatures and powering high-demand applications.
Implementation Method 1
a solid state metal ion conductive separator... capable of facilitating ion transport
Implementation Method 2
These polymers may have a variety of applications and are especially useful being incorporated into various features of batteries
Data Source
AI summary
Polymers formed from a first monomer and at least one second monomer different form the first monomer. The polymer is conformationally formed to dissolve metal salts in order to form a solid electrolyte capable of conducting lithium and other metals, which may be formed into a film, layered, or otherwise configured to conduct lithium within cell(s) of a battery. The polymer is suitable for use in various components of solid state batteries in various environmental conditions. Decomposition reactions of the polymers.