Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Fracture-Resistant Lithium Ion Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid ceramic electrolytes in lithium ion batteries are brittle and prone to cracking under vibrations and shock forces, leading to reduced ionic conductivity and battery performance, while also posing safety concerns due to their flammability and poor interface with electrodes.
Innovation Solution
Development of flexible, fracture-resistant solid polymer electrolytes and polymer ceramic composite electrolytes that are self-healing and can adhere to electrodes, eliminating the need for a separate separator component, thereby enhancing mechanical strength and ion conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid ceramic electrolytes are used to replace conventional liquid electrolytes, then safety is improved due to reduced flammability, but mechanical strength deteriorates causing brittleness and cracking under vibration and shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite electrolyte structures combining solid ceramic particles embedded in a flexible polymer matrix. This composite approach integrates the high ionic conductivity and thermal stability of ceramics with the mechanical flexibility and fracture resistance of polymers, resolving the contradiction between safety improvements from solidification and mechanical strength deterioration from brittleness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte system by transitioning from pure liquid to solid-hybrid compositions, adjusting ceramic particle size, distribution, and polymer matrix composition to optimize both safety and mechanical properties simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solid ceramic electrolytes are used, then flammability is reduced, but ionic conductivity deteriorates due to cracking and physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid composite structure maintains continuous ionic conduction pathways through the polymer matrix while incorporating ceramic particles for enhanced safety, preventing the cracking-induced conductivity loss that plagues pure ceramic electrolytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible polymer matrix acts as an intermediary between ceramic particles, providing mechanical cushioning that prevents crack propagation while maintaining ionic conductivity pathways, thus protecting against the harmful effect of physical damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If solid ceramic electrolytes are used, then electrolyte stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to poor interface quality with electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the chemical composition and surface properties of the composite electrolyte to match electrode interfaces, modifying parameters such as polymer functional groups and ceramic surface treatment to improve interfacial contact and reduce impedance without compromising bulk stability.
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 provides a safer, more durable, and high-performance lithium ion battery that operates effectively at room temperature with improved mechanical robustness and self-healing properties, preventing dendrite growth and maintaining efficiency through charge/discharge cycles.
Implementation Method 1
Solid polymer electrolytes that are flexible, fracture resistant and self-healing
Implementation Method 2
polymer ceramic composite electrolytes that are self-healing and can adhere to electrodes
Implementation Method 3
flexible, fracture resistant and self-healing
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell and a method of preparing the electrochemical cell are provided. The electrochemical cell, such as a lithium battery or a solid-state lithium ion battery, includes a first electrode having a solid polymer electrolyte deposited thereon, wherein the solid polymer electrolyte comprises a microporous polymer swollen with an organic carbonate liquid and a dissociable lithium salt, and a second electrode. The method of preparing an electrochemical cell includes providing the first electrode, immersing the first electrode in an electrolyte solution, depositing the solid polymer electrolyte on the immersed first electrode, and attaching the second electrode to an exposed surface of the solid polymer electrolyte, thereby forming the electrochemical cell. During operation, the solid polymer electrolyte is capable of growing a passivating polymer layer at an interface between the first electrode and the solid polymer electrolyte.