Solid Polymer Matrix Electrolyte for Battery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion batteries face safety issues due to the risk of short-circuiting and thermal runaway caused by damage to the liquid electrolyte separator, limiting their public use.
Innovation Solution
Development of a polymer matrix electrolyte (PME) membrane with high mechanical strength and ionic conductivity, formed by mixing polymer, lithium salt, and solvent solutions, which is cast onto a substrate to create a dense, pore-free film that can be used as a separator in lithium ion batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid electrolyte separator is used in lithium ion batteries, then the battery can operate with standard liquid electrolyte properties, but the separator is vulnerable to damage from deformation or external impact, leading to short-circuiting and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer matrix, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties and safety characteristics. The solid PME provides structural integrity and resistance to deformation while maintaining ionic conductivity, eliminating the short-circuit risks associated with liquid electrolyte separators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solid polymer matrix electrolyte by combining polymer materials with lithium salts and additives. This composite structure provides both the mechanical strength needed for safety and the ionic conductivity required for battery operation, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and electrolyte functionality.
2Strength
If a solid polymer matrix electrolyte membrane is created with high mechanical strength, then the battery safety is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the composition parameters of the PME precursor solution, including polymer type, lithium salt content, and additive concentrations, to achieve the desired mechanical strength. By controlling these parameters during formulation, the patent achieves high-strength membranes through material composition rather than complex post-processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a precursor solution as an intermediary medium that simplifies the manufacturing process. The solution contains all necessary components (polymer, lithium salt, additives) in optimal proportions, allowing the membrane to be formed through a single casting and drying step rather than multiple complex processing operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the PME precursor solution is formulated with optimal composition ratios, then the membrane performance is improved, but the solution preparation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary formulation work by pre-determining the optimal composition ratios of polymer, lithium salt, and additives in the precursor solution. This preliminary optimization of the solution formula allows for precise membrane composition to be achieved through simple mixing and casting operations, rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments during manufacturing.
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 PME membrane enhances the safety and reliability of lithium ion batteries by preventing short-circuiting and maintaining performance across a wide temperature range, while being compatible with current manufacturing processes and potentially reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the PME membrane has ionic conductivity over a temperature range of about −20° C. to about 90° C.
Implementation Method 2
dry casting the PME precursor solution onto a substrate to form a PME membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods of preparing a solid-state polymer matrix electrolyte (PME) and methods for preparing a PME precursor solution for forming the PME for use in battery technologies.