Solid-State Battery Interface Enhancer for Flame Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries face safety concerns due to the flammability of liquid electrolytes, and solid-state electrolytes suffer from high interfacial impedance and brittleness, making them unsuitable for widespread use in electric vehicles and portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable lithium battery design featuring a solid-state electrolyte with an interface enhancer composition comprising a lithium salt, ionic liquid, or organic solvent, which forms a contiguous lithium ion pathway between the anode and cathode, enhancing conductivity and incorporating flame retardants to prevent fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If liquid electrolytes are used in lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, then high lithium storage capacity and energy density are achieved, but safety concerns arise due to thermal runaway and explosion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using a polymer matrix combined with ionic liquid and lithium salt, thereby eliminating flammability while maintaining ionic conductivity. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between energy density and safety by providing a solid electrolyte that does not suffer from thermal runaway issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite electrolyte system consisting of polymer matrix, ionic liquid, and lithium salt. This composite structure combines the mechanical stability of polymers with the high ionic conductivity of ionic liquids, achieving both safety and performance requirements simultaneously.
2Reliability
If conventional ionic liquids are used as electrolyte, then non-flammability is achieved, but high viscosity at room temperature hinders lithium ion transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the ionic liquid from pure liquid to a solid-complexed state within the polymer matrix. This parameter change reduces viscosity and enables efficient lithium ion transport while maintaining the non-flammable property of ionic liquids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system where ionic liquid is integrated with polymer matrix and lithium salt. This composite structure provides a framework that facilitates lithium ion movement while preventing the high viscosity issues of pure ionic liquids.
3Speed
If inorganic solid-state electrolytes are used, then high conductivity is achieved, but high interfacial impedance and brittleness prevent cost-effective manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the electrolyte from brittle (inorganic) to flexible (polymer-based) while maintaining high conductivity through the ionic liquid component. This parameter change enables the electrolyte to conform to electrode surfaces and facilitates manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a polymer-inorganic composite electrolyte that combines the flexibility and processability of polymers with the high conductivity of inorganic materials. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between conductivity and manufacturability.
4Ease of manufacture
If organic polymer solid state electrolytes are used, then flexibility and ease of manufacture are improved, but low conductivity (−5 S/cm) limits performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system where polymer provides flexibility and processability, while ionic liquid and lithium salt contribute high ionic conductivity. This composite structure achieves both ease of manufacture and high performance simultaneously.
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 design provides a safe, high-performing lithium battery with reduced interfacial impedance, improved cycling performance, and resistance to flames, suitable for use in electric vehicles and portable devices without requiring significant modifications to existing battery production facilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least an interface enhancer composition in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode
Implementation Method 2
the solid-state electrolyte has flame-resistant properties
Implementation Method 3
resistance to flames
Data Source
AI summary
A lithium battery comprising an anode, a cathode, a solid-state electrolyte, an interface enhancer composition in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode, wherein (a) the electrolyte comprises a solid polymer, a polymer gel, an inorganic solid-state, or a polymer/inorganic composite electrolyte; (b) the interface enhancer composition comprises a lithium salt, a liquid solution comprising an organic solvent or ionic liquid and a lithium salt dissolved therein, a polymer containing a lithium salt dissolved or dispersed therein, or a combination thereof; (c) the cathode comprises a cathode active layer comprising particles of a cathode active material, a conductive additive, an optional binder, and pores occupying 1% to 40% by volume of the cathode active layer and the interface enhancer resides in 30% to 100% of the pores; and (d) the interface enhancer is present between the solid-state electrolyte and the cathode and between the solid-state electrolyte and the anode.