Solid-State Battery SEI Formation and Polymeric Film Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion batteries face challenges with safety hazards, flammability, and limitations in energy density, charging rate, and material costs, necessitating improved solid-state batteries with a solid electrolyte to enhance performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
The formation of solid-state batteries involves using a non-inert gas to displace ambient gases, forming a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and reducing interfacial resistance, while employing electrospraying to create a thin polymeric film that suppresses dendritic growth and maintains ionic conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid electrolyte is used in lithium-ion batteries, then ionic conductivity is maintained, but safety hazards and flammability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, fundamentally altering the parameter of electrolyte phase. This transformation eliminates flammability while maintaining ionic conductivity through the solid-state electrolyte material, directly resolving the safety-flammability contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition by employing a solid-state electrolyte instead of liquid electrolyte. This phase change from liquid to solid state eliminates the harmful flammability characteristic while preserving the essential ionic conduction function, addressing the safety concerns of conventional batteries
2Reliability
If a solid-state electrolyte is used, then safety and cycle life are improved, but interfacial resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polymeric film as an intermediary layer between the solid-state electrolyte and electrodes. This intermediary layer mediates the interface, reducing interfacial resistance and improving ion transport while allowing the solid-state electrolyte to maintain its safety and cycle life advantages
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining solid-state electrolyte with a polymeric film layer. This composite material approach integrates the safety benefits of solid-state electrolyte with the low interfacial resistance properties of the polymeric film, resolving the contradiction between cycle life and interfacial resistance
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional battery materials are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but energy density and charging rate are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte parameter from liquid to solid state, enabling the use of high-capacity electrode materials that were previously unsafe with liquid electrolytes. This parameter change allows achieving higher energy density while the electrospraying manufacturing process helps control production costs
4Reliability
If dendritic growth is not suppressed, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but battery safety and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin polymeric film as a flexible protective layer between electrodes. This thin film structure effectively suppresses dendritic growth and prevents internal shorts, enhancing battery safety without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity due to the simplicity of the film deposition process
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 method results in improved interfacial ionic conductivities, higher energy density, longer cycle life, enhanced safety, and faster charging capabilities, reducing the risk of fires and maintaining performance across various temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
forming a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and reducing interfacial resistance
Implementation Method 2
employing electrospraying to create a thin polymeric film
Implementation Method 3
a solid-state electrolyte that advantageously provides low interfacial resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods of forming an electrochemical cell using a non-inert gas are disclosed. Exemplary methods include providing a first gas before applying or more of current and voltage to the cell. The first (e.g., non-inert) gas can facilitate formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Further examples of the disclosure relate to methods of forming an electrochemical cell or portion thereof by electro spraying a solution including polymeric material. Such methods potentially eliminate a step of compressing the cell at a pressure beyond 100 MPa and prolong the cycle life while preventing a fire hazard.