Solid-State Electrode Ionic Binders Without Flammable Electrolytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion batteries face safety concerns due to flammable liquid electrolytes, particularly with lithium metal anodes, and require high-temperature/high-pressure processes for solid-state batteries, making them costly and difficult to integrate with existing production lines.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) as internal ionic binders in solid-state electrodes to provide ion conductivity and stability, allowing for the use of solid electrolytes and reducing the need for liquid electrolytes, while maintaining compatibility with existing battery manufacturing technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used in lithium-ion batteries, then high ionic conductivity is achieved, but safety deteriorates due to flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using organic ionic plastic crystals, which eliminates flammability while maintaining ionic conductivity through their unique plastic crystal phase that allows ion transport
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining organic ionic plastic crystals with conventional electrode materials, creating a solid-state electrode that integrates ionic conductivity with structural stability and safety
2Reliability
If inorganic solid electrolytes are used to achieve high thermal stability, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to high temperature/high pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from inorganic to organic ionic plastic crystals, which allows solid-state operation at lower temperatures and pressures, making the manufacturing process compatible with existing lithium-ion battery production lines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs organic ionic plastic crystals that can be processed using conventional methods, avoiding the need for expensive specialized equipment and high-temperature/high-pressure facilities required for inorganic solid electrolytes
3Reliability
If traditional carbon additives are used in solid-state electrodes, then electronic conduction is maintained, but ionic conductivity deteriorates due to lack of mobile ions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the organic ionic plastic crystal serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the ionic conductor (replacing liquid electrolyte) and the binder (holding electrode components together), eliminating the need for separate ionic conducting polymer electrolytes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of ionic conduction and binding by using organic ionic plastic crystals that inherently provide both ionic mobility and adhesive properties, consolidating multiple components into a single functional 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 OIPCs enhances the ionic conductivity and stability of solid-state batteries, enabling comparable performance to lithium-ion batteries while improving safety and reducing production costs, allowing for the widespread adoption of all-solid-state batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a new class of conductive, functional ionic binders, having plastic crystal properties for use in electrodes
Implementation Method 2
ionic binders in the form of at least one organic ionic plastic crystal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode for an all-solid-state energy storage device, the electrode comprising an electrode composition comprising an electroactive material and an internal ionic binder in the form of at least one organic ionic plastic crystal (OIPC) and ion transport salt composite which supports comparable performance of the electrode to one using liquid electrolyte.