Squaric Acid Polymer Electrodes for High-Voltage Lithium Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic polymer-based electrode materials for lithium ion batteries achieve lithium insertion at low voltage, limiting the development of high-energy and high-power rechargeable batteries.
Innovation Solution
A polymer of Formula I, comprising monomeric units derived from squaric acid, is developed for use in electrochemical cells as electrode materials or electrolytes, enabling lithium insertion at higher voltages through specific structural components and synthesis processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If organic polymer-based electrode materials are used, then environmental footprint is reduced and renewable resources are utilized, but lithium insertion occurs at low voltage which limits energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer by incorporating squaric acid units with specific functional groups (carbonyl, hydroxyl, amino) that enable higher voltage lithium insertion. The polymer structure is designed with conjugated systems and electron-withdrawing groups that shift the electrochemical potential to higher voltages while maintaining organic material benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer structures combining squaric acid units with various aromatic and heterocyclic groups (thiophene, pyridine, quinone) to achieve both environmental sustainability and high voltage performance. The composite structure integrates multiple functional moieties that work synergistically for high voltage operation
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional organic polymer electrode materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but electronic and ionic conductivity is insufficient for high-power applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrical parameters of the polymer by introducing conjugated π-electron systems and electron-deficient squaric acid units that enhance both electronic conductivity through delocalization and ionic conductivity through coordinated lithium binding sites. The functional groups create pathways for ion transport while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The squaric acid units act as intermediary structures that facilitate both electron and ion transport. The carbonyl and heteroatom groups serve as mediating sites for lithium coordination, enabling efficient charge transfer while the conjugated backbone provides electronic conduction pathways
3Use of energy by moving object
If polymer structures are designed for higher voltage operation, then energy density is improved, but structural complexity and synthesis difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer structure into modular repeating units based on squaric acid core structures with attachable functional groups. This segmentation allows systematic design of high voltage polymers by combining standardized building blocks (aromatic groups, heterocycles, carbonyl groups) in controlled sequences, managing complexity through modularity
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 polymer allows for battery cycling at high voltage (higher than 3.8 V), is electronically and ionically conductive, and can be designed for tunable reaction voltages, addressing the limitations of existing materials.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer allows for battery cycling at high voltage (higher than 3.8 V)
Implementation Method 2
achieve lithium insertion at higher voltages
Implementation Method 3
is electronically and ionically conductive
Implementation Method 4
is electronically and ionically conductive
Data Source
AI summary
Squaric acid-based polymers and their use in electrode materials and/or electrolyte compositions, as well as their production processes are described herein. Also described are electrode materials, electrodes, electrolyte compositions, electrochemical cells, electrochemical accumulators, and optoelectronic devices comprising the polymers and their uses.