Squaric Acid Polymers for High-Voltage Li-Ion Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic polymer-based electrode materials for lithium ion batteries suffer from limited lithium insertion at low voltage, hindering the development of high-energy and high-power rechargeable batteries, and require materials that are both ionically and electronically conductive.
Innovation Solution
Development of squaric acid-based polymers with specific monomeric units and reaction processes to produce polymers suitable for use in electrode materials and electrolytes, enabling lithium insertion at higher voltages and providing electronic and ionic conductivity.
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 (below 4 V) which limits energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of organic polymer electrode materials by incorporating specific functional groups and molecular architectures that shift the lithium insertion voltage from below 4 V to above 4 V, thereby increasing energy density while maintaining the benefits of organic materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite organic polymer materials that combine multiple functional components to achieve both high lithium insertion voltage and good electrochemical performance, resolving the contradiction between environmental benefits and energy density requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If organic polymer-based electrode materials are used, then renewable resources can be utilized, but the materials must simultaneously achieve both ionic and electronic conductivity which is difficult to accomplish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs organic polymer materials that simultaneously provide both ionic conductivity pathways and electronic conductivity pathways through integrated molecular structures, allowing a single material to fulfill multiple functional requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific functional domains within the polymer structure that locally enhance ionic conductivity while other regions maintain electronic conductivity, allowing different parts of the material to specialize in different conduction mechanisms
3Power
If lithium insertion at higher voltage is achieved, then high-energy and high-power rechargeable batteries can be developed, but existing organic polymer materials cannot achieve this voltage level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically adjusts key parameters of the organic polymer structure including molecular weight, functional group composition, and chain architecture to enable stable operation at lithium insertion voltages above 4 V, directly achieving the required power density
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 squaric acid-based polymers allow for battery cycling at high voltage (above 3.8 V), achieving high specific capacity and ensuring the polymers are both electronically and ionically conductive, thus addressing the limitations of existing materials.
Implementation Method 1
the polymers described herein are electrochemically stable and allow for battery cycling at high voltage (higher than 3.8 V)
Implementation Method 2
a good electrode material needs to be ionically and electronically conductive
Implementation Method 3
a good electrode material needs to be ionically and electronically 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.