Squaric Acid Polymers for High-Voltage Lithium Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic polymer-based electrode materials for lithium ion batteries achieve lithium insertion at low voltage, hindering the development of high-energy and high-power rechargeable batteries, and there is a need for materials that utilize renewable resources to reduce environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
Development of squaric acid-based polymers with specific monomeric units that enable lithium insertion at higher voltages, utilizing monomeric units derived from squaric acid and other functional groups to create ionically and electronically conductive polymers for use in electrode materials and electrolytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If organic polymer-based electrode materials are used, then environmental footprint is reduced through renewable resources, but lithium insertion voltage remains low (below 4 V)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the polymer by incorporating squaric acid monomeric units with specific functional groups (carboxylic acid, ester, amide, or nitrile) to achieve higher lithium insertion voltage above 4 V while maintaining organic polymer benefits for environmental sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer structures combining squaric acid-derived monomeric units with aromatic or heteroaromatic groups to achieve both high voltage lithium insertion (>4 V) and good electrochemical performance, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and energy efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If organic polymer-based electrode materials are used, then renewable resources can be utilized, but ionically and electronically conductivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters by selecting specific functional groups (carboxylic acid, ester, amide, nitrile) in the squaric acid monomeric units to enhance both ionic and electronic conductivity while maintaining compatibility with renewable resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces localized conductive pathways within the polymer structure through specific monomeric unit arrangements, creating regions with enhanced ionic and electronic conductivity while the overall polymer remains derived from renewable resources
3Use of energy by moving object
If high voltage lithium insertion (>3.8 V) is achieved, then battery energy density improves, but suitable polymer materials are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the parameters of squaric acid monomeric units (different functional groups: carboxylic acid, ester, amide, nitrile) to create a family of polymers that achieve high voltage lithium insertion >3.8 V, making high energy density batteries manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the polymer structure into repeating monomeric units derived from squaric acid with specific functional groups, enabling systematic optimization of voltage and conductivity properties for manufacturable high-performance batteries
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 polymers allow for battery cycling at high voltages (above 3.8 V) with improved conductivity, reducing environmental impact through the use of renewable resources and enabling scalable, cost-effective production.
Implementation Method 1
the polymers allow for battery cycling at high voltages (above 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
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.