Free-standing sulfide solid-state electrolyte membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in producing thin, flexible sulfide solid-state electrolytes with enhanced mechanical stability and scalability, particularly due to the impact of polymer binder molecular weight on wet slurry viscosity and dry thin film strength.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state electrolyte membrane comprising a ceramic and a polymer binder with a molecular weight of 50 to 2000 kg/mol is used, which provides improved mechanical stability and ionic conductivity through controlled entanglement and interaction phenomena.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polymer binder with higher molecular weight is used, then mechanical stability and film strength are improved, but wet slurry viscosity increases making processing more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the molecular weight of the polymer binder within a specific range (50 to 2000 kg/mol) to optimize the balance between film strength and slurry processability. This involves adjusting a key physical parameter (molecular weight) to achieve the desired performance characteristics without requiring fundamental changes to the processing methodology.
2Strength
If polymer binder concentration is increased to improve mechanical stability, then film strength increases, but ionic conductivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the binder concentration parameter to achieve the minimum necessary amount that provides adequate mechanical stability while preserving ionic conductivity. This involves carefully controlling the quantity of polymer binder in the composite electrolyte to balance structural support with ion transport pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining sulfide ceramic electrolyte particles with polymer binder in a optimized ratio. This composite structure allows the ceramic phase to provide ionic conductivity while the polymer phase provides mechanical stability, with the overall performance depending on the optimal composition ratio between the two components.
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 membrane exhibits higher critical current density and mechanical robustness, enhancing the performance and capacity retention of solid-state batteries over multiple cycles.
Implementation Method 1
polymer binders provide structural and mechanical stability, which are the result of adhesive forces provided by polar moieties
Implementation Method 2
Polymer entanglement effects arise at sufficiently high molecular weight (or chain lengths) and concentration
Implementation Method 3
The binder-electrolyte slurry is dried to yield a solid-state electrolyte membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state electrolyte is provided. The solid-state electrolyte includes a ceramic and a polymer binder. The ceramic includes a sulfide-containing electrolyte, and the polymer binder has a molecular weight of from 50 to 2000 kg/mol. A solid-state battery cell is also provided. The solid-state battery cell includes a casing and a cathode and an anode disposed within the casing. The solid-state battery cell further includes a current collector and a solid-state electrolyte membrane separating the cathode and the anode. The solid-state electrolyte includes a ceramic and a polymer binder disposed within the ceramic. The ceramic includes sulfide-containing electrolyte and the polymer binder has a molecular weight of from 50 to 2000 kg/mol. A method of manufacturing a solid-state electrolyte membrane is further provided.