Asymmetric Sulfonamide Polymer Electrolyte for High Ion Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solid polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion systems have limited ion conductivity and require high operating temperatures, necessitating the development of electrolytes with improved ionic conduction and electrochemical stability.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of asymmetrical sulfonamide-type compounds, featuring a polycyclic aromatic group and an aliphatic chain linked via a sulfonamide pattern, which enhances ion conductivity through direct cation hopping and improves electrochemical stability by relocating anionic load to aromatic structures, thereby increasing dissociation and structural organization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional solid polymer electrolytes (polyethylene oxide) are used, then the electrochemical system can operate with basic safety, but the ion conductivity is limited and high operating temperatures (60-80°C) are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion conductivityVSAvoidoperating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer electrolyte by incorporating sulfonamide groups with specific molecular structures (polycyclic aromatic groups linked to aliphatic chains via sulfonamide patterns). This compositional parameter change enables the electrolyte to achieve high ion conductivity (greater than 10^-8 S/cm at 20°C) without requiring elevated operating temperatures, thus resolving the contradiction between ion conductivity and operating temperature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polymer electrolyte structure combining polycyclic aromatic groups, aliphatic chains, and sulfonamide functional groups into a single integrated macromolecular structure. This composite material approach allows the electrolyte to simultaneously achieve structural organization, electrochemical stability, and high ion conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-component polymer electrolytes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If polymer electrolytes are designed to improve ion conductivity, then cation transport increases, but electrochemical stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion conductivityVSAvoidelectrochemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional regions within the polymer electrolyte structure: the polycyclic aromatic groups provide structural stability and electrochemical robustness, while the sulfonamide linkages and aliphatic chains facilitate ion transport. This spatial differentiation of functions allows the electrolyte to simultaneously achieve high ion conductivity and excellent electrochemical stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential instability of sulfonamide groups into a benefit by strategically positioning them within the stable polycyclic aromatic framework. The aromatic structure stabilizes the sulfonamide moieties, preventing their degradation while maintaining their ion-conducting functionality, thus transforming a potentially harmful structural weakness into a beneficial dual-function feature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 proposed electrolytes exhibit higher ion conductivity, with values greater than 10^-8 S/cm at 20 °C and 10^-5 S/cm at 150 °C, and enhanced electrochemical stability, making them suitable for various electrochemical systems, including lithium batteries and fuel cells.

Implementation Method 1

improves electrochemical stability by relocating anionic load to aromatic structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnionic load relocation:

Implementation Method 2

enhances ion conductivity through direct cation hopping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCation hopping:

Data Source

PatentEP3649107B1Sulfonamide macromolecules useful as single-ion conducting polymer electrolyte

Publication Date: 2022.10.12 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to asymmetric sulfonamide compounds comprising at least: • one polycyclic group, Ar, formed of two to six rings, at least one of which is aromatic, • a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain, said chain possibly being interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, • said group Ar and said aliphatic chain being covalently bonded via a spacer represented by a sulfonamide unit -SO2-NH- or its anionic form -SO2-N--; and, optionally • a counter-cation of the anionic form of the sulfonamide unit, chosen among the alkali metals and the proton H+. These compounds are of particular interest as single-ion conducting polymer electrolyte.