Supramolecular Binder-Electrolyte for Stable Lithium Battery Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rechargeable lithium batteries face challenges in achieving high adhesive force, structural and mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity, particularly in applications requiring high energy density and portability.

Innovation Solution

A supramolecule is developed, comprising a polymer with a functional group capable of hydrogen bonding and an aromatic compound with multiple amine groups, forming hydrogen bonds to enhance adhesion, mechanical strength, and ionic conductivity, acting as both a binder and solid electrolyte.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional polymers are used as binders and electrolytes, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adhesive force and electrical conductivity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive forceVSAvoidmaterial complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining a polymer matrix with aromatic amine compounds to form a supramolecular structure. This composite approach integrates the adhesive properties of polymers with the conductive characteristics of aromatic amines, achieving both high adhesive force and electrical conductivity simultaneously. The supramolecular assembly creates a multi-functional material that overcomes the limitations of conventional single-material systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure and intermolecular interactions within the binder material. By incorporating aromatic amine groups into the polymer matrix and controlling hydrogen bonding parameters, the material transitions from conventional insulating polymer behavior to a state with enhanced electrical conductivity and adhesive properties. This parameter modification enables the binder to simultaneously achieve mechanical adhesion and ionic conduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If polymer binders are used, then ease of operation is improved, but electrical conductivity and ionic conductivity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidprocessing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aromatic amine compounds serve as intermediaries between the polymer matrix and lithium ions. These aromatic amines facilitate ionic conduction through hydrogen bonding networks while maintaining the polymer's structural integrity. The intermediary aromatic amine groups create conductive pathways for lithium ion transport without requiring complex processing procedures, thus achieving high ionic conductivity with relatively simple material formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If high energy density is pursued, then productivity is improved, but thermal stability and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidthermal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of high energy density materials (thermal instability) into a benefit by utilizing hydrogen bonding interactions. The aromatic amine groups form reversible hydrogen bonds that provide thermal stability to the high-capacity electrode structures. These hydrogen bonding networks act as thermal buffers, dissipating excess energy and preventing thermal runaway while maintaining the high energy density required for improved productivity.

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 supramolecule improves mechanical properties and ionic conductivity, reducing volume expansion in electrodes, suppressing unstable lithium compound formation, and enhancing electrochemical performance and cycle-life characteristics of lithium batteries.

Implementation Method 1

the functional group capable of hydrogen bonding of the polymer and the amine group of the aromatic compound form a hydrogen bond

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

realizing high electrical and ionic conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260074224A1Supramolecule and rechargeable lithium batteries including the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

A supramolecule and a rechargeable lithium battery including the supramolecule are provided. The supramolecule includes: a polymer having a functional group capable of hydrogen bonding; and an aromatic compound having two or more amine groups, wherein the functional group capable of hydrogen bonding of the polymer and the amine group of the aromatic compound form a hydrogen bond.