Supramolecular Polymer Electrolyte for Stretchable Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to developing stretchable batteries for intimate contact with the human body face challenges due to the lack of adequate, portable power sources, particularly the safety hazards associated with liquid electrolytes and the need for high ionic conductivity in solid polymer electrolytes, which are not adequately met by existing flexible battery materials.
Innovation Solution
A supramolecular polymeric design for a stretchable lithium ion conductor (SLIC) is developed, utilizing orthogonally functional hydrogen bonding domains and ionically conductive domains to create an ultra-resilient polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity, allowing for the formation of stretchable Li-ion battery electrodes via a slurry process, decoupling mechanical properties from ionic conductivity and eliminating the need for liquid electrolytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used in stretchable batteries, then ionic conductivity is improved, but safety hazards (leakage and flammability) worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid gel polymer, fundamentally altering the parameter of electrolyte phase while maintaining ionic conductivity through the gel structure that combines polymer matrix with liquid electrolyte components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite gel polymer electrolyte system that integrates solid polymer matrix (for mechanical strength and safety) with liquid electrolyte components (for ionic conductivity), achieving both safety and performance requirements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solid polymer electrolytes are used to eliminate safety hazards, then safety is improved, but ionic conductivity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the polymer electrolyte parameters by incorporating gel-forming components and optimizing polymer composition to enhance ionic conductivity while maintaining the solid state structure for safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite gel polymer electrolyte that combines solid polymer advantages (safety, mechanical integrity) with liquid electrolyte properties (high ionic conductivity), achieving both goals simultaneously
3Reliability
If gel electrolytes are used to achieve sufficient ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical properties worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite gel polymer electrolyte where the solid polymer matrix provides mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the embedded gel components provide ionic conductivity pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality differentiation within the electrolyte structure, where the polymer matrix regions provide mechanical support and the gel-filled regions provide ionic conduction, optimizing both functions in different locations
4Adaptability or versatility
If elastomers are used to create intrinsically stretchable battery materials, then stretchability is improved, but ionic conductivity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines elastomeric polymer chains (for stretchability) with ionic conducting gel components (for ionic conductivity), creating a composite material that exhibits both mechanical flexibility and electrochemical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic bonds (hydrogen bonds, metal-coordination bonds) that can reversibly break and reform during stretching, allowing the material to maintain ionic conductivity pathways even under deformation
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 SLIC-based electrolytes and electrodes enable the fabrication of all-stretchable batteries with excellent performance even when deformed or stretched to 70% of their original length, offering improved mechanical properties, higher mass loading at lower costs, and dynamic bonding for seamless interfaces, suitable for applications in soft robotics, wearable electronics, and implanted devices.
Implementation Method 1
SLIC utilizes orthogonally functional hydrogen bonding domains and ionically conductive domains to create an ultra-resilient polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity
Implementation Method 2
each of the molecules includes an ionically conductive domain... create an ultra-resilient polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A battery includes: 1) an anode; 2) a cathode; and 3) a solid or gel electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolyte includes a supramolecular polymer formed of, or including, molecules crosslinked through dynamic bonds, and each of the molecules includes an ionic ally conductive domain.