Polymaleimide Polymer Electrolyte With Thiol-Ene Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer electrolytes for batteries suffer from low ionic conductivity, instability at high voltages, and risk of polarization, leading to reduced battery performance and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A polymer electrolyte composed of first and second polymaleimide polymers, optionally with a plasticizing agent, is produced through a thiol-ene reaction without a processing solvent, forming a thio-ether linkage for high ionic conductivity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gel polymer electrolytes are used to improve safety and structural stability, then thermal and mechanical stability are improved, but ionic conductivity decreases due to the cross-linked polymer structure hindering ion movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte system combining gel polymer matrix with liquid electrolyte components (cyclic carbonate and chain carbonate). This composite approach allows the gel structure to provide mechanical stability while the liquid electrolyte domains maintain high ionic conductivity, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and ion transport
2Object-generated harmful factors
If polyether groups are used in cross-linked polymer networks to achieve conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but voltage stability decreases at high voltages (4V and above)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by using specific cyclic carbonate and chain carbonate combinations with controlled ratios. This parameter optimization allows achieving high ionic conductivity while maintaining electrochemical stability at voltages above 4V, avoiding the decomposition issues of polyether groups
3Object-generated harmful factors
If dual-ion conductive salts are used to achieve conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but polarization risk increases due to low lithium transference number
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local regions with different electrolyte compositions within the gel matrix, optimizing the distribution of cyclic and chain carbonates to enhance lithium ion transport in specific domains. This local optimization improves lithium transference number and reduces polarization while maintaining overall ionic conductivity
4Strength
If cross-linked polymer structures are used to improve structural stability, then mechanical strength is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cross-linking agents and initiators directly into the electrolyte composition before gel formation. This preliminary preparation allows the cross-linked structure to develop during the gelation process itself, achieving mechanical strength without requiring separate complex processing steps
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 polymer electrolyte achieves high ionic conductivity, thermal stability, mechanical stability, and resistance to polarization, enhancing battery performance and lifespan, particularly at high voltages.
Implementation Method 1
A polymer electrolyte composed of first and second polymaleimide polymers, optionally with a plasticizing agent, is produced through a thiol-ene reaction without a processing solvent, forming a thio-ether linkage
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte for a battery cell comprising i) a first polymaleimide polymer comprising first polymaleimide repeat units, wherein the first polymaleimide repeat units are according to R3(Q)µ, wherein R3, individually, is a polyether or C(H)h(CxH2x+1)i((CH2)ψ)j(CH2OC(O)(CH2)σ)k, wherein i is between 0 and 2; j and k, individually, are between 0 and 4; h is 4 - i - j - k; h + i is between 0 and 2; x is between 1 and 6; ψ is between 1 and 10; σ is between 1 and 20; µ, individually, is at least 2; and Q, individually, is according to formula (I): wherein R2, individually, is C1-C16 alkyl, C2-C16 alkenyl, C2-C16 alkynyl or aryl; R4, individually, is H, C1-C16 alkyl, C2-C16 alkenyl, C2-C16 alkynyl; Q is covalently bound to R3 via the sulphur atom of Q; ii) a second polymaleimide polymer comprising second polymaleimide repeat units according to formula (II) wherein R1, individually, is H, C1-C16 alkyl, C2-C16 alkenyl, C2-C16 alkynyl; m, individually, is 1 to 5; M+ is independently an alkali metal ion; X, individually, is H, F, C1-C16 alkyl, C1-C16 fluoroalkyl.