Thiol-Grafted Polymer Electrolytes for Higher Lithium-Ion Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-ion polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries face challenges such as complex synthesis routes, high costs, safety hazards, limited conductivity, and unsuitability for high voltage applications, which hinder the performance and scalability of lithium batteries due to dendrite growth and poor mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
Development of multifunctionalized thiol conductor compounds with a single-step synthesis method that bypasses nitrogen-based intermediates, allowing easy grafting onto polymers with low glass transition temperatures, enhancing ion concentration and conductivity through thiol-ene click reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-step synthesis method is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but product functionality may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal thiol-functionalized LiTFSI monomer that can graft onto multiple different polymer backbones (styrene, acrylate, methacrylate) through a single synthesis step, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate synthesis routes for each polymer type.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters by introducing thiol functional groups on the LiTFSI monomer, which enables versatile grafting onto various polymers with different Tg values and properties, thus achieving adaptability through parameter modification rather than structural redesign.
2Ease of manufacture
If homopolymers are synthesized from LiTFSI monomers, then synthesis simplicity is improved, but conductivity and mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite electrolyte materials by grafting thiol-functionalized LiTFSI monomers onto polymer backbones, combining the benefits of simple synthesis with enhanced conductivity and mechanical properties from the composite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces local thiol functional groups at specific positions on the polymer chain, creating localized high-ion-concentration regions that enhance overall conductivity without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire polymer.
3Quantity of substance
If azide-clicked PEOMA-TFSI-Li+ is synthesized, then ion concentration is improved, but manufacturing cost and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic azide and alkyne functional groups from the synthesis pathway, retaining only the essential thiol functional group needed for grafting, thereby reducing cost and safety hazards while maintaining ion concentration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses commercially available, inexpensive thiol-functionalized LiTFSI monomers that can be directly grafted onto polymers, replacing expensive and hazardous azide-based intermediates with cheaper, safer alternatives that achieve the same functional outcome.
4Reliability
If PEO-based polymers are used, then ion conduction is improved, but suitability for high voltage applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces local thiol functional groups with high electron affinity onto the polymer backbone, creating localized regions that enhance ion conduction without requiring the entire polymer to be PEO-based, thus enabling high voltage suitability while maintaining ion conduction benefits.
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 multifunctionalized thiol conductor compounds improve the conductivity and performance of single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes, enabling better battery performance by reducing dendrite growth and enhancing ion concentration, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
comprising a thiol-ene 'click' reaction
Implementation Method 2
lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide having the formula LiTFSI
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to multifunctionalized thiol conductor compounds which can be grafted onto polymers, and methods for making same. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the present technology can be grafted onto polymers having low Tg to synthesize single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes having improved conductivity. The multifunctionalized thiol conductor compounds of the present technology generally comprise more than one sulfonamide anion covalently attached to a substitutable core (A) via a sulphide bond, a thiol functional group and optionally a hydrocarbon side chain (L) attached to the substitutable core (A).