Triblock Copolymer Binder for Stretchable Battery Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current stretchable batteries face challenges in achieving high elasticity and maintaining electrochemical properties when subjected to large physical strains, as existing technologies rely on expensive and low-throughput fabrication methods, and the mutual antagonism between electrochemical and mechanical properties of fillers and matrices limits their performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of stretchable composite materials using triblock copolymers, such as polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene, as hyperelastic binders in conductive inks, which allow for the creation of elastic, conductive networks that maintain mechanical and electrochemical properties even under significant deformation, enabling the production of stretchable batteries that can stretch up to 100% and maintain performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fabrication methods are used for stretchable batteries, then electrochemical properties can be maintained, but manufacturing cost increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using triblock copolymer binders with specific elastic moduli and crosslinking densities, enabling conventional battery fabrication methods to produce stretchable batteries with maintained electrochemical performance while achieving scalability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of active electrode particles embedded in an elastomeric matrix containing triblock copolymer binders, creating a material system that simultaneously provides electrochemical functionality and stretchability through the composite structure
2Reliability
If fillers and matrices are used in stretchable batteries, then electrochemical and mechanical properties can be achieved, but mutual antagonism limits performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the triblock copolymer binder with distinct functional regions: hard segments that provide structural support and soft segments that provide elasticity, allowing the binder to simultaneously satisfy electrochemical and mechanical requirements in different local regions of the material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the antagonism by changing the material parameters of the binder, specifically adjusting the elastic modulus and crosslinking density to achieve a balance where the binder is sufficiently rigid to support electrochemical functionality while remaining sufficiently compliant to accommodate mechanical deformation
3Strength
If stretchable batteries are designed for high elasticity, then mechanical performance improves, but electrochemical properties deteriorate under strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the battery structure to adapt its mechanical properties in response to applied strain, where the elastomeric matrix and triblock copolymer binder dynamically reconfigure during stretching and recovery cycles to maintain electrode integrity and electrochemical performance across varying deformation states
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 use of triblock copolymers as hyperelastic binders in stretchable batteries results in devices that demonstrate high reversible capacity density and discharge current density, with the ability to withstand severe mechanical strains, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution for wearable and flexible electronics.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-block copolymer configured to form a hyperelastic binder that creates contacts between particles of the electrical conductor within a network formed by the multi-block copolymer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are compositions, devices, systems and fabrication methods for stretchable composite materials and stretchable electronics devices. In some aspects, an elastic composite material for a stretchable electronics device includes a first material having a particular electrical, mechanical or optical property; and a multi-block copolymer configured to form a hyperelastic binder that creates contact between the first material and the multi-block copolymer, in which the elastic composite material is structured to stretch at least 500% in at least one direction of the material and to exhibit the particular electrical, mechanical or optical property imparted from the first material. In some aspects, the stretchable electronics device includes a stretchable battery, biofuel cell, sensor, supercapacitor or other device able to be mounted to skin, clothing or other surface of a user or object.