Composite Solid Electrolyte via UV Curing for Ionic Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional composite solid electrolytes for lithium secondary batteries face challenges in achieving improved ionic conductivity due to non-uniform distribution of inorganic particles, which affects the reliability and safety of the batteries.

Innovation Solution

A method for preparing a composite solid electrolyte involving the steps of forming a coating film with a UV curable polymer and a ceramic compound, curing it with UV irradiation, sintering to create a ceramic ion conductor, and then immersing it in a solution with a second polymer and lithium salt for further curing, resulting in a composite solid electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional solution casting method is used to prepare composite solid electrolyte, then manufacturing process is simple, but inorganic particles are non-uniformly distributed resulting in poor ionic conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of inorganic particle distributionVSAvoidcomplexity of preparation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-dispersing inorganic particles in a solvent to form a stable slurry before combining with polymer matrix. This pre-dispersion step ensures uniform particle distribution is achieved before the final composite formation, preventing aggregation and ensuring homogeneous ionic conductivity throughout the electrolyte.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses solvent as an intermediary medium to facilitate uniform dispersion of inorganic particles. The solvent acts as a mediator that temporarily holds particles in suspension with controlled viscosity, allowing them to distribute evenly before the polymer matrix is added and the final composite is formed through drying and curing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If high temperature drying is used in solution casting, then solvent evaporation is efficient, but inorganic particle aggregation occurs reducing ionic conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoiduniformity of inorganic particle distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming a stable slurry with proper solvent selection and controlled mixing before the drying step. This pre-prepared slurry maintains particle suspension stability, preventing aggregation even when subsequent drying occurs at elevated temperatures, thus preserving uniform particle distribution while achieving efficient solvent removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing drying temperature, time, and atmosphere to prevent particle aggregation. By carefully controlling these parameters - using moderate temperatures with extended time or controlled atmosphere drying - the patent achieves efficient solvent evaporation while maintaining inorganic particle uniformity and preventing aggregation that would reduce ionic conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If simple mixing of polymer and inorganic material is used, then preparation process is fast, but composite solid electrolyte lacks sufficient ionic conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation speedVSAvoidionic conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-dispersing inorganic particles in solvent to create a homogeneous slurry before combining with polymer matrix. This pre-dispersion step, while adding some time to the process, ensures uniform particle distribution that is critical for achieving sufficient ionic conductivity, making the overall preparation reliable despite the additional step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite materials principle by creating a well-integrated composite structure where inorganic particles are uniformly distributed within the polymer matrix through controlled slurry preparation. This proper composite formation ensures optimal interaction between polymer chains and inorganic particles, creating continuous ionic conduction pathways that achieve sufficient ionic conductivity for battery application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 proposed method effectively improves the ionic conductivity of the composite solid electrolyte by ensuring uniform dispersion of ceramic particles, leading to enhanced performance and safety in lithium secondary batteries.

Implementation Method 1

forming a coating film by applying a solution for forming a composite solid electrolyte including a first polymer, which is a UV curable polymer, and a ceramic compound, on a substrate; preparing a first composite by irradiating the coating film with ultraviolet rays (UV), and then curing it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

preparing a ceramic ion conductor by sintering the first composite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentUS20250158109A1Composite solid electrolyte for lithium secondary battery and preparation method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

The present specification relates to a composite solid electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery and a preparation method thereof.