Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Based on Polycarbonates as Separators for Use in Alkali Metal Batteries

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This invention describes a new type of solid-state electrolyte for alkali-metal batteries (especially lithium batteries). The electrolyte uses a unique semi-interpenetrating polymer network (sIPN), combining crosslinked polycarbonate and non-crosslinked polymers like polyethylene oxide, along with two different alkali-metal salts. This structure offers improved mechanical stability, better cycling performance, and enhanced conductivity over a wide temperature range when used as a separator in batteries.

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• Solid-state lithium batteries for consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets)
• Batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) requiring high safety and long life
• Stationary energy storage systems for renewable energy integration (solar, wind)
• Wearable or flexible electronics where thin and safe batteries are needed
• Batteries requiring operation at lower and wider temperature ranges
• High-voltage and high-current batteries for industrial and grid applications

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved mechanical stability of battery electrolyte, reducing risk of short circuits and failure
• Enhanced cycling stability and battery life due to better charge/discharge reproducibility
• Operable at wider and lower temperature ranges, increasing versatility in various environments
• Higher safety due to solid-state (non-flammable) nature of the separator/electrolyte
• Improved compatibility with high-voltage and high-current battery electrodes
• Greater homogeneity and reproducibility compared to conventional polymer electrolytes
• Reduced dendrite formation compared to traditional liquid electrolytes, leading to longer battery lifespans

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to solid-state electrolyte for an alkali-metal solid-state battery, the solid-state electrolyte comprising a mixture of two different alkali-metal conductive salts and a semi-interpenetrating network (sIPN) formed from a crosslinked and an uncrosslinked polymer, the semi-interpenetrating network comprising greater than or equal to 50 wt.% and less than or equal to 80 wt.% of an uncrosslinked polymer chosen from the group selected of polyethylene oxide (PEO), polycarbonate (PC), polycaprolactone (PCL), chain-modified derivatives of these polymers, or mixtures of at least two components thereof; and comprising greater than or equal to 10 wt.% and less than or equal to 50 wt.% of a polycarbonate formed from crosslinkable polyalkyl-carbonate monomers with a carbon number of greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 15 based on the individual monomer as crosslinked polymer, the individual polyalkyl-carbonate monomer can be substituted or unsubstituted and comprising two crosslinkable groups chosen from the group consisting of acryl, methacryl, epoxy, vinyl, isocyanide or mixtures of two different groups thereof. The present invention furthermore relates to an alkali-metal battery comprising a solid-state electrolyte according to the invention.