Gel Polymer Electrolyte Composition and Applications Thereof

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This patent discloses a novel gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) composition designed for use in electrochemical cells, such as lithium-ion batteries. The GPE consists of a polymer matrix made from a sulfonated block copolymer and a 'water-in-salt' electrolyte (WiSE), where the salt concentration surpasses its saturation point. This innovative material provides improved ionic conductivity, stability, and ion transport while acting as an effective barrier between battery electrodes. The invention includes methods for preparing the GPE and using it in various types of batteries, resulting in better cycling performance, efficiency, and safety compared to conventional liquid or solid-state electrolytes.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for portable electronics like smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
• Energy storage systems for renewable energy integration (e.g., grid-scale batteries).
• Electric vehicle (EV) batteries with higher safety and performance.
• Wearable or flexible electronics requiring stable and flexible battery configurations.
• Advanced sodium-ion, magnesium-ion, or zinc-ion batteries for next-generation energy storage.
• Dual electrolyte systems combining liquid and solid-like properties in specialty batteries.
• Safe batteries for medical devices and implants.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enhanced ionic conductivity and transport, supporting higher battery performance.
• Significantly improved stability and lifespan (cycling stability and capacity retention over 1000 cycles).
• Reduced risk of leakage, short circuit, or swelling compared to liquid electrolytes, enhancing safety.
• Prevents dendrite growth and improves coulombic efficiency, reducing capacity fading.
• Flexible and robust membrane structure allows for diverse battery shapes and scales, including flexible devices.
• Wide electrochemical stability window, supporting higher energy and power densities.
• Compatibility with multiple battery chemistries (Li, Na, Mg, Zn, etc.), making it broadly applicable.
• Better interfacial contact between electrolyte and electrodes, resulting in improved charge/discharge cycles.

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Patent Abstract

The disclosure relates to a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) for use with an electrochemical cell, e.g., a lithium ion battery. The GPE comprises a polymer matrix containing a sulfonated block copolymer and water in salt electrolyte (WiSE). The GPE is characterized as being stable in an electrochemical cell environment, with enhanced ionic conductivity and ionic barrier properties. the WiSE is a metal salt having a salt concentration above saturation point. The polymer matrix is characterized as having an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of at least 0.5 meg/g.