NU 2020-194

INVENTORS
Jin-Myoung Lim
Mark Hersam*

SHORT DESCRIPTION
A layered heterostructure ionogel electrolyte which extends the electrochemical window and energy density available to solid-state lithium-ion batteries.

BACKGROUND
Despite extensive research into ionic liquid electrolytes, no single ionic liquid has simultaneously achieved desirable high-potential and low-potential stability. Consequently, full-cell lithium-ion batteries based on ionic liquids have typically been demonstrated using electrodes with modest potentials, thereby restricting operating voltage and energy density. In contrast, inorganic- or polymer-based solid-state batteries provide higher operating temperatures, faster charging time and high energy density, but are expensive, can have high interfacial resistance and be difficult to process. Ionogel electrolytes provides a best of both worlds approach, enabling a wider electrochemical stability window, while preserving high ionic conductivity and decreasing cost, thereby allowing advances in the energy density and rate capability of solid-state lithium-ion batteries.

ABSTRACT
Conventional liquid lithium-ion batteries suffer from low energy density, high flammability issues and accelerated life-cycle depletion. Conventional solid-state lithium-ion batteries based on inorganic or polymeric electrolytes can address some of these challenges, but face important challenges in practical applications, including low ionic conductivity, high interfacial resistance, and cumbersome processing. This solid state ionogel electrolyte can be incorporated into lithium-ion batteries in order to address the most pressing challenges of previous battery designs. The technology offers nonflammability, negligible vapor pressure, high thermal stability, high ionic conductivity, favorable interfacial contact with electrodes, and wide processing compatibility. This results in excellent energy densities and rate performance for solid-state lithium-ion batteries, making smaller, higher performance batteries possible.

APPLICATIONS  

• Solid-state batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Supercapacitors
• Transistors
• Neuromorphic computing devices
• Flexible electronics
• Printed electronics

ADVANTAGES  

• Higher energy density
• Wider potential range
• Non-flammable
• Negligible vapor pressure
• High thermal stability

PUBLICATIONS
Hyun WJ, Thomas CM, Luu NS and Hersam MC (2021)Layered Heterostructure Ionogel Electrolytes for High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries Adv. Mater. 2007864

IP STATUS
A provisional application has been filed.