US 12,142,729 B2
Quasi-solid and solid-state electrolyte for lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries and manufacturing method
Hui He, Dayton, OH (US); Lu Zhang, Oakwood, OH (US); and Bor Z. Jang, Centerville, OH (US)
Assigned to Honeycomb Battery Company, Dayton, OH (US)
Filed by Global Graphene Group, Inc., Dayton, OH (US)
Filed on Jan. 18, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/151,330.
Prior Publication US 2022/0231333 A1, Jul. 21, 2022
Int. Cl. H01M 10/0565 (2010.01); H01M 4/505 (2010.01); H01M 4/525 (2010.01); H01M 10/0525 (2010.01); H01M 10/0567 (2010.01); H01M 10/0569 (2010.01); H01M 10/058 (2010.01)
CPC H01M 10/0565 (2013.01) [H01M 4/505 (2013.01); H01M 4/525 (2013.01); H01M 10/0525 (2013.01); H01M 10/0567 (2013.01); H01M 10/0569 (2013.01); H01M 10/058 (2013.01); H01M 2300/0037 (2013.01); H01M 2300/0082 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
 
1. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising an anode, a cathode, and a quasi-solid or solid-state electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolyte comprises:
(a) a polymer, which is a polymerization or crosslinking product of a reactive additive, wherein the reactive additive comprises at least one reactive polymer, reactive oligomer, or reactive monomer and a crosslinking agent or initiator, wherein the reactive monomer, reactive oligomer, or reactive polymer has a chemical functional group selected from an isocyanate group, an oxetane group, a dicarboxylic anhydride group, a methacryloyl group, an alkynyl group, or a combination thereof;
(b) a lithium salt; and
(c) from 0% to 30% by weight or by volume of a non-aqueous liquid solvent based on the total weight or total volume of the polymer, the lithium salt, and the liquid solvent combined, wherein the liquid solvent is distinct and different in chemical composition from the reactive additive, is not part of the reactive additive, and does not participate in the polymerization or crosslinking or any chemical reaction during a production of the polymer;
wherein the cathode comprises particles of a cathode active material and the electrolyte is in physical contact with at least a majority of or substantially all of the cathode active material particles;
wherein the electrolyte exhibits a vapor pressure less than 0.01 kPa when measured at 20° C., a vapor pressure less than 60% of the vapor pressure of said liquid solvent and lithium salt alone without the polymer, a flash point at least 50 degrees Celsius higher than a flash point of said liquid solvent alone, a flash point higher than 200° C., or no measurable flash point and wherein the polymer has a lithium ion conductivity from 10−8 S/cm to 10−2 S/cm at room temperature.