Electrolyte materials for use in electrochemical cells

US9853287B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sion Power Corporation · US

Inventors

• Yuriy V. Mikhaylik · Tucson, US
• Igor P. Kovalev · Tucson, US
• John D. Affinito · Kennewick, US
• Helmut Moehwald · Annweiler am Trifels, DE
• Ruediger Schmidt · Paderborn, DE
• Anna Cristadoro · Heppenheim, DE
• Ingrid Haupt · Bischofswerda, DE
• Raimund Pietruschka · Ebertsheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 24, 2011
• Grant date: Dec 26, 2017
• Expiry date: Dec 7, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Electrolyte materials for use in electrochemical cells, electrochemical cells comprising the same, and methods of making such materials and cells, are generally described. In some embodiments, the materials, processes, and uses described herein relate to electrochemical cells comprising sulfur and lithium such as, for example, lithium sulfur batteries. The electrolyte can comprise a polymeric material and, in some cases, an absorbed auxiliary material. For example, the electrolyte material can be capable of forming a gel, and the auxiliary material can comprise an electrolyte solvent. In some instances, the electrolyte material can comprise at least one organic (co)polymer selected from polyethersulfones, polyvinylalcohols (PVOH) and branched polyimides (HPI). The non-fluid material in the electrolyte, when configured for use, can, alone or in combination with the optional absorbed auxiliary material, have a yield strength greater than that of lithium metal, in some embodiments.