Solid-state lithium battery electrolyte stable above 100°C
This technology is a new type of solid electrolyte for lithium metal batteries that stays solid and functional from room temperature all the way up to 200°C, a range that defeats most existing solid electrolytes. It works by combining a polyimide polymer salt with an ionic liquid to create a material that is simultaneously mechanically stiff (about 0.4 GPa) and highly ion-conductive (about 3.2 mS/cm at room temperature). Because there is no liquid to leak or ignite, batteries built with this electrolyte are far less prone to fire or thermal runaway than conventional lithium-ion batteries. The composite can be formulated into a solid film and integrated with a lithium metal anode, enabling higher energy density than graphite-anode designs.
What you could build
A solid-state electrolyte film or cell component sold to battery manufacturers targeting high-temperature or safety-critical markets such as electric vehicles, satellites, and industrial sensors — buyers would be battery OEMs and defense/aerospace prime contractors who need certified lithium cells operable above 100°C.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense and aerospace contractors in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads corridor (e.g., suppliers to Naval Station Norfolk or NASA Langley) would value batteries that operate reliably across wide temperature ranges in harsh environments.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Louis A. MADSEN, Feng LIN, Deyang YU
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed February 5, 2024
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20240313262A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.