{
  "patent_number": "US 10566652",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How a Hybrid Layer Stops Metal Growths in Lithium Batteries",
  "original_title": "Lithium metal battery with hybrid electrolyte system",
  "summary": "This patent describes a special multi-layered electrolyte system for lithium metal batteries that uses a stiff, hybrid material to block dangerous metal growths, aiming for safer, higher-energy batteries.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes an electrolyte system designed for electrochemical cells, especially lithium metal batteries, to prevent the formation of dendrites. It features a solid dendrite-blocking layer that is both ionically conducting (lets ions pass) and electrically insulating (stops electrons, preventing short circuits). This blocking layer, as described in Claim 1, has a high shear modulus of at least 7.5 GPa at 23° C, meaning it's very stiff. It's a hybrid, made from a solid-state ceramic, glass, or glass-ceramic (like lithium phosphorous sulfide) combined with a solid-state polymer, specifically polyethylene oxide. This blocking layer sits between a first liquid electrolyte (which interfaces with the positive electrode) and an interface layer. The interface layer, in turn, connects to the negative electrode (which contains lithium metal) and can be a second liquid electrolyte, a gel polymer electrolyte, or a solid-state electrolyte. For example, in an electric car battery, this system would allow lithium ions to move efficiently while physically stopping lithium metal dendrites from growing and causing a short circuit.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Electrolyte systems that do not include a solid dendrite-blocking layer.",
    "Dendrite-blocking layers that are not a hybrid of a solid-state ceramic/glass and a solid-state polymer like polyethylene oxide.",
    "Dendrite-blocking layers with a shear modulus less than 7.5 GPa at 23° C.",
    "Electrolyte systems where the dendrite-blocking layer is not positioned between a first liquid electrolyte and an interface layer.",
    "Systems that lack the specific interface layer comprising a second liquid, gel polymer, or solid-state electrolyte.",
    "Dendrite prevention methods that rely solely on chemical additives without a physical, high-shear-modulus blocking layer."
  ],
  "filed": "2017-08-15",
  "granted": "2020-02-18",
  "expires": "2037-08-15",
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "GM Global Technology Operations",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/gm-global-technology-operations",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Mei Cai",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/mei-cai"
    },
    {
      "name": "Li Yang",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/li-yang"
    },
    {
      "name": "Fang DAI",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/fang-dai"
    },
    {
      "name": "James R. Salvador",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/james-r-salvador"
    },
    {
      "name": "Thomas A. Yersak",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/thomas-a-yersak"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 13,
  "tags": [
    "automotive",
    "consumer_electronics",
    "energy",
    "materials",
    "semiconductors"
  ],
  "abstract": "An electrochemical cell includes a negative electrode that contains lithium and an electrolyte system. In one variation, the electrolyte system includes a first liquid electrolyte, a solid-dendrite-blocking layer, and an interface layer. The solid dendrite-blocking layer is ionically conducting and electrically insulating. The dendrite-blocking layer includes a first component and a distinct second component. The dendrite-blocking layer has a shear modulus of greater than or equal to about 7.5 GPa at 23° C. The interface layer is configured to interface with a negative electrode including lithium metal on a first side and the dendrite blocking layer on a second opposite side. The interface layer includes a second liquid electrolyte, a gel polymer electrolyte, or a solid-state electrolyte. The dendrite-blocking layer is disposed between the first liquid electrolyte and the interface layer.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10566652/lithium-metal-battery-with-hybrid-electrolyte-system",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10566652/lithium-metal-battery-with-hybrid-electrolyte-system/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US10566652",
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}