Printable Ion-Conductive and Viscosity-Tunable Inks Based on Two-Dimensional Insulators

NU 2019-046

INVENTORS

• Mark Hersam*
• Ana Carolina Mazarin De Moraes
• Jung-Woo Seo

SHORT DESCRIPTION

This invention offers printable, ion-conductive inks based on 2D hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets. It delivers controlled viscosity for versatile printing methods, making it ideal for energy storage and flexible electronics.

BACKGROUND

Current printable ink formulations for 2D materials rely on toxic organic solvents or water-based stabilizers. These methods do not offer precise viscosity control and often compromise process safety or substrate compatibility. The industry needs a solution that uses benign solvents and provides tunable viscosity for a range of printing techniques.

ABSTRACT

The invention employs ethyl cellulose to exfoliate and stabilize hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets in solution. The formulation tunes ink viscosity to suit different printing methods like inkjet and blade coating. Thermal curing volatilizes ethyl cellulose, forming a porous microstructure and a nanoscale carbonaceous coating that enhances ionic conductivity. The process achieves performance metrics that compete with commercial lithium-ion battery separators and offers a scalable manufacturing pathway.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

The primary commercial landscape for this technology is the global lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery separator market, valued between $6 billion and $8 billion in 2023-2024. This market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13-17% through 2030, propelled by the exponential growth of the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage systems (ESS) sectors. This innovation directly addresses the industry's critical need for safer, higher-performance batteries by providing a separator with exceptional thermal stability, mitigating the risk of thermal runaway—a paramount safety concern for battery manufacturers and consumers in the rapidly expanding EV market. (Battery Separators Market - Size, Share, Industry Forecast [Latest] - MarketsandMarkets; Lithium-Ion Battery Separator Market: Global Industry Analysis; Lithium-Ion Battery Separator Market Size & Share Forecast 2033 - IMARC Group; Emerging Trends in Battery Separator: A Technology Perspective 2025-2033)

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

TRL-4 - Prototype Validated in Lab: Key functions have been demonstrated in a laboratory-scale prototype, confirming the concept's viability.

APPLICATIONS

• Printable inks: Suitable for deposition on diverse substrates.
• Printed batteries: Acts as ion-conductive separators for lithium-ion systems.
• Sensors: Integration into flexible and wearable sensor platforms.
• Wearable devices: Facilitates the creation of lightweight, printed electronic components.

ADVANTAGES

• Enables diverse printing methods: Offers a wide viscosity range for spray, inkjet, and blade coating.
• Improves safety and sustainability: Utilizes benign solvents instead of hazardous chemicals.
• Enhances battery performance: Delivers high ionic conductivity through a porous microstructure.
• Increases thermal stability: Provides superior thermal and chemical stability compared to polymer-based separators.

PUBLICATIONS

• Mark Hersam et al, Ion-Conductive Viscosity-Tunable Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheet Inks, Wiley Advanced Functional Materials, 01 August 2019

IP STATUS

Issued US Patent 12,202,986