Innovative Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Safe and Long-Lasting Active Implantable Medical Devices

Active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) play a pivotal role in modern healthcare, offering advanced therapeutic solutions for a variety of medical conditions. The power sources within them play a critical role and have demanding performance attributes, namely high energy density, long-term reliability, and exceptional safety. Primary lithium-ion batteries have emerged as a popular choice due to their high energy density, predictable performance, and long cycle life. However, their implementation in AIMDs faces certain limitations, primarily concerning safety considerations as novel more capable devices demand higher battery capacities. AUDIANCE has developed an innovative safe, stable, and non-flammable gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) that address the limitations of current lithium-ion battery technologies and unlocks the potential for use of rechargeable or secondary lithium-ion batteries in AIMDs.<br/><br/>Consisting of a carrier, a high molecular weight polymer, and a conductive lithium salt, the GPE exhibits excellent lithium-ion conductivity of 2.58 x 10^-3 S/cm at 37°C and demonstrates a wide electrochemical stability window with a polymer decomposition voltage of about 4.2V. Notably, the mechanical properties of the high viscosity electrolyte are highly composition-dependent, which enables precise control over its rheology, facilitating processability and preventing electrolyte leakage while infiltrating electrode pores. Extensive safety testing has validated the reliability of AUDIANCE's technology. In flammability tests, the electrolyte self-extinguishes, ensuring enhanced safety even during catastrophic failure events. Moreover, nail penetration, overcharge, and external short circuit tests conducted on cells fabricated with the GPE resulted in minimal temperature change and no gas emissions. Long-life cycle testing of LTO|LFP cells demonstrated negligible capacity loss over 4,750 cycles at 37°C, underscoring the stable electrochemical performance and prolonged lifespan of AUDIANCE's batteries.<br/><br/>The outcomes of this research present a promising pathway towards safer and more efficient power sources for AIMDs. The utilization of the novel GPE holds the potential to enhance the reliability and longevity of implantable medical devices, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions and improving the quality of life for countless patients worldwide.