Processes and compositions for multi-transition metal-containing cathode materials using molecular precursors

Abstract

Processes and compositions for multi-transition metal-containing cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. Processes encompass providing a composition which can be a mixture of molecular precursor compounds having the formulas [LiM(x+)(OR)1+x] and [Li2M(x+)(OR)2+x]. The metal atoms, M, can be Ni, V, Co, Mn, or Fe, and the —OR groups can be alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, alkenyloxy, siloxy, phosphinate, phosphonate, and phosphate. The compositions can be converted and annealed to provide cathode materials.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The choice of cathode for a battery is significant in terms of the desired performance and cost. The cathode composition is an important factor for the energy density that can be achieved. For lithium-ion batteries, the choice of cathode can also involve a balance between power available and energy utilization. Thus, the choice of cathode is important for the planned mode of application of the battery.[0002]Useful candidates for cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries include lithium metal oxides, lithium metal phosphates, and lithium metal silicates, where the metal can be manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel or vanadium, as well as multi-transition metal-containing materials such as lithium manganese cobalt iron oxide and lithium manganese nickel cobalt oxide, among others.[0003]A drawback in the field of lithium-ion batteries is the difficulty of synthesizing cathode material at moderate temperatures. Use of moderate temperatures is desirable for production efficie...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a process for making cathode materials for lithium ion battery devices by combining molecular precursor compounds. The process involves heating or exposing the compounds to air or oxidizing atmosphere to convert them into a material. The resulting material can be in the form of a paste, solution, or ink, which can be applied to a substrate using various methods such as spraying, printing, or dipping. The process can also involve adding additional compounds to the mixture to improve the performance of the cathode material. The resulting cathode material can be used in various battery devices such as lithium-ion batteries.

Problems solved by technology

The choice of cathode for a battery is significant in terms of the desired performance and cost.

A drawback in the field of lithium-ion batteries is the difficulty of synthesizing cathode material at moderate temperatures.

Use of moderate temperatures is desirable for production efficiency, but has been a drawback because it limits the choice of cathode material that can be synthesized via conventional processes.

A significant problem is the need to synthesize multi-transition metal atom-containing cathode materials.

Another problem is to provide cathode material having long term stability under various battery operating conditions.

A further drawback is that the properties desired for the battery, such as energy density, lifecycle, and stability can require cathode materials of high compositional uniformity.

The difficulties with these approaches include controlling the uniformity, purity and homogeneity of the cathode layers, as well as controlling cathode surface and edge quality.

Difficulties in the production of thin film cathodes include limited ability to deposit uniform layers of cathode material with sufficient speed and throughput for commercial processes.

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