Anode-free solid-state battery cell with anti-dendrite and controlled interfacial adhesion functional layers

Abstract

Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for powering an electric vehicle. A battery pack may be configured in an electric vehicle for powering the electric vehicle. The device may include a battery cell. The battery cell may have a housing defining a cavity. The battery cell may have a solid electrolyte. The electrolyte may be arranged in the cavity. The battery cell may have a cathode configured in the cavity along a first side of the electrolyte. The battery cell may have a functional layer configured in the cavity along a second side of the electrolyte. The first side of the functional layer may contact the second side of the electrolyte. The functional layer may form an alloy with a lithium material received via the electrolyte. The battery cell may have a support layer configured in the cavity along the second side of the functional layer.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,828, filed December 4, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] Batteries may include electrochemical cells to provide electrical energy to various electrical components connected thereto. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a battery cell for a battery pack. The battery cell may be an anode-free rechargeable battery cell having an anti-dendrite functional layer and a support layer. The anti-dendrite functional layer and the support layer may both be located between an electrolyte layer and a conductive layer in the battery cell. The anti-dendrite functional layer may have a higher interfacial adhesion to the electrolyte layer than the conductive layer. During operation of the battery cell, the anti-dendrite functional layer may combine with lithium ions transferred from the cathode layer through the electrolyte layer to form an alloy with the lithium material. The inclusion of the anti-dendrite functional layer may improve the operation and durability of the battery cell by preventing lithium dendrites from growing into the electrolyte layer. The higher interfacial adhesion with the electrolyte layer may guide lithium plating to the interface with the conductive layer, thereby spatially limiting the growth of dendritic lithium by the electrolyte layer and the cathode layer.

[0005] At least one aspect relates to an apparatus for powering an electric vehicle. The apparatus may include a battery pack. The battery pack may be configured in an electric vehicle for powering the electric vehicle. The apparatus may include battery cells. The battery cells are arranged in the battery pack. The battery cell may have a housing that defines a cavity in the housing of the battery cell. The battery cell may have a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte may have a first side and a second side for transferring ions between the first side and the second side. The solid electrolyte may be arranged in the cavity. The battery cell may have a cathode. The cathode may be configured in the cavity along a first side of the solid electrolyte. The cathode may be electrically coupled to a positive terminal. The battery cell may have an anti-dendrite functional layer. The anti-dendrite functional layer may be configured in the cavity along a second side of the solid electrolyte. The anti-dendrite functional layer may have a first side and a second side. The first side of the anti-dendrite functional layer may contact the second side of the solid electrolyte. The anti-dendrite functional layer may form an alloy with a lithium material received via the solid electrolyte. The battery cell may have a support layer. The support layer may be disposed in the cavity along the second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer. The support layer may be electrically coupled to the negative terminal.

[0006] At least one aspect relates to a method of providing a battery cell for powering an electric vehicle. The method may include configuring a battery pack in an electric vehicle for powering the electric vehicle. The method may include arranging a battery cell in the battery pack, the battery cell having a housing that defines a cavity in the housing of the battery cell. The method may include arranging a solid electrolyte having a first side and a second side in the cavity for transferring ions between the first side and the second side. The method may include configuring a cathode electrically coupled to a positive terminal along a first side of the solid electrolyte in the cavity. The method may include configuring an anti-dendrite functional layer having a first side and a second side in the cavity along a second side of the solid electrolyte. The first side of the anti-dendrite functional layer may be in contact with the second side of the solid electrolyte. The anti-dendrite functional layer may form an alloy with a lithium material received via the solid electrolyte. The method may include configuring a scaffold layer electrically coupled to a negative terminal along a second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer in the cavity.

[0007] At least one aspect relates to an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle may include one or more components. The electric vehicle may include a battery pack. The battery pack may be configured in the electric vehicle for powering one or more components. The electric vehicle may include battery cells. The battery cells are arranged in the battery pack. The battery cells may have a housing that defines a cavity in the housing of the battery cells. The battery cells may have a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte may have a first side and a second side for transferring ions between the first side and the second side. The solid electrolyte may be arranged in the cavity. The battery cell may have a cathode. The cathode may be configured in the cavity along a first side of the solid electrolyte. The cathode may be electrically coupled to a positive terminal. The battery cell may have an anti-dendrite functional layer. The anti-dendrite functional layer may be configured in the cavity along a second side of the solid electrolyte. The anti-dendrite functional layer may have a first side and a second side. The first side of the anti-dendrite functional layer may contact the second side of the solid electrolyte. The anti-dendrite functional layer may form an alloy with a lithium material received via the solid electrolyte. The battery cell may have a support layer. The support layer may be disposed in the cavity along the second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer. The support layer may be electrically coupled to the negative terminal.

[0008] At least one aspect relates to a method. The method may include providing an apparatus. The apparatus may be included in an electric vehicle. The apparatus may include a battery pack. The battery pack may be configured in the electric vehicle for powering the electric vehicle. The apparatus may include battery cells. The battery cells are arranged in the battery pack. The battery cell may have a housing that defines a cavity in the housing of the battery cell. The battery cell may have a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte may have a first side and a second side for transferring ions between the first side and the second side. The solid electrolyte may be arranged in the cavity. The battery cell may have a cathode. The cathode may be configured in the cavity along a first side of the solid electrolyte. The cathode may be electrically coupled to a positive terminal. The battery cell may have an anti-dendrite functional layer. The anti-dendrite functional layer may be configured in the cavity along a second side of the solid electrolyte. The anti-dendrite functional layer may have a first side and a second side. The first side of the anti-dendrite functional layer may contact the second side of the solid electrolyte. The anti-dendrite functional layer may form an alloy with a lithium material received via the solid electrolyte. The battery cell may have a support layer. The support layer may be disposed in the cavity along the second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer. The support layer may be electrically coupled to the negative terminal.

[0009] At least one aspect relates to a battery cell for powering an electric vehicle. The battery cell may be configured in a battery pack. The battery pack may be configured in an electric vehicle for powering the electric vehicle. The battery cell may have a housing that defines a cavity in the housing of the battery cell. The battery cell may have a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte may have a first side and a second side for transferring ions between the first side and the second side. The solid electrolyte may be arranged in the cavity. The battery cell may have a cathode. The cathode may be configured in the cavity along the first side of the solid electrolyte. The cathode may be electrically coupled to the positive terminal. The battery cell may have an anti-dendrite functional layer. The anti-dendrite functional layer may be configured in the cavity along the second side of the solid electrolyte. The anti-dendrite functional layer may have a first side and a second side. The first side of the anti-dendrite functional layer may contact the second side of the solid electrolyte. The anti-dendrite functional layer may form an alloy with a lithium material received via the solid electrolyte. The battery cell may have a support layer. The support layer may be configured in the cavity along the second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer. The support layer may be electrically coupled to the negative terminal.

[0010] These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and embodiments, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and embodiments. The accompanying drawings provide illustration and further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the various drawings, the same reference numerals and symbols indicate the same elements. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is an isometric, cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary battery cell for powering an electric vehicle;

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary battery cell for powering an electric vehicle;

[0014] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary layer pattern of a battery cell for powering an electric vehicle;

[0015] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary layer pattern of a battery cell for powering an electric vehicle;

[0016] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary layer pattern of a battery cell for powering an electric vehicle;

[0017] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary battery cell for powering an electric vehicle during a charging cycle;

[0018] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary battery cell for powering an electric vehicle during a discharge cycle;

[0019] Figure 8 is a block diagram depicting a cross-sectional view of an exemplary battery module for housing battery cells in an electric vehicle;

[0020] Fig. 9 is a diagram depicting a top-down view of an exemplary battery pack for housing battery cells in an electric vehicle;

[0021] Fig.10 is a simplified diagram depicting a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electric vehicle with a battery pack installed;

[0022] Fig.11 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method of assembling battery cells for a battery pack for an electric vehicle; and

[0023] Fig.12 is a flow chart depicting an example of a method of providing a battery cell for a battery pack for an electric vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts and implementations thereof related to battery cells for battery packs in electric vehicles. The battery cells may be anode-free solid-state lithium-ion batteries with functional layers for resisting dendrites and controlled interfacial adhesion. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below may be implemented in any of a number of ways.

[0025] The present invention describes battery cells of a battery pack in an electric vehicle configured for a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle configuration includes a configuration, arrangement or network of electrical, electronic, mechanical or electromechanical devices within any type of vehicle. A motor vehicle configuration may include battery cells of a battery pack for an electric vehicle (EV). An EV may include an electric motor vehicle, a car, a motorcycle, a scooter, a passenger vehicle, a passenger or commercial truck, and other vehicles, such as a marine or air transport vehicle, an airplane, a helicopter, a submarine, a ship or a drone. An EV may be fully autonomous, partially autonomous or unmanned.

[0026] Lithium-ion battery cells can be used in electric vehicles to power components therein. In lithium-ion battery cells, lithium ions can move from the positive electrode to the negative electrode during charging of the battery cell, and move from the negative electrode back to the positive electrode during discharging of the battery cell. Each component of the lithium-ion battery cell can be at least partially contained in a lithium material. The cathode of the lithium-ion battery cell can be composed of a lithium-based oxide material. The electrolyte of the lithium-ion battery cell can be a solid electrolyte containing lithium material. The anode of the lithium-ion battery cell can be composed of lithium or graphite. The cathode and the anode can be arranged along opposite sides of the electrolyte in the battery cell. As the battery cell is repeatedly charged and discharged, the lithium material transferred through the electrolyte can become accumulated in the anode of the battery cell, and as the lithium material is unevenly distributed, dendritic growth can be caused into the electrolyte. Ultimately, the dendritic growth of the lithium material from the anode can penetrate into the electrolyte in contact with the cathode, resulting in a short circuit and catastrophic failure of the battery cell.

[0027] One method of mitigating dendritic growth of lithium materials may include arranging an organic buffer layer or an inorganic buffer layer between the electrolyte and the anode. Organic and inorganic buffer layers can transfer lithium ions from the electrolyte to the anode while maintaining a similar level of electrical impedance through the battery cell. The buffer layer can physically prevent the accumulation of lithium materials to retain the lithium materials in the anode. However, the hindrance to lithium growth provided by the buffer layer may eventually fail. Organic or inorganic buffer layers may still not prevent dendritic growth because such buffer layers may not take into account or offset the inhomogeneity of lithium transfer through the electrolyte and deposition on the anode. The inhomogeneity or uneven distribution of lithium can become more problematic, especially at faster charging rates. Therefore, it may be difficult to inhibit the dendritic growth of lithium into the electrolyte using an organic or inorganic barrier layer between the anode and the electrolyte.

[0028] To address the technical challenges of dendritic growth of lithium materials in lithium-ion batteries, anode-free solid-state lithium-ion battery cells with anti-dendrite and controlled interfacial adhesion functional layers and support layers can be used. Both the anti-dendrite functional layer and the support layer can be configured and located on the negative electrode side of the battery cell. The anti-dendrite functional layer can be arranged in the battery cell along the electrolyte side opposite to the cathode. The support layer can be arranged between the solid electrolyte and the conductive contact to transport current in and out of the battery cell. The anti-dendrite functional layer can be composed of various elements, such as bismuth (Bi), tin (Sn), silicon (Si), silver (Ag), gold (Au), germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), or platinum (Pt) Any stoichiometric combination. The anti-dendrite functional layer can form a bond or alloy with the lithium material received via the electrolyte. The anti-dendrite functional layer can also form a part of the support layer structure, wherein the material of the buffer layer is at least partially dispersed into the support layer structure. The anti-dendrite functional layer may be separated from the support layer structure and bonded to the support layer structure, and may be a single layer or a multi-layer structure.

[0029] During the initial charging process, lithium ions from the cathode can migrate through the electrolyte and can reach the anti-dendrite functional layer and the support layer structure on the opposite side. When the lithium material reaches the anti-dendrite functional layer, the anti-dendrite functional layer can form an alloy with the lithium material to retain the lithium material therein. By virtue of the combination of the lithium material and the buffer layer, the inter-diffused buffer layer can act as a barrier layer to reduce the possibility of dendritic growth of lithium and an accelerator, which promotes the diffusion of lithium ions through the electrolyte. In addition, any lithium material that passes through the anti-dendrite functional layer can be directed to the interface between the support layer structure and the conductive contact. The interfacial adhesion between the insulator (e.g., an organic or inorganic buffer layer) and the support layer structure can be stronger than the interfacial adhesion between the support layer structure and the conductive contact. Similarly, the lithium material received via the electrolyte can be deposited (plate) on the interface between the support layer structure and the conductive contact. Moreover, even with the uneven distribution and concentration of the lithium material at the interface between the support layer structure and the conductive layer, any dendritic growth into the electrolyte can be prevented by the anti-dendrite functional layer.

[0030] In each figure, Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of an isometric ratio of a battery cell 105 for powering an electric vehicle. The battery cell 105 may be part of a system or device 100, which may include at least one battery pack including the battery cell 105 for powering a component of an electric vehicle. The battery cell 105 may be an anode-free lithium-ion battery cell for powering an electrical component. The electrical component may be part of an electric vehicle. The electrical component powered by the battery cell 105 may be those outside an electric vehicle device (electric vehicle settings). The battery cell 105 may include a housing 110. The housing 110 may be included in a battery module, a battery pack, or a battery array installed in an electric vehicle. The housing 110 may be of any shape. The shape of the housing 110 may be a cylinder having a circular (e.g., as depicted), an elliptical or oval base, in particular. The shape of the housing 110 may also be a prism having a polygonal base, in particular a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, and hexagon. The housing 110 may have a length (or height) of 65 mm to 125 mm. The housing 110 may have a width (or diameter in the depicted cylindrical example) of 18 mm to 45 mm. The housing 110 may have a thickness of 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0031] The housing 110 of the battery cell 105 may include one or more materials having various electrical or thermal conductivities, or a combination thereof. Electrically conductive and thermally conductive materials for the housing 110 of the battery cell 105 may include metallic materials, such as aluminum, aluminum alloys with copper, silicon, tin, magnesium, manganese, or zinc (e.g., aluminum alloys of the 1000, 4000, or 5000 series), iron, iron-carbon alloys (e.g., steel), silver, nickel, copper, and copper alloys. Electrically insulating and thermally conductive materials for the housing 110 of the battery cell 105 may include ceramic materials (e.g., silicon nitride, silicon carbide, titanium carbide, zirconium dioxide, beryllium oxide) and thermoplastic materials (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or nylon).

[0032] The housing 110 of the battery cell 105 may have at least one lateral surface, such as a top surface 115 and a bottom surface 120. The top surface 115 may correspond to the top lateral side of the housing 110. The top surface 115 may be an integral part of the housing 110. The top surface 115 may be separate from the housing 110 and added to the top lateral side of the housing 110. The bottom surface 120 may correspond to the bottom lateral side of the housing 110 and may be on the opposite side of the top surface 115. The bottom surface 120 may correspond to the top lateral side of the housing 110. The bottom surface 120 may be an integral part of the housing 110. The top surface 115 may be separate from the housing 110 and added to the top lateral side of the housing 110. The housing 110 of the battery cell 105 may have at least one longitudinal surface, such as a sidewall 125. The sidewall 125 may extend between the top surface 115 and the bottom surface 120 of the housing 110. The sidewall 125 may have an indentation thereon (sometimes referred to herein as a neck or corrugated area). The top surface 115, the bottom surface 120, and the sidewall 125 may define a cavity 130 in the housing 110. The cavity 130 may correspond to an empty space, area, or volume in the housing 110 to accommodate the contents of the battery cell 105. The cavity 130 may span between the top surface 115, the bottom surface 120, and the sidewall 125 in the housing 110.

[0033] The battery cell 105 may include at least one cathode layer 135 (sometimes generally referred to herein as a cathode). The cathode layer 135 may be located, arranged, or otherwise configured in the cavity 130 defined by the housing 110. At least a portion of the cathode layer 135 may contact or be flush with the inside of the sidewall 125. At least a portion of the cathode layer 135 may contact or be flush with the inside of the bottom surface 120. The cathode layer 135 may output a conventional current from the battery cell 105 and may receive electrons during the discharge of the battery cell 105. The cathode layer 135 may also release lithium ions during the discharge of the battery cell 105. Conversely, the cathode layer 135 may receive a conventional current into the battery cell 105 and may output electrons during the charging of the battery cell 105. The cathode layer 135 may release lithium ions during the charging of the battery cell 105. The cathode layer 135 may be composed of a lithium-based oxide material or a phosphate material. The cathode layer 135 may be composed of lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNixMnyCozO2), and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (LiNiCoAlO2), along with other lithium-based materials. The cathode layer 135 may have a length (or height) of 50 mm to 120 mm. The cathode layer 135 may have a width of 50 mm to 2000 mm. The cathode layer 135 may have a thickness of 1 μm to 200 μm. The area loading of the cathode layer 135 may be 0.3 gm / cm 2 Up to 60mg / cm 2 .

[0034] The battery cell 105 can be anode-free and can lack an active (or reactive) anode layer (sometimes generally referred to herein as an anode). In a battery cell with an anode, the anode layer can be composed of an active material such as graphite (e.g., activated carbon or impregnated with a conductive material), lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12), or silicon, along with other materials. During discharge of such a battery cell, the anode layer can undergo oxidation, and conventional current can be received into the battery cell and electrons can be output from the battery cell. At the same time, the cathode layer in such a battery cell can undergo reduction and conventional current can be output from the battery cell and electrons can be received into the battery cell. Conversely, during charging of such a battery cell, the anode layer can undergo reduction, and conventional current can be output from the battery cell and electrons can be received into the battery cell. In addition, the cathode layer in such a battery cell can undergo oxidation, and conventional current can be received into the battery cell and electrons can be output from the battery cell.

[0035] The battery cell 105 may include at least one composite structure 140 (sometimes referred to in the text as a passive layer, an inactive layer, a non-reactive layer, or an interdiffusion layer) in place of an active anode layer. The composite structure 140 may be located, arranged, or otherwise configured in the cavity 130 defined by the housing 110. At least a portion of the composite structure 140 may contact or be flush with the inside of the sidewall 125. At least a portion of the composite structure 140 may contact or be flush with the inside of the bottom surface 120. The composite structure 140 may provide for delivering a conventional current into the battery cell 105 during discharge of the battery cell 105 and delivering a conventional current out of the battery cell 105 during charging of the battery cell 105. In contrast to the anode layer of a battery cell having an anode, the composite structure 140 of the battery cell 105 may not undergo oxidation or reduction during operation of the battery cell 105. The composite structure 140 may have a length (or height) of 50 mm to 120 mm. The composite structure 140 may have a width of 50 mm to 2000 mm. The composite structure 140 may have a thickness of 1 μm to 40 μm.

[0036] The battery cell 105 may include a solid electrolyte layer 145 (sometimes generally referred to herein as an electrolyte or solid electrolyte). The solid electrolyte layer 145 may be located, configured, or otherwise arranged in the cavity 130 defined by the housing 110. At least a portion of the solid electrolyte layer 145 may contact or be flush with the inner side of the sidewall 125. At least a portion of the solid electrolyte layer 145 may contact or be flush with the inner side of the bottom surface 120. The solid electrolyte layer 145 may be arranged between the composite structure 140 and the cathode layer 135 to separate the composite structure 140 and the cathode layer 135. The solid electrolyte layer 145 may transfer ions between the composite structure 140 and the cathode layer 135. During operation of the battery cell 105, the solid electrolyte layer 145 may transfer cations from the composite structure 140 to the cathode layer 135. During operation of the battery cell 105, the solid electrolyte layer 145 may transfer anions (e.g., lithium ions) from the cathode layer 135 to the composite structure 140. The solid electrolyte layer 145 may have a length (or height) of 50 mm to 120 mm. The solid electrolyte layer 145 may have a width of 50 mm to 2000 mm. The solid electrolyte layer 145 may have a thickness of 1 μm to 200 μm.

[0037] The solid electrolyte layer 145 may be made of a solid electrolyte material. The solid electrolyte layer 145 may be made of a ceramic electrolyte material, such as lithium phosphorus oxynitride (Li x PO y N z ), lithium germanium phosphate sulfur (Li 10 GeP2S 12)、yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), NASICON (Na3Zr2Si2PO 12 ), β-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE), perovskite ceramics (e.g., strontium titanate (SrTiO3)). The solid electrolyte layer 145 can be composed of a polymer electrolyte material (sometimes referred to herein as a hybrid or pseudo-solid electrolyte), in particular, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The solid electrolyte layer 145 can be composed of a glass electrolyte material, such as lithium sulfide-phosphorus pentasulfide (Li2S-P2S5), lithium sulfide-boron trisulfide (Li2S-B2S3), and tin sulfide-phosphorus pentasulfide (SnS-P2S5). The electrolyte material 145 can include any combination of ceramic electrolyte materials, polymer electrolyte materials, and glass electrolyte materials.

[0038] The battery cell 105 may include at least one central carrier 150. The central carrier 150 may be located, arranged or configured in the cavity 130 defined by the housing 130. At least a portion of the central carrier 150 may contact or be flush with the inner side of the side wall 125. At least a portion of the central carrier 150 may contact or be flush with the inner side of the bottom surface 120. The central carrier 150 may be located in a hollow defined by the composite structure 140, the cathode layer 135, or the solid electrolyte layer 145. The central carrier 150 in the hollow may be any structure or member so as to wrap around the cathode layer 135, the passive layer 140, and the electrolyte layer 145 in the stack formation. The central carrier 150 may include an electrically insulating material and may not be used as a positive terminal of the battery cell 105 or a negative terminal of the battery cell 105. The battery cell 105 may also lack or not include a central carrier 150.

[0039] In each figure, Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view depicting a battery cell 105 for powering an electric vehicle. As illustrated, at least one cathode layer 135, at least one composite structure 140, and at least one solid electrolyte layer 145 may be arranged in a cavity 130 in a housing 110 of the battery cell 105. At least one cathode layer 135, at least one composite structure 140, and at least one solid electrolyte layer 145 may be arranged sequentially or alternately. In the absence of a solid electrolyte 145, at least one of the cathode layers 135 and at least one of the anode layers 140 may be separated. At least one of the cathode layers 135 and at least one of the anode layers 140 may be adjacent to each other. The cathode layers 135 of the group and the anode layers 140 of the group may be electrically coupled to each other sequentially. Each cathode layer 135 may be electrically coupled to one of the anode layers 140. Each composite structure 140 may be electrically coupled to one of the cathode layers 135. Each cathode layer 135, each composite structure 140, and each solid electrolyte layer 145 may be arranged longitudinally in the cavity 130. Each cathode layer 135, each composite structure 140, and each solid electrolyte layer 145 may extend at least partially from the bottom surface 120 to the top surface 115. Each cathode layer 135, each composite structure 140, and each solid electrolyte layer 145 may be arranged laterally in the cavity 130. Each cathode layer 135, each composite structure 140, and each solid electrolyte layer 145 may extend at least partially from one sidewall 125 to the other sidewall 125.

[0040] The solid electrolyte layer 145 may include at least one first side 200. The first side 200 may correspond to one surface (e.g., longitudinal or transverse) of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The first side 200 may correspond to a surface of the solid electrolyte layer 145 facing the cathode layer 135. The cathode layer 135 may be configured in the cavity 130 at least partially along the first side 200 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. At least a portion of the first side 200 of the solid electrolyte layer 145 may contact or be flush with at least one side of the cathode layer 135. The solid electrolyte layer 145 may be electrically coupled to the cathode layer 135 via the first side 200. During operation (e.g., charging or discharging) of the battery cell 105, the solid electrolyte layer 145 may receive lithium material from the cathode layer 135 via the first side 200. The lithium material released by the cathode layer 135 may move through the solid electrolyte layer 145 in the form of cations toward the composite structure 140 on the other side of the solid electrolyte layer 145.

[0041] The solid electrolyte layer 145 may include at least one second side 205. The second side 205 may correspond to one surface (e.g., longitudinal or transverse) of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The second side 205 may be on the opposite side to the first side 200. The second side 205 may correspond to a surface facing the composite structure 140. The composite structure 140 may be configured in the cavity 130 at least partially along the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. At least a portion of the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145 may contact or be flush with at least one side of the composite structure 140. During operation (e.g., charging or discharging) of the battery cell 105, the solid electrolyte layer 145 may transfer lithium material from the cathode layer 135 to the composite structure 140 via the second side 205. In a battery cell without any buffer layer, the anode layer may experience dendritic growth of lithium material as more and more lithium material is collected with repeated operation of the battery cell. Dendrite formation of lithium material from the anode layer may eventually penetrate the electrolyte layer and reach the cathode layer, resulting in a short circuit of the battery cell.

[0042] The cathode layer 135 may include at least one first side 210. The first side 210 may correspond to one surface (e.g., longitudinal or transverse) of the cathode layer 135. The first side 210 of the cathode layer 135 may face the first side 200 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. At least a portion of the first side 210 of the cathode layer 135 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of the first side 200 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The first side 210 of the cathode layer 135 may be bonded to the first side 200 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The cathode layer 135 may be electrically coupled to the solid electrolyte layer 145 via the first side 210. During operation (e.g., charging or discharging) of the battery cell 105, the cathode layer 135 may release lithium material into the solid electrolyte layer 145 via the first side 210. In addition, the cathode layer 135 may include at least one second side 215. The second side 215 may correspond to one surface (e.g., longitudinal or transverse) of the cathode layer 135. The second side 215 may be opposite to the first side 210 on the cathode layer 135. During discharge of battery cell 105, cathode layer 135 may receive electrons through second side 215 and release conventional current through second side 215. During charge of battery cell 105, cathode layer 135 may release electrons through second side 215 and may receive conventional current through second side 215.

[0043] The composite structure 140 may include at least one first side 220. The first side 220 may correspond to one surface (e.g., longitudinal or transverse) of the composite structure 140. The first side 220 of the composite structure 140 may face the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. At least a portion of the first side 220 of the composite structure 140 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The first side 220 of the composite structure 140 may be bonded to the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The composite structure 140 may be electrically coupled to the solid electrolyte layer 145 via the first side 220. During operation (e.g., charging or discharging) of the battery cell 105, the composite structure 140 may receive lithium material released by the cathode layer 135 from the solid electrolyte layer 145 via the first side 220. In addition, the composite structure 140 may include at least one second side 225. The second side 225 may be opposite to the first side 220 on the composite structure 140. During discharge of battery cell 105, composite structure 140 may release electrons through second side 225 and receive a conventional current via second side 225. Conversely, during charge of battery cell 105, composite structure 140 may receive electrons from second side 225 and release a conventional current via second side 225.

[0044] The battery cell 105 may include at least one positive conductive layer 230 (sometimes referred to herein as a positive conductive plate or sheet). The positive conductive layer 230 may correspond to or define a positive terminal for the battery cell 105. The positive conductive layer 230 may be configured or arranged in the cavity 130 in the housing 110 of the battery cell 105 along the second side 215 of the cathode layer 135. At least a portion of the positive conductive layer 230 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of the second side 215 of the cathode layer 135. The positive conductive layer 230 may be joined to the cathode layer 135 along the second side 215. The positive conductive layer 230 may be electrically coupled to the cathode layer 135 via the second side 215. Through the positive conductive layer 230, the cathode layer 135 may be electrically coupled to the positive terminal for the battery cell 105. The positive conductive layer 230 may be composed of a conductive material. The conductive material for the positive conductive layer 230 may include a metal material, such as nickel, copper, an aluminum alloy with copper, silicon, tin, magnesium, manganese or zinc (e.g., an aluminum alloy of the 1000, 4000, or 5000 series), iron, an iron-carbon alloy (e.g., steel), silver, and a copper alloy. The conductive material for the positive conductive layer 230 may also include a carbon-based material, such as graphite and carbon fiber. During the discharge of the battery cell 105, the positive conductive layer 230 may receive electrons into the battery cell 105 and release conventional current from the battery cell 105. Conversely, during the charging of the battery cell 105, the positive conductive layer 230 may release electrons from the battery cell 105 and receive conventional current into the battery cell 105. The positive conductive layer 230 may have a length (or height) of 50 mm to 120 mm. The positive conductive layer 230 may have a width of 50 mm to 2000 mm. The positive conductive layer 230 may have a thickness of 1-30 μm.

[0045] The battery cell 105 may include at least one negative conductive layer 235 (sometimes referred to herein as a negative conductive plate or sheet). The negative conductive layer 235 may correspond to or define a negative terminal for the battery cell 105. The negative conductive layer 235 may be of opposite polarity to the positive conductive layer 230. The negative conductive layer 235 may be configured or arranged in the cavity 130 in the housing 110 of the battery cell 105 along the second side 225 of the composite structure 140. At least a portion of the negative conductive layer 235 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of the second side 225 of the composite structure 140. The negative conductive layer 235 may be bonded to the composite structure 140 along the second side 225. The negative conductive layer 235 may be electrically coupled to the composite structure 140 via the second side 225. Through the negative conductive layer 235, the composite structure 140 may be electrically coupled to the negative terminal of the battery cell 105. The negative conductive layer 235 may be composed of a conductive material. Conductive materials for the negative conductive layer 235 may include metal materials, such as nickel, copper, aluminum alloys with copper, silicon, tin, magnesium, manganese or zinc (e.g., aluminum alloys of the 1000, 4000, or 5000 series), iron, iron-carbon alloys (e.g., steel), silver, and copper alloys. Conductive materials for the negative conductive layer 235 may also include carbon-based materials, such as graphite and carbon fiber. During the discharge of the battery cell 105, the negative conductive layer 235 may release electrons from the battery cell 105 and receive conventional current from the battery cell 105. Conversely, during the charging of the battery cell 105, the negative conductive layer 235 may receive electrons from the battery cell 105 and release conventional current into the battery cell 105. The negative conductive layer 235 may have a length (or height) of 50 mm to 120 mm. The negative conductive layer 235 may have a width of 50 mm to 2000 mm. The negative conductive layer 235 may have a thickness of 1-30 μm.

[0046] In each figure, Figure 3is a cross-sectional view depicting a layer pattern 300 of a battery cell 105 for powering an electric vehicle. As shown, in the layer pattern 300 for the battery cell 105, the composite structure 140 may include at least one anti-dendrite functional layer 305 (sometimes referred to herein as an electrolyte-bonded interdiffusion buffer layer or an anti-dendrite and interface adhesion controller layer). In the layer pattern 300, the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be configured or arranged in the cavity 130 of the housing 110 of the battery cell 105 along the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may form or correspond to at least a portion of the composite structure 140 along the first side 220 of the composite structure 140. At least one side of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may include or may correspond to the first side 220 of the composite structure 140. The side of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 corresponding to the first side 220 of the composite structure 140 may face the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. At least a portion of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 along the first side 220 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be bonded to the solid electrolyte layer 145 through the first side 220. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be bonded to the solid electrolyte layer 145 via the first side 220. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be electrically coupled to the solid electrolyte layer 145 through the first side 220. In addition, the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may have at least one second side 315 (sometimes referred to herein as an intermediate side). The second side 315 may be equivalent to one surface of the solid electrolyte layer 145 (e.g., longitudinal or lateral). The second side 315 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be opposite to the first side 220 in contact with the solid electrolyte layer 145. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may have a length (or height) of 50 mm to 120 mm. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may have a width of 50 mm to 2000 mm. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may have a thickness of 0.01 μm to 10 μm. The thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be equivalent to the distance between the first side 220 and the second side 315 .

[0047] The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be composed of a metal, semiconductor, or non-metal material, such as, in particular, bismuth (Bi), tin (Sn), silicon (Si), silver (Ag), gold (Au), germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), or platinum (Pt), or any combination thereof. The density of the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be 0.1 g / cc to 30 g / cc. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may also be composed of an inorganic or organic substance. Prior to the first charging cycle of the battery cell 105, the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may initially be free of any lithium material. During operation (e.g., discharging or charging) of the battery cell 105, the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may receive lithium material transferred from the cathode layer 135 through the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be combined with or alloyed with the lithium material received from the solid electrolyte layer 145. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be bonded to the solid electrolyte layer 145 along the first side 220 via alloying with the received lithium material. The bonding of the lithium material to the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be independent of the heterogeneity of the dispersion of the lithium material through the solid electrolyte layer 145. The alloy formed by the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may include, for example, a binary alloy (e.g., lithium-bismuth (Li-Bi), lithium-tin (Li-Sn), or lithium-silicon (Li-Si)), a ternary alloy (e.g., lithium-bismuth-silicon (Li-Bi-Sn) or lithium-phosphorus-platinum (Li-P-Pt)), or a quaternary alloy (e.g., lithium-silicon-germanium-antinomy (Li-Si-Ge-Se)), as well as any other combination. By forming an alloy with the lithium material received from the solid electrolyte layer 145, the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may prevent dendrite growth of lithium into the solid electrolyte layer 145. Additionally, due to the properties of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 , the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may facilitate diffusion of lithium material transferred through the solid electrolyte layer 145 .

[0048] In the layer pattern 300 for the battery cell 105, the composite structure 140 may include at least one support layer 310 (sometimes referred to herein as a carbon matrix structure, a graphite matrix structure, or a skeleton structure). The support layer 310 may be configured or arranged in the cavity 130 of the housing 110 of the battery cell 105. The support layer 310 may form or correspond to a portion of the composite structure 140 along the second side 225. At least one side of the support layer 310 may include or may correspond to the second side 225 of the composite structure 140. The side of the support layer 310 corresponding to the second side 225 of the composite structure 140 may face one side of the negative conductive layer 235. At least a portion of the support layer 310 along the second side 225 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of one side of the negative conductive layer 235. The support layer 310 may be mechanically coupled to the negative conductive layer 235 via the second side 225. The support layer 310 may be bonded to the negative conductive layer 235 through the second side 225. The support layer 310 may be electrically coupled to the negative conductive layer 235 through the second side 225 .

[0049] In addition, the support layer 310 may have at least one first side 320 (sometimes referred to herein as an intermediate side). The first side 320 may correspond to one surface (e.g., longitudinal or transverse) of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The first side 320 of the support layer 310 may be opposite to the first side 220 in contact with the solid electrolyte layer 145. At least a portion of the support layer 310 along the first side 320 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of the second side 315 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305. The first side 320 of the support layer 310 may be mechanically coupled to the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 through the second side 315. The first side 320 of the support layer 310 may be bonded to the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 via the second side 315. The first side 320 of the support layer 310 may be mechanically coupled (e.g., meshed, bonded, or connected) to the second side 315 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305. The first side 320 of the support layer 310 may overlap with the second side 315 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305, and vice versa. The support layer 310 may be electrically coupled to the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 via the first side 320 of the support layer 310. The support layer 310 may have a length (or height) of 50 mm to 120 mm. The support layer 310 may have a width of 50 mm to 2000 mm. The support layer 310 may have a thickness of 1 μm to 30 μm. The thickness of the support layer 310 may be equivalent to the distance between the first side 320 and the second side 225. The thickness of the support layer 310 may be greater than the thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305. The ratio between the thickness of the support layer 310 and the thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be 0-1000.

[0050] The support layer 310 may be composed of an organic material. The support layer 310 may be composed of the following: a carbon-based composite material, in particular, such as carbon fiber, glassy carbon, pyrolytic carbon, graphene, and graphite intercalation compounds (GIC). The carbon-based composite material may be composed of carbon and a binder, in particular, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and polyimide (PI). The porosity of the carbon-based composite material of the support layer 310 may be 1% to 99%. The support layer 310 may be composed of a metal-organic framework (MOF) or a covalent organic framework (COF). The support layer 310 may be composed of an inorganic material, such as a metal oxide or a metal-inorganic framework (MIF). The porosity of the inorganic material used for the support layer 310 may be several nanometers to several micrometers. Before the first charging cycle of the battery cell 105, the support layer 310 may initially be free of any lithium material. The material of the support layer 310 may be combined with the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305. For example, at least a portion of the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 along the second side 315 may mesh or intercalate with the carbon-based composite material of the support layer 310 along the second side 320. Thus, the boundary between the second side 315 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the second side 320 of the support layer 310 may be stepped.

[0051] During charging of the battery cell 105, the lithium material received from the cathode layer 135 through the solid electrolyte layer 145 may be combined with the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 or may cross the support layer 310. Due to the difference in materials, the interfacial adhesion between the first side 220 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the second side 205 of the electrolyte layer 145 may be stronger than the interfacial adhesion between the second side 225 of the support layer 310 and the side of the negative conductive layer 235. Due to the stronger interfacial adhesion between the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the electrolyte 145, the probability of the lithium material adhering along the second side 205 may be lower. Instead, the probability of the lithium material adhering along the second side 225 of the support layer 310 may be higher. Thus, instead of accumulating on the first side 220 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305, the lithium material may be guided through the support layer 310 toward the negative conductive layer 235. The support layer 310 may allow the lithium material to accumulate along the second side 225 during charging of the battery cell 105. Since the lithium material is positioned away from the solid electrolyte layer 145, the likelihood of growth of the lithium material penetrating into the solid electrolyte layer 145 can be reduced. In contrast, when the battery cell 105 is discharged, the lithium material can move away from the negative conductive layer 235 and back toward the anti-dendrite functional layer 305. The support layer 310 can allow for dispersion or exfoliation of lithium material accumulated along the second side 225 of the composite structure 140 during discharge of the battery cell 105. In this way, the plating of lithium material received at the composite structure 140 can be limited by the support layer 310 toward the second side 225.

[0052] In each figure, Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view depicting a layer pattern 400 of a battery cell 105 for powering an electric vehicle. As shown, the composite structure 140 in the layer pattern 400 for the battery cell 105 may include an anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and a support layer 310. In addition, in the layer pattern 400 for the battery cell 105, the support layer 310 may have at least one second side 405 (sometimes referred to herein as an intermediate side) separated from the second side 225 of the composite structure 140. The support layer 310 may form or correspond to the middle portion of the composite structure 140 at least in the layer pattern 400. The second side 405 may be different from and physically away from the second side 225 of the composite structure 140. Thus, the second side 405 of the support layer 310 may not be in direct physical contact with the negative conductive layer 235. The second side 405 of the support layer 310 may not be directly bonded to the negative conductive layer 235. The second side 405 of the support layer 310 may be electrically coupled to the negative conductive layer 235 through another sublayer of the composite structure 140. On the other hand, in the layer pattern 400 , at least a portion of the first side 320 of the support layer 310 may contact or be flush with the second side 315 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 . The first side 320 of the support layer 310 may be bonded to the second side 315 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 .

[0053] In the layer pattern 400 for the battery cell 105, the composite structure 140 may include at least one additional anti-dendrite functional layer 410 (sometimes referred to herein as a conductive layer-joined anti-dendrite functional layer). The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be configured or arranged in the cavity 130 of the housing 110 of the battery cell 105 along the second side 405 of the carbon-matrix structure 310. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be located in the cavity 130 of the housing 110 between the second side 405 of the carbon-matrix structure 310 and the negative conductive layer 235. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may form or correspond to at least a portion of the composite structure 140 along the second side 225. At least one side of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may include or correspond to the second side 225 of the composite structure 140. The side of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 corresponding to the second side 225 of the composite structure 140 may face one side of the negative conductive layer 235. At least a portion of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 along the second side 225 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of one side of the negative conductive layer 235. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be mechanically coupled with the negative conductive layer 235 via the second side 225. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be bonded with the negative conductive layer 235 via the second side 225. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be electrically coupled with the negative conductive layer 235 via the second side 225.

[0054] In addition, the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may have at least one first side 415 (sometimes referred to herein as an intermediate side). The first side 415 may correspond to one surface (e.g., longitudinal or lateral) of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410. The first side 415 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be opposite to the second side 225 in contact with the negative conductive layer 235. At least a portion of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 along the first side 415 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of the second side 405 of the support layer 310. The first side 415 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be mechanically coupled to the support layer 310 through the second side 405. The first side 415 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be bonded to the support layer 310 via the second side 405. The first side 415 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be mechanically coupled (e.g., meshed, bonded, or connected) to the second side 405 of the support layer 310. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be electrically coupled to the support layer 310 via the first side 405 of the support layer 310. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may have a length (or height) of 50 mm to 120 mm. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may have a width of 50 mm to 120 mm. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may have a thickness of 0.01 μm to 10 μm. The thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be the same as or may be different from the thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305. The thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be equivalent to the distance between the first side 415 and the second side 225. The thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be less than the thickness of the support layer 310. The ratio between the thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer 405 and the thickness of the support layer 310 may be 0-1000.

[0055] The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be composed of a metal, semiconductor, or non-metal material, such as, in particular, bismuth (Bi), tin (Sn), silicon (Si), silver (Ag), gold (Au), germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), or platinum (Pt), or any combination thereof. The density of the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be from 0.1 g / cc to 30 g / cc. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be composed of an inorganic or organic substance. Prior to the first charging cycle of the battery cell 105, the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may initially be free of any lithium material. The carbon-based composite material of the support layer 310 may be combined with the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410. For example, at least a portion of the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 along the first side 415 may be meshed or inserted with the carbon-based composite material of the support layer 310 along the second side 405. Thus, a boundary between the first side 415 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the second side 405 of the support layer 310 may be stepped.

[0056] During charging of the battery cell 105, the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 can receive lithium material originating from the cathode layer 135 and traversing through the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the support layer 310. The anti-dendrite functional layer 410 can combine or form an alloy with the received lithium material. The combination of the lithium material with the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 can be independent of the heterogeneity of the dispersion of the lithium material through the solid electrolyte layer 145. The alloy formed by the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can include, for example, a binary alloy (e.g., lithium-bismuth (Li-Bi), lithium-tin (Li-Sn), or lithium-silicon (Li-Si)), a ternary alloy (e.g., lithium-bismuth-silicon (Li-Bi-Sn) or lithium-phosphorus-platinum (Li-P-Pt)), or a quaternary alloy (e.g., lithium-silicon-germanium-antinomy (Li-Si-Ge-Se)), as well as any other combination. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can prevent dendrite growth of lithium into the solid electrolyte layer 145 by forming an alloy with the lithium material received from the solid electrolyte layer 145. In addition, due to the properties of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305, the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can promote the diffusion of lithium material transferred through the solid electrolyte layer 145.

[0057] During charging of the battery cell 105, the lithium material received from the cathode layer 135 through the solid electrolyte layer 145 may be combined with the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 or may traverse through the anti-dendrite functional layer 410. Due to the difference in materials, the interfacial adhesion between the first side 220 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the second side 205 of the electrolyte layer 145 may be stronger than the interfacial adhesion between the second side 225 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 and the side of the negative conductive layer 235. Due to the stronger interfacial adhesion between the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the electrolyte 145, the probability of the lithium material adhering along the second side 205 may be lower. On the contrary, the probability of the lithium material adhering along the second side 225 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 may be higher. Thus, instead of accumulating on the first side 220 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305, the lithium material may be guided through the support layer 310 and the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 toward the negative conductive layer 235. The support layer 310 and the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 can allow lithium material to accumulate along the second side 225 during charging of the battery cell 105. Since the lithium material is placed away from the solid electrolyte layer 145, the possibility of growth of the lithium material penetrating into the solid electrolyte layer 145 can be reduced. In contrast, when discharging the battery cell 105, the lithium material can move away from the negative conductive layer 235 and return toward the anti-dendrite functional layer 305. The support layer 310 and the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 can allow the dispersion or peeling of lithium material accumulated along the second side 225 of the composite structure 140 during discharge of the battery cell 105. In this way, the deposition of lithium material received at the composite structure 140 can be limited by the support layer 310 and the anti-dendrite functional layer 410 toward the second side 225.

[0058] In each figure, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view depicting a layer pattern 500 of a battery cell 105 for powering an electric vehicle. In the layer pattern 500 for the battery cell 105, the composite structure 140 may include a support layer 310 and an anti-dendrite functional layer 305 interspersed in the support layer 310. The support layer 310 may be configured or arranged in the cavity 130 in the housing 110 of the battery cell 105 along the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The support layer 310 may form or correspond to all or substantially all (e.g., greater than 85%) of the composite structure 140 in the layer pattern 500 of the battery cell 105. The support layer 310 may at least partially span from the first side 220 to the second side 225 of the composite structure 140. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may partially span in the support layer 310, starting from the first side 220, toward the second side 225 of the composite structure 140.

[0059] At least one side (e.g., longitudinal or transverse) of the support layer 310 may include or correspond to the first side 220 of the composite structure 140. At least a portion of the support layer 310 along the first side 220 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The support layer 310 may be mechanically coupled to the solid electrolyte layer 145 through the first side 220. The support layer 310 may be joined to the solid electrolyte layer 145 through the first side 220. The support layer 310 may be electrically coupled to the solid electrolyte layer 145 through the first side 220. At least one side (e.g., longitudinal or transverse) of the support layer 310 may include or correspond to the second side 225 of the composite structure 140. At least a portion of the support layer 310 along the second side 225 may contact or be flush with at least a portion of one side of the negative conductive layer 235. The support layer 310 may be mechanically coupled to the negative conductive layer 235 through the second side 225. The support layer 310 may be joined to the negative conductive layer 235 via the second side 225. The support layer 310 can be electrically coupled to the negative conductive layer 235 through the second side 225. In the layer pattern 500, the support layer 310 can have a length (or height) of 50 mm to 120 mm. The support layer 310 can have a width of 50 mm to 2000 mm. The support layer 310 can have a thickness of 0.02 μm to 30 μm. The thickness of the support layer 310 can be equivalent to the distance between the first side 220 and the second side 225 of the composite structure 140.

[0060] The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can be diffused, distributed or dispersed in the support layer 310. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can be composed of metal, semiconductor or non-metallic materials, especially bismuth (Bi), tin (Sn), silicon (Si), silver (Ag), gold (Au), germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), or platinum (Pt), or any combination thereof. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can be composed of inorganic or organic substances. The material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can be injected, meshed, or dispersed in the organic or inorganic material of the support layer 310. The density or concentration of the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can be changed or different in the support layer 310, and can be 0.1g / cc to 30g / cc.

[0061] The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be dispersed in a gradient in the support layer 310. The gradient dispersion of the material used for the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 in the support layer 310 may be linear (e.g., Figure 5). The density of the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 along the first side 220 may be greater than the density of the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 along the second side 225. For example, the density of the material for the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be a maximum along the first side 220 and may be 25 g / cc to 30 g / cc. The density of the material for the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be the smallest along the second side 225 and may be 0.1 g / cc to 5 g / cc. Conversely, the density of the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 along the first side 220 may be less than the density of the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 along the second side 225. For example, the density of the material for the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be a maximum along the first side 220 and may be 10 g / cc to 15 g / cc. The density of the material for the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be the smallest along the second side 225 and may be 25 g / cc to 30 g / cc. The gradient dispersion of the material for the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 in the support layer 310 may be convex or concave. The density of the material for the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 along the first side 220 and the second side 225 may be greater than the density of the material for the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 generally along the centerline 505 of the carbon-matrix structure 310. For example, the density of the material for the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be: 25 g / cc to 30 g / cc toward the first side 220, 20 g / cc to 25 g / cc toward the second side 225, and 0.1 g / cc to 5 g / cc along the centerline 505.

[0062] During operation of the battery cell 105, the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the support layer 310 can receive lithium material from the cathode layer 135 through the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can combine or form an alloy with the lithium material received from the solid electrolyte layer 145. The combination of the lithium material with the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can be independent of the heterogeneity of the dispersion of the lithium material through the solid electrolyte layer 145. The alloy formed by the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can include, for example, a binary alloy (e.g., lithium-bismuth (Li-Bi), lithium-tin (Li-Sn), or lithium-silicon (Li-Si)), a ternary alloy (e.g., lithium-bismuth-silicon (Li-Bi-Sn) or lithium-phosphorus-platinum (Li-P-Pt)), or a quaternary alloy (e.g., lithium-silicon-germanium-antinomy (Li-Si-Ge-Se)), as well as any other combination. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can prevent dendrite growth of lithium into the solid electrolyte layer 145 by forming an alloy with the lithium material received from the solid electrolyte layer 145. In addition, due to the properties of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305, the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can promote the diffusion of lithium material transferred through the solid electrolyte layer 145.

[0063] The accumulation of lithium material can be maintained by the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 in the support layer 310. In addition, due to the properties of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305, the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 can promote the diffusion of lithium material transferred through the solid electrolyte layer 145. In addition, dispersed in the support layer 310, the alloy formed between the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the received lithium material can reside in the support layer 310. The density of the alloy formed between the material of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the received lithium material can depend on the density of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 in the support layer 310.

[0064] In addition, due to the difference in materials, the interfacial adhesion between the first side 220 and the second side 205 of the electrolyte layer 145 may be stronger than the interfacial adhesion between the second side 225 and the side of the negative conductive layer 235. Since the interfacial adhesion between the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 and the electrolyte 145 is stronger, the possibility of the lithium material adhering along the second side 205 may be lower. On the contrary, the possibility of the lithium material adhering along the second side 225 of the support layer 310 may be higher. Thus, instead of accumulating on the first side 220, the lithium material may be guided through the support layer 310 toward the negative conductive layer 235. The support layer 310 may allow the lithium material to accumulate along the second side 225 during the charging of the battery cell 105. Since the lithium material is placed away from the solid electrolyte layer 145, the possibility of the growth of the lithium material penetrating into the solid electrolyte layer 145 may be reduced. On the contrary, when the battery cell 105 is discharged, the lithium material may move away from the negative conductive layer 235 through the electrolyte layer 145. The support layer 310 can allow for dispersion or exfoliation of lithium material accumulated along the second side 225 during discharge of the battery cell 105. In this manner, deposition of lithium material received at the composite structure 140 can be limited by the carbon matrix structure 300 toward the second side 225.

[0065] In each figure, Figure 6 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell 105 for powering an electric vehicle depicted during a charging cycle 600. Prior to charging of the battery cell 105, the composite structure 140 may initially lack any accumulation or deposition of lithium material (605). Instead, the lithium material in the battery cell 105 may reside in the cathode layer 135 or the solid electrolyte layer 145. When the battery cell 105 is charged, the lithium material may accumulate in the composite structure 140 in the form of a plate 615 along the negative conductive layer 235 (610). Because the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 is arranged along the solid electrolyte layer 145, the lithium material received by the solid electrolyte layer 145 may be guided through the support layer 310 toward the negative conductive layer 235. Upon reaching toward the negative conductive layer 235, the support layer 310 may accumulate lithium material to undergo lithium deposition 615 on the interface between the support layer 310 and the negative conductive layer 235. The lithium deposition 615 may have a thickness 620 of 0.01 μm to 100 μm. As the battery cell 105 is further charged, more and more lithium material can accumulate in the support layer 310 along the interface with the negative conductive layer 235 (625). As more and more lithium is received through the solid electrolyte layer 145, the lithium deposit 615 can have a thickness 630 that is greater than the thickness 620. The thickness 630 of the lithium deposit 615 can be 0.01 μm to 100 μm. Any additional accumulated lithium material can combine or form an alloy with the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 of the composite structure 140, thereby preventing dendritic growth of lithium into the solid electrolyte layer 145.

[0066] In each figure, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell 105 having a layer pattern 300 for powering an electric vehicle during a charging cycle 700. After the charging cycle 600, the composite structure 140 can have a lithium deposit 615 (705) in the support layer 310 along the interface with the negative conductive layer 325. The lithium deposit 615 can have a thickness 630. As the discharge occurs, the deposition of the lithium material can be reversed. As the battery cell 105 discharges, the lithium material can move from the passive layer 140 back to the solid electrolyte layer 145 and the cathode layer 135 (710). As a result, the lithium deposit 615 can have a thickness 715, which can be less than the thickness 630 after charging. The thickness 715 of the lithium deposit 615 can be 0.01 μm to 100 μm. As the battery cell 105 further discharges, more and more lithium material can move back toward the solid electrolyte layer 145 and the cathode layer 145, and the lithium deposit 615 can eventually be stripped off (720).

[0067] By repeatedly using the battery cell 105 (e.g., charging cycle 600 and discharging cycle 700), the transfer of lithium material can be unevenly distributed. This can result in agglomeration of lithium in one area along the interface and the absence of lithium in another area. In the absence of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 in the composite structure 140, the battery cell 105 can suffer from lithium dendrite growth, which can eventually pierce the solid electrolyte layer 145, resulting in a short circuit. However, with the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 configured along the solid electrolyte layer 145, the dendritic growth of lithium material into the solid electrolyte layer 145 can be prevented. As the lithium material moves back toward the solid electrolyte layer 145 and the cathode layer 135, the lithium material can become bonded and can form an alloy with the anti-dendrite functional layer 305.

[0068] In each figure, Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module 800 for accommodating a group of battery cells 105 in an electric vehicle. The battery module 800 can be part of the system or device 100. The battery module 800 can be of any shape. The shape of the battery module 800 can be a cylinder, especially with a circular, elliptical or oval base. The shape of the battery module 800 can also be a prism with a polygonal base, especially a triangle, a square, a rectangle (e.g., as depicted), a pentagon and a hexagon. The battery module 800 can have a length of 10 cm to 200 cm. The battery module 800 can have a width of 10 cm to 200 cm. The battery module 800 can have a height of 65 mm to 100 cm.

[0069] The battery module 800 may include at least one battery box 805 and a cover element 815. The battery box 805 may be separated from the cover element 815. The battery box 805 may include or define a set of clamps 810. Each clamp 810 may be or include a hollow or hollow portion defined by the battery box 805. Each clamp 810 may accommodate, contain, store or accommodate a battery cell 105. The battery box 805 may include at least one conductive or thermally conductive material, or a combination thereof. Between the battery box 805 and the cover element 815, the battery module 800 may include at least one positive current collector 820, at least one negative current collector 825, and at least one electrical insulation layer 830. The positive current collector 820 and the negative current collector 825 may each include a conductive material to provide power to other electrical components in the electric vehicle. The positive current collector 820 (sometimes referred to herein as a positive busbar) can be connected or otherwise electrically coupled to the positive conductive layer 230 of each battery cell 105 received in the set of clamps 810 via a bonding element 835. One end of the bonding element 835 can be bonded, welded, connected, attached, or otherwise electrically coupled to the positive conductive layer 230 of the battery cell 105. The negative current collector 825 (sometimes referred to herein as a negative busbar) can be connected or otherwise electrically coupled to the negative conductive layer 235 of each battery cell 105 received in the set of clamps 810 via a bonding element 840. The bonding element 840 can be bonded, welded, connected, attached, or otherwise electrically coupled to the negative conductive layer 235 of the battery cell 105.

[0070] The positive current collector 820 and the negative current collector 825 can be separated from each other by an electrical insulating layer 830. The electrical insulating layer 830 can include a gap so that the positive binding element 835 connected to the positive current collector 820 and the negative binding element 825 connected to the negative current collector 825 pass through or assemble thereto. The electrical insulating layer 830 can partially or completely span the volume defined by the battery case 805 and the cover element 815. The top plane of the electrical insulating layer 830 can contact or be flush with the bottom plane of the cover element 815. The bottom plane of the electrical insulating layer 830 can contact or be flush with the top plane of the battery case 805. The electrical insulating layer 830 can include any electrically insulating material or dielectric material, especially such as air, nitrogen, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), ceramics, glass and plastics (e.g., polysiloxane) to separate the positive current collector 820 from the negative current collector 825.

[0071] In each figure, Fig. 98 is a top-down view of a battery module 800 for accommodating a plurality of battery cells 105 in an electric vehicle. The battery module 800 may define or include a set of clamps 810. The shape of each clamp 810 may match the shape of the housing 105 of the battery cell 105. The shape of each clamp 810 may be a cylinder, especially having a circular (e.g., as depicted), an elliptical or an oval base. The shape of each clamp 810 may also be a prism with a polygonal base, especially a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon and hexagon. The shape of each clamp 810 may vary or may be uniform across the battery module 800. For example, the shape of some clamps 810 may be hexagonal, while the shape of other clamps may be circular. The size of each clamp 810 may be larger than the size of the battery cell 105 accommodated therein. Each clamp 810 may have a length of 10 mm to 300 mm. Each clamp 810 may have a width of 10 mm to 300 mm. Each holder 810 may have a height (or depth) of 65 mm to 100 cm.

[0072] In each figure, Fig.10 1 is a cross-sectional view depicting an electric vehicle 1000 with a battery pack 1005 installed. The device for powering the electric vehicle 1000 may include at least one battery cell 105, at least one battery module 800, and at least one battery pack 1005, including components thereof. For example, the battery pack 1005 may include one or more than one battery module. The electric vehicle 1000 may be an electric motor vehicle (e.g., as depicted), a hybrid motor vehicle, a motorcycle, a scooter, a passenger vehicle, a passenger or commercial truck, and another type of vehicle, such as a marine or air transport vehicle, an airplane, a helicopter, a submarine, a ship, or a drone. The electric vehicle 1000 may include at least one battery pack 1005. The battery pack 1005 may be part of the system or device 100. The battery pack 1005 may house, contain, or otherwise include a group of battery modules 700. The battery pack 1005 may be of any shape. The shape of the battery pack 1005 may be a cylinder having a circular, elliptical, or oval base, in particular. The shape of the battery pack 1005 can also be a prism with a polygonal base, particularly a triangle, square, rectangle (e.g., as depicted), pentagon, and hexagon. The battery pack 905 can have a length of 100 cm to 600 cm. The battery pack 905 can have a width of 50 cm to 400 cm. The battery pack 905 can have a height of 70 mm to 1000 mm.

[0073] The electric vehicle 1000 may include at least one chassis 1010 (e.g., a frame, an internal frame, or a support structure). The chassis 1010 may support various components of the electric vehicle 1000. The chassis 1010 may span a front portion 1015 (e.g., a hood or bonnet portion), a body portion 1020, and a rear portion 1025 (e.g., a trunk portion) of the electric vehicle 1000. A battery pack 1005 may be mounted or placed within the electric vehicle 1000. The battery pack 1005 may be mounted in the front portion 1015, the body portion 1020 (e.g., a trunk portion), and the rear portion 1025 (e.g., a trunk portion). Fig.10 ) or on the chassis 1010 of the electric vehicle 1000 in the rear 1025.

[0074] The electric vehicle 1000 may include one or more components 1030. The one or more components 1030 may include, among other things, a motor, an entertainment system (e.g., a radio, a display, and an audio system), an onboard diagnostic system, and electronic control units (ECUs) (e.g., an engine control module, a transmission control module, a brake control module, and a body control module). The one or more components 1030 may be installed in the front 1015, the body portion 1020, or the rear 1025 of the electric vehicle 1000. The battery pack 1005 installed in the electric vehicle 1000 may provide power to the one or more components 1030 via at least one positive current collector 1035 and at least one negative current collector 1040. The positive current collector 1035 and the negative current collector 1040 may be connected or otherwise electrically coupled to other electrical components of the electric vehicle 1000 to provide power. The positive current collector 1035 (e.g., a positive busbar) may be connected to or otherwise electrically coupled to each positive current collector 1035 of each battery module 800 in the battery pack 1005. The negative current collector 1040 (e.g., a negative busbar) may be connected to or otherwise electrically coupled to each negative current collector 825 of each battery module 800 in the battery pack 1005.

[0075] In each figure, Fig.11 A method 1100 of assembling a battery cell for powering an electric vehicle is depicted. Figures 1 to 10Any of the systems, devices, or battery cells described in detail may implement or perform the functions of method 1100. Method 1000 may include configuring battery pack 1005 (action 1105). Battery pack 905 may be installed, arranged, or otherwise configured in electric vehicle 1000. Battery pack 905 may house, contain, or include a group of battery modules 700. Battery pack 905 may store power for one or more components 1030 of electric vehicle 1000. Battery pack 1005 may provide power to one or more components 1030 via positive current collector 1035 and negative current collector 1040.

[0076] Method 1100 may include arranging battery cells 105 (action 1110). Battery cells 105 may be lithium-ion battery cells. Battery cells 105 may be stored or contained in a holder 820 of a battery module 800 included in a battery pack 1005. Battery cells 105 may include a housing 110. Housing 110 may be formed by a cylindrical shell having a circular, elliptical or oval base or a prismatic shell having a polygonal base. Housing 110 may include a top surface 115, a bottom surface 120, and sidewalls 125. Housing 110 may have a cavity 130 to accommodate the contents of battery cells 105. Cavity 130 in housing 110 may be defined by top surface 115, bottom surface 120, and sidewalls 125.

[0077] The method 1100 may include arranging a solid electrolyte layer 145 (action 1115). The solid electrolyte layer 145 may be composed of a solid or liquid electrolyte material. The material for the solid electrolyte layer 145 may be formed using a deposition technique such as chemical deposition (e.g., chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD)) or physical deposition (e.g., molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) or physical vapor deposition (PVD)). For a liquid electrolyte, the material for the solid electrolyte layer 145 may be immersed or dissolved in an organic solvent. The solid electrolyte layer 145 may be fed, inserted, or otherwise placed into the cavity 130 of the housing 110 for the battery cell 105. The solid electrolyte layer 145 may at least partially span between the top surface 115, the bottom surface 120, and the sidewall 125 of the housing 110 for the battery cell 105.

[0078] The method 1100 may include configuring the cathode layer 140 (action 1120). The cathode layer 135 may be formed using a deposition technique such as chemical deposition (e.g., chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD)) or physical deposition (e.g., molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) or physical vapor deposition (PVD)). The cathode layer 135 may be composed of a solid cathode material such as a lithium-based oxide material or a phosphate. The cathode layer 135 may be placed or inserted into a cavity 130 of a housing 110 for the battery cell 105. The cathode layer 135 may be at least partially located along a first side 200 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The cathode layer 135 may output a conventional current into the battery cell 100. The cathode layer 135 may be electrically coupled to a positive conductive layer 230 that is also inserted into the cavity 130 in the housing 110 of the battery cell 105.

[0079] The method 1100 may include configuring the anti-dendrite functional layer 305 (action 1125). The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be formed using a slurry coating process technique, particularly mixed with a metal precursor, a solvent (e.g., an inorganic or organic solvent), or a carbon material. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may also be formed using a deposition technique such as chemical deposition (e.g., chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD)) or physical deposition (e.g., molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) or physical vapor deposition (PVD)). The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be formed using molding, casting, and melting one or more materials for the anti-dendrite functional layer 305, particularly such as bismuth (Bi), tin (Sn), silicon (Si), silver (Ag), gold (Au), germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and platinum (Pt). The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be formed using an electroplating technique. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be placed or inserted into the cavity 130 of the housing 110 for the battery cell 105 as part of the composite structure 140. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be at least partially located along the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be electrically coupled to the negative conductive layer 235 also inserted into the cavity 130 in the housing 110 of the battery cell 105 via another component.

[0080] The method 1100 may include configuring a support layer 310 (action 1130). The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be formed using a slurry coating process technique, particularly mixed with a precursor material, a solvent (e.g., an inorganic or organic solvent), or a carbon material. The support layer 310 may be formed using a deposition technique such as chemical deposition (e.g., chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD)) or physical deposition (e.g., molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) or physical vapor deposition (PVD)). The support layer 310 may be composed of a carbon-based composite material. The support layer 310 may be placed or inserted into the cavity 130 of the housing 110 for the battery cell 105 as part of the composite structure 140. The support layer 310 may be at least partially located along the second side 315 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305. The support layer 310 may be electrically coupled to the negative conductive layer 235 that is also inserted into the cavity 130 in the housing 110 of the battery cell 105.

[0081] In each figure, Fig.12 A method 1200 of providing a battery cell for powering an electric vehicle is depicted. Figures 1 to 10 Any of the systems, devices, or battery cells described in detail may implement or perform the functions of method 1200. Method 1200 may include providing device 100 (action 1205). Device 100 may be installed in electric vehicle 1000. Device 100 may include a battery pack 1005 configured in electric vehicle 1000 for powering one or more components 930 of electric vehicle 1000. Battery pack 1005 may include one or more battery modules 800. Device 100 may include a group of battery cells 105. Each battery cell 105 may be arranged in battery module 800. Battery cell 105 may include housing 110. Housing 110 may include top surface 115, bottom surface 120, and sidewall 125. Top surface 115, bottom surface 120, and sidewall 125 may define cavity 130.

[0082] In the cavity 130 defined by the housing 110, the battery cell 105 may have a solid electrolyte layer 145. The solid electrolyte layer 145 may have a first side 200 and a second side 205, and ions may be transferred between the first side 200 and the second side 205. The battery cell 105 may have a cathode layer 135 disposed in the cavity 130 of the housing 110 along the first side 200 of the solid electrolyte layer 145. The cathode layer 135 may be electrically coupled to the positive terminal of the battery cell via the positive conductive layer 230. The battery cell 105 may have an anti-dendrite functional layer 305 disposed in the cavity 130 of the housing 110 along the second side 205. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may be part of a composite structure 140 disposed in the cavity 130 in the housing 110 along the second side 205. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may have a first side 220 and a second side 315. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may contact the second side 205 of the solid electrolyte layer 145 through the first side 220. The anti-dendrite functional layer 305 may form an alloy with the lithium material received via the solid electrolyte layer 145. The battery cell 105 may have a support layer 310 disposed in the cavity 130 of the housing 110 along the second side 315 of the anti-dendrite functional layer 305. The support layer 310 may be electrically coupled to the negative terminal of the battery cell 105 through the negative conductive layer 235.

[0083] Although operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and not all illustrated operations need be performed. The actions described herein may be performed in a different order.

[0084] Now that some illustrative embodiments have been described, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative rather than restrictive and has been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method actions or system elements, those actions and those elements may be combined in other ways to achieve the same purpose. The actions, elements, and features discussed in conjunction with one embodiment are not intended to exclude similar roles in other embodiments or implementations.

[0085] The words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. As used herein, "includes," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," "characterized by," "characterized by," and variations thereof are meant to include the items listed thereafter, their equivalents and additional items, and alternative embodiments consisting of the items specifically listed thereafter. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, more than one, various combinations, or all of the described elements, actions, or components.

[0086] Any reference to an embodiment or element or action of the system and method mentioned herein in the singular may also encompass an embodiment including a plurality of these elements, and any plural reference to any embodiment or element or action herein may also encompass an embodiment including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the systems or methods disclosed herein, their components, actions or elements to a single or plural configuration. References to any action or element based on any information, action or element may include an embodiment in which the action or element is based at least in part on any information, action or element.

[0087] Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment or implementation, and references to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an embodiment," etc. are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment or implementation. These terms as used herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Any embodiment may be inclusively or exclusively combined with any other embodiment in any manner consistent with the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein.

[0088] References to "or" may be interpreted as inclusive, such that any term described using "or" may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the terms described. For example, a reference to "at least one of 'A' and 'B'" may include only "A," only "B," and both "A" and "B." These references used in conjunction with "including" or other open-ended terms may include additional items.

[0089] Where a technical feature in the drawings, detailed description or any claim is followed by a reference numeral, the reference numeral is included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description and claims. Therefore, reference numerals or their absence shall have no limiting effect on the scope of any claim element.

[0090] Modifications of the elements and actions may occur without departing substantially from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein, such as changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of an element may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be changed or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0091] Without departing from the features of the present invention, the systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms. For example, the description of positive and negative electrical characteristics may be reversed. For example, an element described as a negative element may be configured as a positive element instead, and an element described as a positive element may be configured as a negative element instead. Further relative parallel, vertical, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include changes within + / -10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or vertical positioning. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, reference to "approximately", "about", "substantially" or other degree terms includes changes relative to a given measurement, unit or range of + / -10%. Coupling elements may be electrically coupled, mechanically coupled or physically coupled to each other directly or through intermediate elements. Therefore, the scope of the systems and methods described herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are included therein.

Claims

1. A device for supplying power to an electric vehicle, comprising: a battery pack configured in the electric vehicle for powering the electric vehicle; and A battery cell arranged in the battery pack, the battery cell having a housing defining a cavity within the housing of the battery cell, the battery cell having: a solid electrolyte having a first side and a second side for transferring ions between the first side and the second side, the solid electrolyte being arranged in the cavity; a cathode disposed in the cavity along a first side of the solid electrolyte, the cathode being electrically coupled to a positive terminal; and A composite structure disposed in the cavity along the second side of the solid electrolyte, the composite structure comprising: an anti-dendrite functional layer disposed in the cavity along a second side of the solid electrolyte, the anti-dendrite functional layer comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of bismuth (Bi), gold (Au), silver (Ag), selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), platinum (Pt), and combinations thereof, and having a first side and a second side, the first side of the anti-dendrite functional layer in contact with the second side of the solid electrolyte, wherein, prior to a first charging cycle of the battery cell, the anti-dendrite functional layer initially does not contain lithium material, the anti-dendrite functional layer being used to form an alloy with lithium material originating from the cathode and received via the solid electrolyte; and a scaffold layer disposed in the cavity along a second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer, the scaffold layer being electrically coupled to a negative terminal, wherein the scaffold layer is initially free of lithium material prior to a first charge cycle of the battery cell; The composite structure is an inactive layer, and the composite structure replaces the active anode layer, so the battery cell is an anode-free battery cell.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the support layer has a first side and a second side, the first side of the support layer being in contact with the second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer for receiving lithium material via the solid electrolyte; and The battery cell further includes a second anti-dendrite functional layer disposed in the cavity along the second side of the support layer, for preventing dendrite growth of lithium material from the second side of the support layer.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the battery unit further comprises: a positive conductive layer electrically coupled to the positive terminal; and The cathode has a first side and a second side, the first side of the cathode is in contact with the solid electrolyte, and the second side of the cathode is in contact with the positive conductive layer.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the battery unit further comprises: a negative conductive layer electrically coupled to the negative terminal; and The support layer has a first side and a second side, the first side of the support layer contacts the second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer for receiving lithium material via the solid electrolyte, and the second side of the support layer is electrically coupled to the negative terminal via the negative conductive layer.

5. The device according to claim 1, The anti-dendrite functional layer is bonded to the solid electrolyte via an alloy formed with the lithium material along a second side of the solid electrolyte for receiving the lithium material via the solid electrolyte.

6. The device according to claim 1, The support layer has a first side and a second side, the first side of the support layer is in contact with the second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer for receiving lithium material via the solid electrolyte, and the second side of the support layer allows lithium deposition to occur simultaneously with the charging of the battery cell and lithium stripping to occur simultaneously with the discharging of the battery cell.

7. The device according to claim 1, The support layer includes at least a portion of the anti-dendrite functional layer dispersed in a gradient manner.

8. The device according to claim 1, Wherein both the anti-dendrite functional layer and the scaffold layer are free of lithium material before an initial charging cycle of the battery cell.

9. The device according to claim 1, The thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer is 0.01 μm to 10 μm, and the thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer is less than the thickness of the support layer.

10. The device according to claim 1, The thickness of the support layer is 1 μm to 30 μm, and the thickness of the support layer is greater than the thickness of the anti-dendrite functional layer.

11. The device according to claim 1, The battery pack is installed in the electric vehicle to power one or more components of the electric vehicle.

12. A method of providing a battery unit for powering an electric vehicle, comprising: The battery pack is configured in an electric vehicle to power the electric vehicle; arranging battery cells in the battery pack, the battery cells having housings defining cavities within the housings of the battery cells; Arranging a solid electrolyte having a first side and a second side in the cavity for transferring ions between the first side and the second side; disposing a cathode electrically coupled to a positive terminal in the cavity along a first side of the solid electrolyte; and A composite structure is arranged in the cavity along the second side of the solid electrolyte, the composite structure comprising: an anti-dendrite functional layer disposed in the cavity along a second side of the solid electrolyte, the anti-dendrite functional layer comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of bismuth (Bi), gold (Au), silver (Ag), selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), platinum (Pt), and combinations thereof, and having a first side and a second side, the first side of the anti-dendrite functional layer in contact with the second side of the solid electrolyte, wherein, prior to a first charging cycle of the battery cell, the anti-dendrite functional layer initially does not contain lithium material, the anti-dendrite functional layer being used to form an alloy with lithium material originating from the cathode and received via the solid electrolyte; and a scaffold layer disposed in the cavity along a second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer, the scaffold layer being electrically coupled to a negative terminal, wherein the scaffold layer is initially free of lithium material prior to a first charge cycle of the battery cell; The composite structure is an inactive layer, and the composite structure replaces the active anode layer, so the battery cell is an anode-free battery cell.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the support layer has a first side and a second side, the first side of the support layer being in contact with the second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer for receiving lithium material via the solid electrolyte; and The method further includes disposing a second anti-dendrite functional layer in the cavity along the second side of the support layer to prevent dendrite growth of lithium material from the second side of the support layer.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: disposing a positive conductive layer in the cavity electrically coupled to the positive terminal; and The cathode has a first side and a second side, the first side of the cathode is in contact with the solid electrolyte, and the second side of the cathode is in electrical contact with the positive conductive layer.

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: disposing a negative conductive layer in the cavity electrically coupled to the negative terminal; and The support layer has a first side and a second side, the first side of the support layer contacts the second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer for receiving lithium material via the solid electrolyte, and the second side of the support layer is electrically coupled to the negative terminal via the negative conductive layer.

16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: The support layer is configured to include at least a portion of the anti-dendrite functional layer dispersed in a gradient manner.

17. An electric vehicle, comprising: one or more components; a battery pack for powering the one or more components; and A battery cell arranged in the battery pack, the battery cell having a housing defining a cavity within the housing of the battery cell, the battery cell having: a solid electrolyte having a first side and a second side for transferring ions between the first side and the second side, the solid electrolyte being arranged in the cavity; a cathode disposed in the cavity along the first side of the solid electrolyte, the cathode being electrically coupled to the positive terminal; and A composite structure disposed in the cavity along the second side of the solid electrolyte, the composite structure comprising: an anti-dendrite functional layer disposed in the cavity along a second side of the solid electrolyte, the anti-dendrite functional layer comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of bismuth (Bi), gold (Au), silver (Ag), selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), platinum (Pt), and combinations thereof, and having a first side and a second side, the first side of the anti-dendrite functional layer in contact with the second side of the solid electrolyte, wherein, prior to a first charging cycle of the battery cell, the anti-dendrite functional layer initially does not contain lithium material, the anti-dendrite functional layer being used to form an alloy with lithium material originating from the cathode and received via the solid electrolyte; and a scaffold layer disposed in the cavity along a second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer, the scaffold layer being electrically coupled to a negative terminal, wherein the scaffold layer is initially free of lithium material prior to a first charge cycle of the battery cell; The composite structure is an inactive layer, and the composite structure replaces the active anode layer, so the battery cell is an anode-free battery cell.

18. The electric vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the support layer has a first side and a second side, the first side of the support layer being in contact with the second side of the anti-dendrite functional layer for receiving lithium material via the solid electrolyte; and The battery cell further includes a second anti-dendrite functional layer disposed in the cavity along the second side of the support layer, for preventing dendrite growth of lithium material from the second side of the support layer.

19. The electric vehicle of claim 17, wherein the battery unit further comprises: a positive conductive layer disposed in the cavity and electrically coupled to the positive terminal; and The cathode has a first side and a second side, the first side of the cathode is in contact with the solid electrolyte, and the second side of the cathode is in electrical contact with the positive conductive layer.

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