Aerosol-generating system and method of operating aerosol-generating system

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system (100) for generating an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate (21) is provided. The aerosol-generating system comprises a lithium ion battery pack (12). The battery includes a cathode (122) comprising a cathode active material (1222). The cathode active material includes at least one compound selected from the first group of compounds and at least one compound selected from the second group of compounds. The first set of compounds includes lithium iron manganese phosphate, lithium iron phosphate, or a combination thereof. The second group of compounds includes a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, a lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, a lithium cobalt oxide, or a combination thereof.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system and a method of operating the aerosol generation system. This disclosure also relates to the use of lithium-ion battery packs in the aerosol generation system.

[0002] Aerosol generation systems, including aerosol generating devices configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix (such as a tobacco-containing matrix), are known in the art. To provide portability, such aerosol generating devices are known to include their own onboard power source, such as a battery pack. These aerosol generating devices are known to use heat as a mechanism for releasing volatile compounds from the aerosol forming matrix, wherein the battery pack provides the electrical energy required to drive the heating process. The temperature required to release volatile compounds from the aerosol forming matrix may exceed 300 degrees Celsius. In the case where the aerosol forming matrix is ​​in liquid form, it is also known to generate aerosols by contacting the matrix with a vibrating membrane, wherein the battery pack provides the energy required to generate the driving signal that causes vibration. The lifespan of consumable aerosol generating articles containing an aerosol forming matrix is ​​limited, typically about a few minutes. Whether heat or vibration is used as the mechanism for generating aerosols from the aerosol forming matrix, the battery pack used to provide the electrical energy required to drive the aerosol generation process needs to deliver a large amount of energy over a short period of time. It is also expected that the battery pack has sufficient capacity to meet the energy requirements of the aerosol generating device for at least one lifespan.

[0003] Similarly, aerosol generation systems that include a charger for charging the battery pack of the aerosol generation device are also known. For portability, such chargers are known to include their own onboard power source, such as a battery pack. When the charger is connected to an aerosol generation device having its own corresponding battery pack, the power from the charger's battery pack can be used to charge the battery pack of the aerosol generation device.

[0004] If a rechargeable battery pack is to be used in an aerosol generating device or charger as described above, the long-term performance of the device or charger will be limited by the gradual decrease in battery pack capacity with the number of charging cycles. In compact devices or chargers, the size and capacity of the battery pack used in such devices or chargers will be correspondingly reduced, thus requiring frequent recharging of the battery pack. The maximum number of charging cycles a rechargeable battery pack can undergo while maintaining a given performance level is called the battery pack's "cycle life." The performance level can be quantified by the energy capacity of the battery pack in a fully charged state.

[0005] The aim is to provide an aerosol generation system with improved power supply.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol generation system includes a lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack includes a cathode comprising a cathode active material. The cathode active material may comprise at least one compound selected from a first group of compounds and at least one compound selected from a second group of compounds, wherein the first group of compounds comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), or combinations thereof, and the second group of compounds comprises lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), or combinations thereof.

[0007] The first and second groups of compounds are suitable materials for use as active components in cathode active materials.

[0008] Lithium-ion battery packs are particularly well-suited for aerosol generation devices due to their high energy density and low self-discharge characteristics. Using cathode active materials comprising both lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and at least one compound from the second group as defined above can contribute to improved cycle life for the battery pack. Improved cycle life means that after a given number of charge cycles, the battery pack retains a larger proportion of its capacity that it possessed when in a "brand new" state. Lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) is an evolution of lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and both have similar physical properties. Therefore, it should be understood that using cathode active materials comprising either lithium iron phosphate or lithium manganese iron phosphate (from the first group of compounds) can provide battery packs with similar performance characteristics. For the second group of compounds, each of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) contributes to enhancing the energy density of the battery pack. Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) provide similar nominal voltages.

[0009] "Charging cycle" refers to the period of time a battery pack is used, from being fully charged to being fully discharged and then fully charged again; the term "charge / discharge cycle" can be used instead of "charging cycle". When referring to battery pack capacity, the term "capacity" is a measure of the maximum amount of charge a battery pack can store; capacity is usually expressed in ampere-hours (Ah).

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the cathode active material comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC). As will be discussed in more detail in later paragraphs, the use of cathode active materials comprising lithium manganese iron phosphate and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide has been found to provide improved cycle life for the battery pack.

[0011] The cathode may form part of a discrete cell in a battery pack. A battery pack may include a single cell or multiple cells. In the case of a battery pack having multiple cells, the cathode of each cell may incorporate cathode active material as defined above.

[0012] The cathode may also include a cathode current collector. The cathode current collector may contain aluminum or another suitable material. The cathode current collector may be in the form of a foil and / or have a mesh structure.

[0013] Conveniently, the coating of the cathode active material can be disposed above the surface of the cathode current collector. Preferably, the coating can be applied directly to the surface of the cathode current collector.

[0014] Advantageously, the cathode active material may comprise a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being applied over the surface of the cathode current collector, and the second layer being applied over the first layer. The first and second layers may have different material compositions. One of the first and second layers may contain at least one compound selected from a first group consisting of lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), or combinations thereof. The other of the first and second layers may contain at least one compound selected from a second group consisting of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), or combinations thereof. The first layer may be applied directly to the surface of the cathode current collector. Preferably, the second layer is applied directly to the first layer, thereby creating surface contact between the first and second layers.

[0015] The cathode active material may comprise lithium manganese iron phosphate and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide. Preferably, the weight ratio of lithium manganese iron phosphate to lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide in the cathode active material may be in the range of 1:9 to 9:1, or 3:7 to 7:3, or 3:7 to 5:5.

[0016] The cathode active material may include LiMn i Fe 1-i The lithium manganese iron phosphate (PO4) contains i in the range of 0 to 1. Preferably, i is in the range of 0.5 to 0.7. The cathode active material may also include LiNi. p Co q Mn r The lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide of O2, wherein p is in the range of 0.4 to 0.6, q is in the range of 0.1 to 0.3, and r is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4, where p + q + r = 1. In a preferred embodiment, p has a value of 0.5, q has a value of 0.2, and r has a value of 0.3.

[0017] In another embodiment, the cathode active material may comprise lithium iron phosphate (LFP) (instead of lithium manganese iron phosphate) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC).

[0018] The battery pack may include an electrolyte comprising a lithium salt. The lithium salt can serve as the lithium-ion source for the battery pack. The lithium salt may preferably comprise LiPF6 or be composed of it.

[0019] Preferably, the cathode active material may also include a solvent, a binder, a conductive agent, and a stabilizer.

[0020] The solvent can be aqueous or non-aqueous. The solvent may contain one or more of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine, ethylene oxide, and tetrahydrofuran (THF).

[0021] The binder facilitates the mixing of the components of the cathode active material into a paste or slurry. The binder also facilitates the adhesion of the cathode active material to the cathode current collector. The binder may comprise one or more of the following: polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyhexafluoropropylene-polyvinylidene fluoride copolymer, poly(vinyl acetate), polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), alkylated polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl ether (PVE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinylpyridine, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber. The binder may be present in the cathode active material at a concentration of 0.1% to 30% by weight, or preferably at a concentration of 1% to 10% by weight.

[0022] The conductive agent may contain one or more of graphite agents, carbon black agents, metals, and metal compounds. When the conductive agent contains graphite agents, the graphite agents may contain one or more of artificial graphite and natural graphite. When the conductive agent contains carbon black agents, the carbon black agents may contain one or more of acetylene black, Ketjen black, Denka black, thermal cracking carbon black, and channel black. When the conductive agent contains metals or metal compounds, the metals or metal compounds may contain one or more of Sn, SnO2, SnPO4, TiO2, KTiO3, LaSrCoO3, and LaSrMnO3. The conductive agent may be present in the cathode active material at a concentration of 0.1% to 10% by weight. Limiting the concentration of the conductive agent to no more than 10% by weight of the cathode active material per unit weight of energy density may be beneficial. Maintaining the concentration of the conductive agent at no less than 0.1% by weight of the cathode active material may be beneficial in enhancing the electrochemical properties of the cathode active material.

[0023] Stabilizers may include one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose.

[0024] The aerosol generation system may include an anodic active material, which comprises graphite, carbon, silicon, or a combination thereof.

[0025] Advantageously, lithium-ion battery packs can be rechargeable battery packs.

[0026] Preferably, the system includes at least one of an aerosol generating device and a charger for charging the power supply of the aerosol generating device. When the system includes an aerosol generating device, a battery pack may be integrated into the aerosol generating device. The battery pack can provide power to support the function of the aerosol generating device in generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix. When the system includes a charger, the battery pack may be integrated into the charger.

[0027] In an example where the battery pack forms part of an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus may include an electrically heated device and control electronics configured to control the power supply from the battery pack to the heated device. In one example, the electrically heated device may include a resistance heating element. In another example, the electrically heated device may include an inductor configured to induce eddy currents in a sensor. The sensor may form part of the electrically heated device of the apparatus. Alternatively, the sensor may form part of an aerosol generating article for use with the aerosol generating apparatus, the article containing an aerosol forming matrix. The sensor may be embedded within the aerosol forming matrix. The control electronics may be configured to provide a continuous or constant power supply to the heated device during its service life. Alternatively, the control electronics may be configured to provide a pulsed power supply to the heated device during its service life.

[0028] An aerosol generation apparatus may include a membrane to release aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix by vibration of the membrane. An actuator may be coupled to the membrane. The aerosol generation apparatus may also include control electronics configured to control power supply from a battery pack to the actuator to drive the vibration of the membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane may be provided as an alternative to the use of an electrically heated device, while in other embodiments, the membrane may be provided in addition to an electrically heated device. A battery pack may be formed part of the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0029] The aerosol generating apparatus can be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix.

[0030] Preferably, the aerosol generating device can be configured in a handheld manner in terms of size and weight. Conveniently, the aerosol generating device can generally be elongated; for example, the aerosol generating device can be generally cylindrical.

[0031] The battery pack may form part of the charger. The charger may include control electronics configured to operate in each of a first mode and a second mode. The first mode may be configured to discharge the battery pack in order to charge the corresponding battery pack of the aerosol generation device. The second mode may be configured to charge the charger's battery pack from an external power source.

[0032] In another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for operating an aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol generation system includes a lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack includes a cathode comprising a cathode active material. The cathode active material may comprise at least one compound selected from a first group of compounds and at least one compound selected from a second group of compounds, the first group of compounds comprising lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), or combinations thereof, and the second group of compounds comprising lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), or combinations thereof. The method may include attaching an aerosol forming matrix to the aerosol generation system, and using the aerosol generation system to generate aerosols from the aerosol generation matrix.

[0033] In another aspect of this disclosure, use of a lithium-ion battery pack in an aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix is ​​provided. The battery pack includes a cathode comprising a cathode active material. The cathode active material may comprise at least one compound selected from a first group of compounds comprising lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), or combinations thereof; and at least one member selected from a second group of compounds comprising lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), or combinations thereof.

[0034] In another aspect of this disclosure, the cathode active material may comprise lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as active components of the cathode active material. Both LMFP and LFP have similar physical properties, and the simultaneous use of these two compounds in the cathode active material allows for the utilization of the individual benefits associated with each of LMFP and LFP.

[0035] In another aspect of this disclosure, the cathode active material may comprise at least two of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) as active components. Preferably, the cathode active material comprises lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO). The lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) has an energy density of about 150-220 Wh / kg, while the lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) has an energy density of about 150-200 Wh / kg.

[0036] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation system" is used to describe multiple elements configured to provide interactions with an aerosol-forming matrix to generate aerosols.

[0037] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" describes an apparatus that interacts with an aerosol-forming matrix of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming matrix of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol generating device may be a holder for a smoking article.

[0038] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the lungs of a user through their mouth. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article that generates a nicotine-containing aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the lungs of a user through their mouth.

[0039] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming matrix" means a matrix consisting of or including aerosol forming materials that, when heated, release volatile compounds to generate aerosols.

[0040] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming material" refers to a material that, when heated, releases volatile compounds to generate aerosols. An aerosol forming matrix may include or be composed of aerosol forming materials.

[0041] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used to describe the relative position of an element or portion of an element of a heated aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which a user draws air onto the aerosol generating article during use of the aerosol generating article.

[0042] Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix is ​​a solid aerosol forming matrix. However, the aerosol forming matrix may include both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol forming matrix may be a liquid aerosol forming matrix.

[0043] Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix includes nicotine. More preferably, the aerosol forming matrix includes tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol forming matrix may include tobacco-free aerosol forming materials.

[0044] If the aerosol forming matrix is ​​a solid aerosol forming matrix, the solid aerosol forming matrix may include one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, fragments, filaments, strips, or sheets, which include one or more of herbaceous plant leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco ribs, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco.

[0045] Optionally, the solid aerosol forming matrix may contain tobacco volatile aroma compounds or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds that are released when the solid aerosol forming matrix is ​​heated. The solid aerosol forming matrix may also contain one or more capsules, which, for example, contain additional tobacco volatile aroma compounds or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds, and such capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol forming matrix.

[0046] Optionally, the solid aerosol forming matrix can be disposed on or embedded in a heat-stabilized carrier. The carrier can be in the form of powder, granules, pellets, fragments, filaments, strips, or sheets. The solid aerosol forming matrix can be deposited on the surface of the carrier, for example, in the form of sheets, foams, gels, or slurries. The solid aerosol forming matrix can be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, it can be deposited in a pattern to provide uneven fragrance delivery during use.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol forming matrix comprises homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0048] Preferably, the aerosol-forming matrix comprises an aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element whose width and length are significantly greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "aggregate" is used to describe a sheet that is wound, folded, compressed, or tightened substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0049] Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix includes an aerosol forming agent. As used herein, the term "aerosol forming agent" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates aerosol formation in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0050] Suitable aerosol forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as mono-, di-, or triacetic acid esters of glycerol; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. Preferred aerosol forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol.

[0051] An aerosol forming matrix may include a single aerosol forming agent. Alternatively, an aerosol forming matrix may include a combination of two or more aerosol forming agents.

[0052] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0053] Example Ex1: An aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol generation system comprising:

[0054] Lithium-ion battery pack;

[0055] The battery pack includes a cathode, and the cathode contains a cathode active material;

[0056] The cathode active material comprises:

[0057] At least one compound selected from the first group of compounds, wherein the first group of compounds comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate, lithium iron phosphate, or combinations thereof; and

[0058] At least one compound selected from the second group of compounds, the second group of compounds comprising lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0059] Example Ex1A: An aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol generation system comprising:

[0060] Lithium-ion battery pack;

[0061] The battery pack includes a cathode, and the cathode contains a cathode active material;

[0062] The cathode active material comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

[0063] Example Ex1B: An aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol generation system comprising:

[0064] Lithium-ion battery pack;

[0065] The battery pack includes a cathode, and the cathode contains a cathode active material;

[0066] The cathode active material comprises at least two of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO).

[0067] Example Ex1C: The aerosol generation system according to Ex1B, wherein the cathode active material comprises lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO).

[0068] Example Ex2: In any one of Ex1 to Ex1C, the aerosol generation system further includes a cathode current collector.

[0069] Example Ex3: An aerosol generation system according to Ex2, wherein the cathode current collector comprises aluminum.

[0070] Example Ex4: An aerosol generation system according to either Ex2 or Ex3, wherein the coating of the cathode active material is disposed above the surface of the cathode current collector.

[0071] Example Ex5: The aerosol generation system according to Ex4, wherein the coating is applied directly to the surface of the cathode current collector.

[0072] Example Ex6: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex2 to Ex5, wherein the cathode active material comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being applied over the surface of the cathode current collector, the second layer being applied over the first layer, the first layer and the second layer having different material compositions.

[0073] Example Ex6A: According to the aerosol generation system of Ex6, one of the first layer and the second layer contains at least one compound selected from the first group consisting of lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), or combinations thereof; and the other of the first layer and the second layer contains at least one compound selected from the second group consisting of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), or combinations thereof.

[0074] Example Ex7: An aerosol generation system according to Ex6, wherein the first layer is applied directly to the surface of the cathode current collector.

[0075] Example Ex8: An aerosol generation system according to either Ex6 or Ex7, wherein the second layer is applied directly to the first layer.

[0076] Example Ex9: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the cathode active material comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide.

[0077] Example Ex10: According to the aerosol generation system of Ex9, the weight ratio of lithium manganese iron phosphate to lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide in the cathode active material is in the range of 1:9 to 9:1, or 3:7 to 7:3, or 3:7 to 5:5.

[0078] Example Ex11: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex10, wherein the cathode active material comprises LiMn i Fe 1-i Lithium iron manganese phosphate PO4, where i is in the range of 0 to 1.

[0079] Example Ex12: Aerosol generation system according to Ex11, where i is in the range of 0.5 to 0.7.

[0080] Example Ex13: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex11 or Ex12, wherein the cathode active material further comprises LiNi p Co q Mn r Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide of O2, wherein p is in the range of 0.4 to 0.6, q is in the range of 0.1 to 0.3, and r is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4, wherein p+q+r=1.

[0081] Example Ex14: An aerosol generation system based on Ex13, where p has a value of 0.5, q has a value of 0.2, and r has a value of 0.3.

[0082] Example Ex14A: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the cathode active material comprises lithium iron phosphate and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide.

[0083] Example Ex15: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex14A, wherein the battery pack comprises an electrolyte, the electrolyte comprising a lithium salt, the lithium salt preferably comprising or composed of LiPF6.

[0084] Example Ex16: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex15, wherein the cathode active material further comprises a solvent, a binder, a conductive agent, and a stabilizer.

[0085] Example Ex17: An aerosol generating system according to Ex16, wherein the solvent comprises one or more of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine, ethylene oxide, and tetrahydrofuran (THF).

[0086] Example Ex18: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Ex16 or Ex17, wherein the binder comprises one or more of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyhexafluoropropylene-polyvinylidene fluoride copolymer, poly(vinyl acetate), polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), alkylated polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl ether (PVE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinylpyridine, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber.

[0087] Example Ex19: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex16 to Ex18, wherein the binder is present in the cathode active material at a concentration of 0.1% to 30% by weight, or 1% to 10% by weight, of the cathode active material.

[0088] Example Ex20: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Ex16 to Ex19, wherein the conductive agent comprises one or more of graphite agents, carbon black agents, metals and metal compound agents.

[0089] Example Ex21: An aerosol generation system according to Ex20, wherein the graphite agent comprises one or more of artificial graphite and natural graphite.

[0090] Example Ex22: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Ex20 or Ex21, wherein the carbon black agent comprises one or more of acetylene black, Ketjen black, Tenca black, thermal cracking carbon black and channel black.

[0091] Example Ex23: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Ex20 to Ex22, wherein the metal or metal compound agent comprises one or more of Sn, SnO2, SnPO4, TiO2, KTiO3, LaSrCoO3 and LaSrMnO3.

[0092] Example Ex24: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex16 to Ex23, wherein the conductive agent is present in the cathode active material at a concentration of 0.1% to 10% by weight.

[0093] Example Ex25: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Ex16 to Ex24, wherein the stabilizer comprises one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose.

[0094] Example Ex26: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex25, comprising an anodic active material, said anodic active material comprising graphite, carbon, silicon or a combination thereof.

[0095] Example Ex27: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex26, wherein the lithium-ion battery pack is a rechargeable battery pack.

[0096] Example Ex28: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex27, wherein the system includes at least one of an aerosol generation device and a charger for charging a power source for the aerosol generation device.

[0097] Example Ex29: An aerosol generation system according to Ex28, wherein the battery pack forms part of the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0098] Example Ex30: An aerosol generation system according to Ex28 and Ex29, wherein the aerosol generation apparatus includes:

[0099] Electric heating device; and

[0100] Control electronics configured to control the power supply from the battery pack to the heating device.

[0101] Example Ex31: An aerosol generation system according to Ex30, wherein the electrically heated device includes a resistance heating element.

[0102] Example Ex32: An aerosol generation system according to Ex30, wherein the electrically heated device includes an inductor configured to induce eddy currents in a sensor.

[0103] Example Ex33: The aerosol generation system according to Ex32, wherein the electrically heated device further includes a sensor.

[0104] Example Ex34: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex30 to Ex33, wherein the control electronics are configured to provide continuous or constant power to the heating device during the service life.

[0105] Example Ex35: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex30 to Ex33, wherein the control electronics are configured to provide pulsed power to the heating device during the service life.

[0106] Example Ex36: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Ex28 to Ex35, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus comprises:

[0107] A membrane for releasing aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix by means of vibration of the membrane;

[0108] An actuator, the actuator being coupled to the membrane; and

[0109] Control electronics configured to control the power supply from the battery pack to the actuator to drive the vibration of the membrane.

[0110] Example Ex37: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex28 to Ex36, wherein the aerosol generation apparatus is configured to receive an aerosol generation article comprising the aerosol forming matrix.

[0111] Example Ex38: An aerosol generation system according to any one of Ex1 to Ex37, the system further comprising an aerosol generation article comprising the aerosol forming matrix.

[0112] Example Ex39: The aerosol generation system according to Ex28, wherein the battery pack forms part of the charger.

[0113] Example Ex40: An aerosol generation system according to Ex39, wherein the charger includes:

[0114] Control electronics configured to operate in each of a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being configured to discharge the battery pack to charge a corresponding battery pack of the aerosol generating device, and the second mode being configured to charge the battery pack of the charger from an external power source.

[0115] Example Ex41: A method of operating an aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol formation matrix, the aerosol generation system comprising:

[0116] Lithium-ion battery pack;

[0117] The battery pack includes a cathode, and the cathode contains a cathode active material;

[0118] The cathode active material comprises:

[0119] At least one compound selected from the first group of compounds, the first group of compounds comprising lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), or combinations thereof; and

[0120] At least one compound selected from the second group of compounds, the second group of compounds comprising lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), or combinations thereof;

[0121] The method includes connecting the aerosol forming matrix to the aerosol generating system, and using the aerosol generating system to generate aerosols from the aerosol forming matrix.

[0122] Example Ex41A: A method of operating an aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol formation matrix, the aerosol generation system comprising:

[0123] Lithium-ion battery pack;

[0124] The battery pack includes a cathode, and the cathode contains a cathode active material;

[0125] The cathode active material comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP);

[0126] The method includes connecting the aerosol forming matrix to the aerosol generating system, and using the aerosol generating system to generate aerosols from the aerosol forming matrix.

[0127] Example Ex41B: A method of operating an aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol formation matrix, the aerosol generation system comprising:

[0128] Lithium-ion battery pack;

[0129] The battery pack includes a cathode, and the cathode contains a cathode active material;

[0130] The cathode active material comprises at least two of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO);

[0131] The method includes connecting the aerosol forming matrix to the aerosol generating system, and using the aerosol generating system to generate aerosols from the aerosol forming matrix.

[0132] Example Ex41C: According to the method of Ex41B, the cathode active material comprises lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO).

[0133] Example Ex42: Use of a lithium-ion battery pack in an aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix, wherein the battery pack includes a cathode comprising a cathode active material.

[0134] The cathode active material comprises:

[0135] At least one compound selected from the first group of compounds, the first group of compounds comprising lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), or combinations thereof; and

[0136] The compounds are selected from at least one member of the second group of compounds, which includes lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), or combinations thereof.

[0137] Example Ex42A: Use of a lithium-ion battery pack in an aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix, wherein the battery pack includes a cathode comprising a cathode active material.

[0138] The cathode active material comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

[0139] Example Ex42B: Use of a lithium-ion battery pack in an aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix, wherein the battery pack includes a cathode comprising a cathode active material.

[0140] The cathode active material comprises at least two of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO).

[0141] Example Ex42C: In accordance with the application of the lithium-ion battery pack of Ex42B, the cathode active material comprises lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO). An example will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0142] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0143] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0144] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0145] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of the aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0146] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a lithium-ion battery pack according to the present disclosure is shown, which is suitable for use in Figures 1 to 4 In the aerosol generation system;

[0147] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a lithium-ion battery pack according to the present disclosure is shown, which is suitable for use in Figures 1 to 4 In the aerosol generation system;

[0148] Figure 7 To illustrate the change in battery pack capacity as the number of charging cycles for four examples of lithium-ion battery packs, each pack differs in the composition of the cathode active material used, wherein the charging and discharging of the battery packs are carried out at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.

[0149] Figure 8 Corresponding to Figure 7 However, the charging and discharging of the battery pack takes place at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius.

[0150] Figure 1 An exemplary aerosol generation system 100 is shown. System 100 includes an aerosol generation device 10. Device 10 is a handheld aerosol generation device and has an elongated shape, generally cylindrical, defined by a housing 11. Housing 11 houses a lithium-ion battery pack 12, control electronics 13, and an electrically heated element 14. A closed cylindrical cavity 15 extends from a proximal end 16 of housing 11. Heating element 14 extends longitudinally along cavity 15 from a closed end 17 of the cavity toward the proximal end 16. Heating element 14 is a resistance heating element and has a blade-shaped profile; in an alternative embodiment, the heating element may have a pin-shaped profile. A pair of charging contacts 18a, b extend between the battery pack 12 and a distal end 19 of housing 11.

[0151] Figure 1The system 100 also includes an aerosol generating article 20. Article 20 is in the form of a cylindrical strip formed from a combination of an aerosol forming matrix 21 and a filter element 22. The aerosol forming matrix 21 and the filter element 22 are axially aligned and circumferentially enclosed in a cigarette paper package 23. The aerosol forming matrix 21 is a solid aerosol forming matrix containing tobacco. However, in alternative embodiments, the aerosol forming matrix 21 may be replaced with a liquid aerosol forming matrix or formed from a combination of liquid and solid aerosol forming matrices. The filter element 22 serves as the mouthpiece for the aerosol generating article 20. The aerosol generating article 20 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 15 of the device 10 and a length greater than the depth of the cavity. The aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the cavity 15 until the upstream end 25 of the aerosol forming matrix 21 contacts the closed end 17 of the cavity or an adjacent closed end of the cavity. As the aerosol-generating article 20 is inserted into the cavity 15, the resistance heating element 14 of the aerosol-generating device 10 pierces and enters into the aerosol-forming matrix 21 of the article 20. When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received in the cavity 15 of the device 10, the portion of the article containing the filter element 22 extends outside the cavity to allow the user to inhale the article in a manner similar to that of a conventional cigarette.

[0152] The lithium-ion battery pack 12 serves as a power source to support the operation of the aerosol generation device 10. Control electronics 13 are configured to control the power supply from the battery pack 12 to the resistance heating element 14 during the use of the device 10. Control electronics 13 includes or is coupled to a memory module 13a.

[0153] In use, control electronics 13 controls the power supply from battery pack 12 to resistance heating element 14 according to instructions and data stored in memory module 13a. Memory module 13a contains instructions and data that manage when electrical energy is supplied from battery pack 12 to heating element 14 and for the duration of this supply. The instructions and data in memory module 13a may include a target thermal profile of heating element 14 during its service life. The target thermal profile defines a target operating temperature for heating element 14. The target operating temperature may be defined as a function of the elapsed time during a given service life, or as a function of the number of aspirations applied to article 20 during a given service life, or a combination thereof. The duration of the service life may be defined by the earlier of a predetermined maximum duration of service life and a predetermined maximum number of aspirations applied to aerosol-generating article 20. For example, the predetermined maximum duration may be 6 minutes, and the predetermined maximum number of aspirations applied may be 14.

[0154] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1The system 100 is an alternative to the aerosol generation system 100'. With Figure 1 Compared with the device 10 and the product 20, the systems 100' and 100' are... Figure 2 The configurations of the aerosol generating device 10' and the aerosol generating product 20' differ. (Replacement) Figure 1 The resistance heating element 14 of the device 10, Figure 2 The aerosol generating apparatus 10' has an induction coil 141 disposed within a housing 11. The induction coil 141 surrounds a tubular inner wall of the housing 11, which defines a cavity 15. A sensor 241 is embedded within the aerosol forming matrix 21 of the aerosol generating article 20'.

[0155] exist Figure 2 In an alternative embodiment, the receptor may instead form part of the aerosol generating device 10'. In one such alternative instance, the receptor may be integrated with... Figure 1 In a similar manner, the resistance heating element 14 extends longitudinally along the cavity 15 from the closed end 17 of the cavity. In another alternative embodiment, the sensor may define a tubular inner wall of the cavity 15.

[0156] exist Figure 2 During the use of the aerosol generation system 100', in accordance with the reference Figure 1 In a manner similar to that described in the embodiments, the control electronics 13 controls the power supply from the lithium-ion battery pack 12 to the induction coil 141 according to instructions and data stored in the memory module 13a. When the aerosol generating article 20' is inserted into the cavity 15 such that the upstream end 25 of the aerosol forming matrix 21 contacts the closed end 17 of the cavity 15 or an adjacent closed end, the sensor 241 is located within the induction coil 141. An alternating magnetic field is generated by the alternating current through the induction coil 141, which in turn induces eddy currents that pass through and thus heat the sensor 241.

[0157] Figure 3 To be incorporated Figure 1This is a third embodiment of the aerosol generation system 100 of the aerosol generation apparatus 10 and aerosol generation article 20. However, the system 100 also includes a charger 30. The charger 30 has a housing 31. The housing 31 houses a lithium-ion battery pack 32 and control electronics 33. The control electronics 33 includes a memory module 33a containing instructions and data for use by the control electronics. The housing 31 includes a closed cylindrical cavity 34 with dimensions slightly larger than the diameter of the aerosol generation apparatus 10. The cavity 34 is sized to receive a portion of the length of the aerosol generation apparatus 10. Charger contacts 35a, b are located at the bottom end 36 of the cavity 34. The apparatus 10 is first inserted into the distal end 19 of the cavity 34 until the charging contacts 18a, b of the apparatus 10 contact the charging contacts 35a, b of the charger 30. When the charger 30 is activated by the aerosol generation apparatus 10 received in the cavity 34, the control electronics 33 operates in a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, the control electronics 33 accesses instructions and data in the memory module 33a to control the power supply from the battery pack 32 to recharge the lithium-ion battery pack 12 of the device 10. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the charger 30 also includes an external port 37 coupled to an end of the housing 31. Port 37 is configured to connect to an external power source (e.g., a power supply facility) to recharge the lithium-ion battery pack 32 of the charger 30. Port 37 is electrically connected to the lithium-ion battery pack 32 via a controller 33. When the charger 30 is activated by port 37 connected to the external power source, the control electronics 33 operates in a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, the control electronics 33 accesses instructions and data in the memory module 33a to control the power supply from the external power source to recharge the charger's battery pack 32.

[0158] Figure 4 A further alternative aerosol generation system 100”' is shown. Figure 4 The system 100”' employs an aerosol generating device 10”', which is configured to generate a matrix aerosol from a liquid aerosol by vibration of a membrane in contact with the matrix, rather than by heating the matrix. Figures 1 to 3 The aerosol generating devices 10 and 10' are the same. Figure 4The aerosol generating device 10”' has a housing 11 that houses a lithium-ion battery pack 12 and control electronics 13. The housing 11 has a first housing portion 11a and a second housing portion 11b. The first housing portion 11a is in the form of a cylindrical tube and connects to the second housing portion 11b. The second housing portion 11b is conical in shape and defines a mouthpiece for the aerosol generating device 10”', which has an opening at one end. A replaceable / disposable cartridge 200 is located within the housing 11. The cartridge 200 houses a reservoir 201 for a liquid aerosol forming matrix. A feed assembly 212 is fluidly coupled to the cartridge 200 and located downstream of the cartridge. The feed assembly 212 can be a passive structure, such as a wicking element. Alternatively, the feed assembly 212 can be an active feed assembly (such as a pump or similar assembly) powered by the battery pack 12. A vibratory aerosolization module 142 is located downstream of the feed assembly 212. The aerosolization module 142 includes an actuator assembly 142a coupled to a perforated membrane 142b. The actuator assembly 142a is coupled to a battery pack 12 via control electronics 13. In use, the control electronics 13 controls the power supply from the lithium-ion battery pack 12 to the actuator assembly 142a according to instructions and data stored in a memory module 13a. The control electronics 13 provides a drive signal to the actuator assembly 142a, which causes the membrane 142b to vibrate in response. A feed assembly 212 feeds a liquid aerosol forming matrix 201 from a cylinder 200 to one side of the membrane 142b. Vibration of the membrane 142b causes the matrix 201 to be ejected through perforations in the membrane and dispersed as a spray of aerosol droplets through openings in a nozzle 11b. Figure 4 As shown schematically in the diagram.

[0159] for Figures 1 to 4 In all embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus 10, 10', 10”', and the lithium-ion battery pack 12 are used as electrical energy sources to facilitate the formation of aerosols from the aerosol matrix 21 ( Figures 1 to 3 ), 201 Figure 4 Generate inhalable aerosols - whether by heating (such as in Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiments) or through vibration (such as in Figure 4 (In the embodiments illustrated in the figures). In all embodiments illustrated in the figures, the aerosol generating devices 10, 10', 10"' are of a size and weight that allows them to be held by a user. The battery pack 12 provides a high energy level for a short, finite period of time—specifically, during its usage period. The battery pack 12 has only sufficient capacity to complete a predetermined number of usage periods. Upon completion of the predetermined number of usage periods, the battery pack 12 is recharged. The predetermined number of usage periods can be a single usage period or two or more usage periods.

[0160] for Figure 3In one embodiment, the lithium-ion battery pack 32 of the charger 30 contains sufficient energy to fully recharge the lithium-ion battery pack 12 of the aerosol generation device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack 32 of the charger 30 has a capacity sufficient to fully recharge the battery pack 12 of the device 10 for at least two recharge cycles before the battery pack 32 requires recharging.

[0161] The following paragraphs are for reference. Figures 4 to 6 An exemplary configuration of the lithium-ion battery pack 12 is described. The lithium-ion battery pack 32 of the charger 30 has a configuration corresponding to that of the battery pack 12, the only difference being that the battery pack 32 has a larger capacity and physical size than the battery pack 12. Therefore, the comments below regarding the battery pack 12 also apply to the battery pack 32.

[0162] Figure 5 It indicates that Figures 1 to 4 A schematic diagram of the lithium-ion battery pack 12 used in the aerosol generating devices 10, 10', 10”'. Figure 5 It also includes the presentation of external circuitry, which is formed by connecting the battery pack 12 to the control electronics 13 and other electrical loads of the aerosol generating device 10. These other electrical loads will include... Figure 1 and 3 Resistance heating element 14 Figure 2 Induction coil 141 and Figure 4 The actuator assembly 142a of the vibration aerosolization module 142. Control electronics 13 and these other electrical loads are controlled by... Figure 5 The reference symbol "L" in the text indicates this.

[0163] Figure 5 A single cell of a lithium-ion battery pack 12 is shown. The cell of the lithium-ion battery pack 12 has a pair of electrodes in the form of an anode 121 and a cathode 122. The anode and cathode are spaced apart from each other in an electrolyte 123. A separator 124 is located between the anode 121 and the cathode 122 in the cell. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the battery pack 12 may include multiple cells.

[0164] The anode 121 has an anode current collector 1211 formed of copper foil. The anode current collector 1211 is coated with an anode active material 1212. The anode active material 1212 is formed of graphite. The cathode 122 has a cathode current collector 1221 formed of aluminum foil. The cathode current collector 1221 is coated with a cathode active material 1222. The cathode active material 1222 is formed of at least one compound selected from a first group of compounds and at least one member selected from a second group of compounds, wherein the first group of compounds includes lithium manganese iron phosphate, lithium iron phosphate, or combinations thereof, and the second group of compounds includes lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0165] Electrolyte 123 is formed from a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt. In the described embodiment, the lithium salt is LiPF6. However, it should be understood that alternative forms of lithium salt may be used in other embodiments.

[0166] When the battery pack 12 is discharging (e.g., when power is supplied to the control electronics 13 and other electrical loads of the previously described aerosol generation devices 10, 10', 10"'), lithium ions will flow from the cathode 122 through the electrolyte 123 and the separator 124 to the anode 121 (e.g. Figure 5 (As shown by the dashed arrow in the diagram). Furthermore, electrons flow from the anode 121 to the cathode 122 via an external circuit and load L. When the battery pack 12 is charged, the direction of ion flow reverses, i.e., from the anode 121 to the cathode 122.

[0167] Figure 6 and Figure 5 The difference in the battery pack 12 lies in that the cathode active material is applied as two distinct layers 1222a and 1222b. The first layer 1222a comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate, lithium iron phosphate, or a combination thereof, and is applied directly to the surface of the cathode current collector 1221. The second layer 1222b comprises at least one of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, or a combination thereof. The second layer 1222b is applied directly to the surface of the first layer 1222a.

[0168] In the test, four different exemplary battery packs 12 were manufactured. These battery packs differed only in the composition of the cathode active material used. Specifically, the four battery packs (numbered 1 to 4, respectively) used the following active components in their cathode active materials:

[0169] Battery pack #1. Lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), wherein the weight ratio of LMFP to NMC is 5:5.

[0170] Battery pack #2. Lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), wherein the weight ratio of LMFP to NMC is 3:7.

[0171] Battery pack #3. Lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), with a weight ratio of 7:3 between LMFP and NMC.

[0172] Battery pack #4. Lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP).

[0173] Battery packs #1 to #3 have cathode active material compositions within the scope of this disclosure. Battery pack #4 is included for comparison with battery packs #1 to #3.

[0174] These four different battery packs are manufactured as follows:

[0175] First, a mixture of the corresponding active components of the cathode active material, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a binder, and carbon as a conductive agent is provided. The components of the mixture are mixed together in a non-aqueous solvent, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidine (NMP), to form a cathode active slurry. The slurry is then coated onto an aluminum foil current collector 1221, dried, and rolled up to produce a cathode 122.

[0176] Next, a mixture of synthetic graphite, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) as a binder, and carboxymethyl cellulose as a stabilizer is provided. These components are mixed together in water to produce an anodic active slurry. The synthetic graphite forms the active component of the anodic active slurry. The slurry is then coated onto a copper foil current collector 1211, dried, and rolled up to produce an anode 121.

[0177] The anode and cathode are placed in an electrolyte prepared by dissolving LiPF6 in a non-aqueous organic solvent. A separator made of polyethylene is located between the anode and cathode.

[0178] All battery packs were charged for 0.1 hours at a constant current of 1.6 A / 3.65 V and a constant voltage at 25°C or 40°C, and then discharged at pulse currents of 10 to 20 C and a lower limit voltage of 2.55 V until the total discharge energy reached 570 mWh. "C" is the charge or discharge rate multiplier for the battery pack; a 1C rate is equivalent to charging the battery pack from 0 to 100% in one hour, while a 2C rate reaches the same charge level in half the time (i.e., 30 minutes). This charge / discharge cycle was repeated thousands of times to determine the battery pack capacity.

[0179] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates how the capacity of each of battery packs #1 through #4 changes with the number of charge cycles, where charging and discharging are performed at 25 degrees Celsius. (Example) Figure 7 As can be seen, battery packs (#1 to #3) using a mixture of lithium iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) as the active cathode material exhibit superior cycle life compared to battery packs (#4) where the cathode active material consists solely of lithium iron phosphate. Therefore, when using a mixture of LMFP and NMC, the battery pack capacity decreases more slowly with increasing charge cycles compared to using LMFP alone as the active cathode material. The performance improvement is particularly pronounced for battery packs with cathode active materials where the weight ratio of LMFP to NMC is 5:5 and 3:7 (battery packs #1 and #2).

[0180] Figure 8 Corresponding to Figure 7 However, the charging and discharging of the battery pack takes place at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. Figure 8 This again demonstrates that the use of a cathode active material comprising a mixture of lithium iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) as the active component provides improved cycle life compared to battery packs where the cathode active material uses only lithium iron phosphate (LMFP) as the active component. Therefore, when using a mixture of lithium iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), the battery pack capacity decreases more slowly with increasing charge cycles compared to using lithium iron phosphate (LMFP) alone as the active component of the cathode active material.

[0181] Figure 7 and 8 This relates to a specific example in which the cathode active material comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) as the active components of the cathode active material. However, as noted in the general description, lithium manganese iron phosphate is an evolution of lithium iron phosphate and has similar physical properties. Therefore, it should be understood that in other embodiments, lithium iron phosphate may be used in place of lithium manganese iron phosphate or in combination with lithium manganese iron phosphate. Furthermore, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) or lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) may be used instead of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC).

[0182] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this document, the number "A" is understood to be "A" ± 10% of "A". In this document, the number "A" may be considered to include a value within the general standard error of the measurement of the property modified by the number "A". In certain instances used in the appended claims, the number "A" may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol generation system comprising: Lithium-ion battery pack; The battery pack includes a cathode, and the cathode contains a cathode active material; The cathode active material comprises: At least one compound selected from the first group of compounds, wherein the first group of compounds comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate, lithium iron phosphate, or combinations thereof; as well as At least one compound selected from the second group of compounds, the second group of compounds comprising lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, or combinations thereof.

2. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the cathode active material comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide.

3. The aerosol generation system according to claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of lithium manganese iron phosphate to lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide in the cathode active material is in the range of 1:9 to 9:1, or 3:7 to 7:3, or 3:7 to 5:

5.

4. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cathode active material comprises LiMn i Fe 1-i Lithium iron manganese phosphate PO4, where i is in the range of 0 to 1.

5. The aerosol generation system according to claim 4, wherein i is in the range of 0.5 to 0.

7.

6. The aerosol generation system according to claim 4 or any one of claim 5, wherein the cathode active material further comprises LiNi. p Co q Mn r Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide of O2, wherein p is in the range of 0.4 to 0.6, q is in the range of 0.1 to 0.3, and r is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4, wherein p+q+r=1.

7. The aerosol generation system according to claim 6, wherein p has a value of 0.5, q has a value of 0.2, and r has a value of 0.

3.

8. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cathode active material further comprises a solvent, a binder, a conductive agent, and a stabilizer.

9. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises an anolyte material, the anolyte material comprising graphite, carbon, silicon, or a combination thereof.

10. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the system comprises at least one of an aerosol generation device and a charger for charging a power source for the aerosol generation device.

11. The aerosol generation system of claim 10, wherein the battery pack forms part of the aerosol generation apparatus.

12. The aerosol generation system according to any one of the preceding claims, the system further comprising an aerosol generation article, the aerosol generation article comprising the aerosol forming matrix.

13. The aerosol generation system of claim 10, wherein the battery pack forms part of the charger.

14. A method of operating an aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol formation matrix, the aerosol generation system comprising: Lithium-ion battery pack; The battery pack includes a cathode, and the cathode contains a cathode active material; The cathode active material comprises: At least one compound selected from the first group of compounds, wherein the first group of compounds comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate, lithium iron phosphate, or combinations thereof; as well as At least one compound selected from the second group of compounds, the second group of compounds comprising lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, lithium cobalt oxide or combinations thereof; The method includes connecting the aerosol forming matrix to the aerosol generating system, and using the aerosol generating system to generate aerosols from the aerosol forming matrix.

15. Use of a lithium-ion battery pack in an aerosol generation system for generating inhalable aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix, wherein the battery pack includes a cathode comprising a cathode active material. The cathode active material comprises: At least one compound selected from the first group of compounds, wherein the first group of compounds comprises lithium manganese iron phosphate, lithium iron phosphate, or combinations thereof; and The compounds are selected from at least one member of the second group of compounds, which includes lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, or combinations thereof.

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