3D Battery Electrode Structure for Faster Lithium-Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current secondary battery technologies face limitations in achieving high energy density and efficient ion conductivity due to two-dimensional electrode structures, which hinder the effective movement of lithium ions and overall battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional electrode structure is developed, comprising a base layer with a lower active material density and a plurality of active material plates with higher density, spaced apart to form channels that guide lithium ions, enhancing ion conductivity and current density. The active material plates are manufactured through a sintering process without binders, and the crystal grains are oriented to improve ion movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-dimensional electrode structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ion conductivity and energy density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional electrode structure to a three-dimensional electrode structure comprising a base layer with vertically extending active material plates. This dimensional change creates channels that facilitate lithium ion movement, significantly improving ion conductivity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through layered fabrication processes.
2Quantity of substance
If active material density is increased throughout the electrode, then energy density improves, but ion movement efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements spatially varying active material density within the electrode structure. The base layer contains active material at a first density, while the active material plates extending from it contain active material at a second density that is higher than the first. This local quality differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously achieve high energy density in the plates and efficient ion transport through the lower-density base layer channels.
3Reliability
If the electrode structure is made more complex to improve ion conductivity, then ion movement efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode into distinct functional components: a base layer and multiple active material plates extending from it. These plates are spaced apart to form channels, creating a segmented structure that facilitates ion transport. This segmentation achieves improved ion conductivity through a relatively simple geometric configuration that can be manufactured using conventional techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly improves the areal capacity, energy density, and specific capacity of secondary batteries, leading to enhanced battery performance by efficiently guiding lithium ions and increasing current density.
Implementation Method 1
the active material plates are manufactured through a sintering process without binders
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode structure includes a base layer including a first active material, and a plurality of active material plates on a first surface of the base layer and spaced apart from one another, the plurality of active material plates including a second active material. An active material density of the base layer is less than an active material density of an active material plate of the plurality of active material plates.