3D Positive Electrode Structure for Uniform Li-Ion Battery Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium secondary batteries face challenges in achieving uniform ion and electron movement, leading to reduced rate capability and capacity, as well as increased deterioration and shortened lifespan due to localized current concentration and dendrite formation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a positive electrode with a three-dimensional structure, featuring spaced-apart plates and an electrolyte material in channels, along with a metal layer on the separation membrane to facilitate uniform lithium ion and electron distribution, and an optional second metal layer to compensate for lithium ion loss, preventing concentration and enhancing capacity retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional planar positive electrode is used, then the battery structure is simple, but lithium ions and electrons cannot move uniformly leading to reduced rate capability and capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The positive electrode is divided into multiple plate-like structures spaced apart from each other, creating a segmented architecture that allows uniform lithium ion and electron movement throughout the electrode, thereby improving rate capability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The positive electrode transitions from a conventional planar (2D) structure to a three-dimensional plate-like structure with channels, adding spatial dimensionality that enables uniform current distribution and improved lithium ion transport pathways
2Reliability
If a conventional electrode structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but localized current concentration causes deterioration and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The positive electrode is segmented into multiple spaced-apart plates, which distributes current flow uniformly across the electrode structure, preventing localized current concentration that would otherwise cause deterioration and reduce battery lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is designed with uniform spacing between plates to ensure consistent current distribution across all regions of the electrode, eliminating hotspots and improving overall battery reliability and lifespan
3Productivity
If electrode plates are spaced apart to improve ion movement, then rate capability improves, but the volume of the battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode adopts a three-dimensional plate-like structure with vertical channels, allowing lithium ions to travel through multiple pathways simultaneously, which maintains high rate capability while minimizing the horizontal space required and thus reducing overall battery volume
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 improves rate capability, increases capacity retention, and extends the battery's lifespan by ensuring uniform current distribution and reducing dendrite formation, thereby enhancing overall battery performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte material disposed in the channel formed between the plurality of positive electrode plates
Implementation Method 2
a first metal layer on a surface of the separation membrane facing the positive electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery includes a negative electrode; a positive electrode including a plurality of positive electrode plates spaced apart from each other in a width direction, wherein a positive electrode plate of the plurality of positive electrode plates has a planar shape, and a channel between the plurality of positive electrode plates; an electrolyte material disposed in the channel between the plurality of positive electrode plates; a separation membrane between the negative electrode and the positive electrode; and a first metal layer disposed on a surface of the separation membrane facing the positive electrode.