Aluminum Current Collector Texture Control for Stable Li-Ion Cathodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aluminum substrates used as positive electrode current collectors in rechargeable lithium batteries often lack optimal physical properties such as microstrain, tensile strength, and texture fraction, which can lead to poor electrochemical stability and processibility.

Innovation Solution

The development of an aluminum substrate with a microstrain of about 0.04% to 0.11%, a tensile strength of about 80 N/mm² to 320 N/mm², and a (220)-plane texture fraction of about 60% to 85%, optimized for use as a positive electrode current collector in rechargeable lithium batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional aluminum substrates are used as positive electrode current collectors, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but electrochemical stability and physical properties are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrochemical stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the microstrain of the aluminum substrate within 0.03% to 0.15% and the (200)-plane texture fraction within 55% to 80%. These parameter optimizations improve electrochemical stability and physical properties while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established metallurgical processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Weight of moving object

If the aluminum substrate thickness is reduced to achieve thinner batteries, then energy density and portability are improved, but mechanical strength and processibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery weightVSAvoidtensile strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by optimizing the microstrain to 0.03% to 0.15% and (200)-plane texture fraction to 55% to 80%, which significantly enhances the tensile strength and mechanical properties of thin aluminum substrates. This enables the use of thinner substrates (including those below 15 μm) while maintaining sufficient strength for battery manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating specific crystallographic texture orientation with the (200)-plane preferentially aligned, which locally optimizes the mechanical properties in the direction critical for battery manufacturing. This texture control provides enhanced strength where needed while maintaining overall thin substrate design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If existing aluminum substrates with insufficient microstrain control are used, then manufacturing process is simpler, but electrochemical stability and electrical conductivity are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrochemical stabilityVSAvoidmicrostrain control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing precise control ranges for microstrain (0.03% to 0.15%) and (200)-plane texture fraction (55% to 80%). These controlled parameter changes directly improve electrochemical stability and electrical conductivity while providing clear manufacturing specifications for implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4503205A1Aluminum substrate for rechargeable lithium batteries, electrodes, and rechargeable lithium batteries
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4503205A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4503205A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4503205A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an aluminum substrate for a rechargeable lithium battery current collector, an electrode (10, 20) and a rechargeable lithium battery (100) including the same, the aluminum substrate having a microstrain of about 0.04% to about 0.11% according to Lab source Powder XRD, or a texture fraction of a (220)-plane diffraction line of about 60% to about 85% according to Lab source Powder XRD.