Anode Active Material with Crown Ether Polymer Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries face challenges in maintaining stability and electrical properties due to side reactions and mechanical/chemical damages to anode active materials, leading to degraded conductivity and reduced lifespan.

Innovation Solution

An anode active material is developed comprising a core particle coated with conductive particles and a polymer layer containing a crown ether compound, which enhances electron and ion transfer paths, preventing surface damage and improving conductivity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the composition and structure of the anode active material are changed to improve stability of the active material particles, then stability is improved, but conductivity is degraded and power is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of active material particlesVSAvoidconductivity and power

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a core particle (graphite, amorphous carbon, or silicon-based material), conductive particles (such as carbon black, graphene, or metal particles), and a polymer coating layer containing crown ether compound. This multi-component composite structure allows each material to contribute its strengths: the core provides stability, the conductive particles maintain electrical conductivity, and the polymer coating with crown ether enhances both stability and ionic conductivity simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different materials with specific properties to different regions of the anode active material structure. The core particle uses materials optimized for stability, the conductive particles are distributed on the surface and within the coating to maintain conductivity pathways, and the polymer coating layer with crown ether is applied specifically at the interface with the electrolyte to enhance stability and ionic conductivity. This localized application of different material properties resolves the contradiction between stability and conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If a coating layer is formed on the core particle to prevent damage, then stability and lifespan are improved, but electrical conductivity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability and lifespanVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coating structure is not a single material but a composite of conductive particles dispersed in a polymer matrix containing crown ether compound. This composite coating maintains electrical conductivity through the conductive particle network while the polymer matrix with crown ether provides stability and protects against mechanical and chemical damage. The crown ether compound specifically enhances ionic conductivity, further resolving the conductivity issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The polymer coating layer containing crown ether acts as an intermediary between the core particle and the electrolyte. This intermediate layer protects the core particle from direct contact with the electrolyte (preventing side reactions and mechanical damage) while the crown ether compound facilitates ion transport. The conductive particles within the coating maintain electrical pathways, thus the intermediary layer resolves the contradiction between protection and conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution achieves high capacity and rate properties while extending the lifespan of secondary batteries by preventing side reactions and mechanical/chemical damage, thus enhancing both electronic and ionic conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

The polymer coating layer includes a crown ether compound. The crown ether compound enhances electron and ion transfer paths, improving conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrown ether compound interaction:

Implementation Method 2

conductive particles formed on the core particle... at least some of the conductive particles are inserted into the core particle... forming electron transfer paths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a polymer coating layer formed on the core particle and the conductive particles... preventing surface damage and improving conductivity and stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20220359864A1Anode active material for secondary battery, method of preparing the same and secondary battery including the same

Publication Date: 2022.11.10 SK ON CO LTD

AI summary

An anode active material for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a core particle, a polymer coating formed on a surface of the core particle, and conductive particles formed on the polymer coating. The conductive particles have an average particle diameter greater than a thickness of the polymer coating. The anode active material and a secondary battery having improved stability and reduced resistance are provided using the polymer coating and the conductive particles.