Anode-Free Solid-State Battery with CNT Cathode for Room-Temperature Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-solid-state batteries using solid electrolytes have lower energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes, and face challenges such as interfacial bonding and lithium dendrite growth, which hinder their commercialization and scalability.
Innovation Solution
An anode-free all-solid-state battery design is implemented, featuring a negative electrode current collector with an intermediate layer of carbon and lithium alloy-forming metals, a solid electrolyte layer, and a positive electrode layer with a network structure of carbon nanotubes and oxygen-containing functional groups, allowing for efficient lithium ion conduction and improved electrical conductivity at room temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid electrolyte is used in all-solid-state batteries, then the battery structure is simplified and safety is improved, but the energy density decreases compared to liquid electrolyte batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte by using a gel polymer electrolyte instead of traditional solid electrolyte. This gel electrolyte maintains the safety advantages of solid electrolytes while achieving liquid-like ionic conductivity, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety and energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite gel polymer electrolyte system that combines the mechanical stability of solid polymers with the high ionic conductivity of liquid electrolytes. This composite approach allows the battery to achieve both safety improvements and maintained energy density
2Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is used as negative electrode to increase energy density, then the energy density improves, but interfacial bonding issues and lithium dendrite growth occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gel polymer electrolyte as an intermediary layer between the lithium metal anode and the rest of the battery. This intermediary maintains strong interfacial bonding, prevents direct contact between lithium metal and other components, and suppresses dendrite growth while preserving high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical and electrical parameters of the electrolyte interface by using gel polymer with tailored viscosity and ionic conductivity. This creates optimal interfacial conditions that prevent lithium dendrite formation and maintain stable bonding with lithium metal
3Ease of manufacture
If solid electrolyte is used, then the battery can be manufactured with simpler process, but the manufacturing cost increases due to material costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gel polymer electrolytes that can be manufactured using cost-effective materials and processes. The gel electrolyte system allows for simpler manufacturing compared to solid electrolytes while using materials that are more abundant and less expensive than traditional solid electrolyte materials
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 enhances the energy density and operational efficiency of all-solid-state batteries, enabling them to maintain capacity and lifespan when charged and discharged at room temperature, while preventing side reactions and reducing internal resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a coating layer on a current collector including materials that induce conduction of lithium ions to a surface of the current collector
Implementation Method 2
a sheet layer having a network structure and including carbon nanotubes that are arranged to provide pores
Implementation Method 3
The sheet layer may include an oxygen-containing functional group on a surface thereof
Implementation Method 4
a metal capable of forming an alloy with lithium
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are an all-solid-state battery operable at room temperature and a method of manufacturing the same. The all-solid-state battery includes a negative electrode current collector, an intermediate layer positioned on the negative electrode current collector and including a carbon material and a metal capable of forming an alloy with lithium, a solid electrolyte layer positioned on the intermediate layer, a positive electrode layer positioned on the solid electrolyte layer, and a positive electrode current collector positioned on the positive electrode layer. The positive electrode layer includes a sheet layer with a network structure in which carbon nanotubes are arranged to provide pores and a positive electrode material filling the pores.