Lithium Battery Anode Interlayer for Uniform Lithium Deposition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium batteries without an anode active material layer face issues with lithium dendrite formation and short circuits due to non-uniform lithium layer formation, leading to deteriorated lifespan characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An anode with a double-layer structure comprising a protective layer made of a strength-enhanced and ion-conductive polymer, and an anode interlayer containing a mixture of lithiophilic metal particles and carbon material, which enhances uniform lithium ion distribution and adhesion, preventing dendrite growth and delamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an anode without an anode active material layer is used, then the battery structure is simplified and energy density is improved, but lithium dendrites form and cause short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective layer as an intermediary component between the current collector and the lithium layer. This protective layer mediates the formation and growth of lithium, preventing direct contact between lithium dendrites and the current collector, thereby eliminating short circuits while maintaining the simplified anode structure without traditional active materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The anode is segmented into distinct functional layers: a current collector, a protective layer with specific thickness and composition, and a lithium layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the protective layer controls lithium deposition and prevents dendrite formation, while the simplified structure maintains high energy density.
2Productivity
If a lithium layer is formed on the current collector surface, then the anode functions without traditional active materials, but non-uniform formation causes dendrite growth and deteriorates lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes critical parameters of the protective layer including thickness (5-20 μm), lithium content (0.1-5 wt%), and composition ratios to control lithium ion transport. By adjusting these parameters, the protective layer enables uniform lithium distribution during charging/discharging while preventing dendrite growth, thereby extending battery lifespan without sacrificing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is designed with specific local properties - particular thickness zones, lithium concentration gradients, and compositional variations - to create optimal conditions for uniform lithium deposition in different regions. This local quality control ensures consistent lithium layer formation across the entire current collector surface, preventing dendrites and extending battery life.
3Stability of the object's composition
If graphite is used as the anode active material, then the anode structure is stable with minimal volume change, but the theoretical electric capacity is limited to 372 mAh/g
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anode active material layer entirely from the traditional graphite-based structure, replacing it with a protective layer that facilitates lithium metal deposition. This extraction eliminates the capacity limitation of graphite (372 mAh/g) while the protective layer ensures stable lithium layer formation with minimal volume change during cycling, achieving both high capacity and stability.
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 double-layer structure improves the cycle characteristics and lifespan of lithium batteries by reducing dendrite formation and electrolyte consumption, leading to enhanced stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the protective layer includes a first polymer and a second polymer, the first polymer includes a strength-enhanced polymer, and the second polymer includes an ion-conductive polymer
Implementation Method 2
the anode interlayer includes a mixture of first particles including a lithiophilic metal and second particles including carbon material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided are an anode and a lithium battery including the same. The anode includes an anode current collector and an anode interlayer on one surface of the anode current collector, and a protective layer on one surface of the anode interlayer, wherein the protective layer includes a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the first polymer includes a strength-enhanced polymer, and the second polymer includes an ion-conductive polymer, and the anode interlayer includes a mixture of first particles and second particles, wherein the first particles contain a lithiophilic metal, and the second particles contain a carbon material.