Materials for Use in Batteries and Methods of Manufacturing the Same, and Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, face challenges in achieving high energy density due to the volume expansion and deterioration of electrode structures during lithiation, leading to low Coulombic efficiency and unsatisfactory performance, with existing methods using inert metals like silver being costly and ineffective for large-scale production.
Innovation Solution
A material for batteries is developed, comprising an active material with metal atoms that form a complex with oxygen atoms on its surface, preventing lithium capture and improving Coulombic efficiency by forming an oxide inside the complex, using metal atoms such as Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Al, Mg, Sr, Sc, Y, Zr, Ti, La, and Ce to inactivate oxygen atoms during charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If silicon is used as anode material to increase energy density, then storage capacity is improved, but electrode structure stability deteriorates due to volume expansion up to 400%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous silicon material with controlled pore structures to accommodate volume expansion during lithiation. The porous architecture provides internal void space that absorbs expansion stress, preventing electrode fracture while maintaining structural integrity and enabling high storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite structures combining silicon with other materials that can buffer volume changes. The composite design allows silicon to provide high capacity while the accompanying materials maintain structural stability during charging-discharging cycles
2Reliability
If inert metals like silver are used to reduce silicon oxide, then Coulombic efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases making large-scale production difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive inert metals like silver with cost-effective alternatives such as aluminum or calcium that can be obtained from abundant sources. These cheaper metals perform the same function of reducing silicon oxide and improving Coulombic efficiency, enabling scalable production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by substituting expensive metal elements with cheaper ones having appropriate reactivity. This parameter change maintains the functional effect of silicon oxide reduction while dramatically lowering material costs for commercial production
3Shape
If water molecules react with elemental silicon during pickling, then porous structure is formed, but irreversible oxidation occurs reducing Coulombic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary protective actions by coating silicon with metal layers or applying surface treatments before pickling. This preliminary protection prevents excessive oxidation during the porous structure formation process, ensuring high Coulombic efficiency is maintained while achieving the desired porous morphology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances during the pickling process that mediate between water molecules and silicon. These intermediaries allow controlled formation of porous structures while preventing harmful irreversible oxidation reactions, preserving Coulombic efficiency
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 material significantly enhances Coulombic efficiency by reducing lithium capture by oxygen, stabilizing the anode, and improving electrochemical performance, making it suitable for high-capacity anode materials in lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
one or more metal atoms configured to hold one or more oxygen atoms of the active material and to inactivate one or more oxygen atoms of the active material during charging and/or discharging of the battery
Implementation Method 2
the metal atom is bound with the oxygen atom on the surface of the active material by a covalent bond
Implementation Method 3
the metal atom reacts with the oxygen atom to form an oxide inside the complex
Implementation Method 4
During charging, lithium ions migrate from the cathode to the anode. During discharging, some of the lithium ions return to the cathode
Implementation Method 5
the formation of a lithium-silicon alloy by lithium and silicon results in a volume expansion of up to 400%
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a material for use in a battery, a method of manufacturing the material, and a battery. The material comprises: an active material configured to undergo a chemical reaction during charging and/or discharging of the battery; and one or more metal atoms configured to hold one or more oxygen atoms of the active material and to inactivate one or more oxygen atoms of the active material during charging and/or discharging of the battery. The material enables the anode of the battery to have higher Coulombic efficiency.