Anode Passivation Slurry for Lithium Dendrite Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal anode materials in batteries suffer from uneven lithium dendrite formation during cycling, leading to battery short-circuits and potential fires due to the lack of effective prevention methods.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to prepare an anode passivation slurry using an ionic liquid impregnated copper-based metal-organic framework (IL@Cu-MOF) combined with non-ionic polymers, which forms a continuous channel with an electric dipole effect to enhance lithium ion conductivity and inhibit dendrite formation, along with a polymer material to disperse and stabilize the framework, reducing the risk of dendrite penetration and improving cycle life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium metal anode materials are used to achieve high theoretical electrical capacity, then the electrical capacity per gram is improved, but lithium dendrites form unevenly during cycling leading to battery short-circuits and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ionic liquid impregnated copper-based metal-organic framework (IL@Cu-MOF) as an intermediary coating layer between the lithium metal anode and the electrolyte. This intermediary layer provides a controlled interface that guides lithium ion deposition, preventing direct contact between lithium dendrites and the electrolyte, thereby maintaining high capacity while improving safety and cycle life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of the Cu-MOF framework to accommodate ionic liquids, creating a hierarchical porous structure that provides both mechanical support and ion transport channels. The porous structure allows uniform lithium ion distribution while the ionic liquid fills the pores to provide a safe operating environment, resolving the contradiction between capacity and reliability
2Reliability
If non-ionic polymers are added during the synthesis of IL@Cu-MOF to control particle size and pore size, then the dispersion and ionic conductivity are improved, but the synthesis process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates non-ionic polymers during the synthesis process to pre-form micelle encapsulation structures that will later serve as templates for pore formation. This preliminary action of adding polymers during synthesis simplifies the overall process by combining pore formation and particle size control in one step, rather than requiring separate post-synthesis modification steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts parameters such as polymer concentration (0.05-0.08 mM), molecular weight (4,000-100,000), and synthesis conditions to optimize the micelle formation and subsequent pore structure. By controlling these parameters, the patent achieves the desired pore size and distribution for optimal ionic conductivity without requiring overly complex synthesis procedures
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 anode passivation slurry effectively reduces lithium dendrite formation, enhances ionic conductivity, and increases the cycle life of batteries by promoting uniform lithium ion conduction and providing a protective coating that mitigates damage from dendrites.
Implementation Method 1
baking at 100°C~150°C in a vacuum environment, so that anions in the mixture diffuse into the plurality of pores of the precursor to obtain an ionic liquid impregnated copper-based metal-organic framework (IL@Cu-MOF)
Implementation Method 2
The IL@Cu-MOF filled with anions forms a continuous channel with electric dipole effect on lithium ions. The attraction of this electric dipole effect promotes the rapid transfer of lithium ions in the continuous channel
Implementation Method 3
the non-ionic polymer does not participate in the reaction in the synthesis of IL@Cu-MOF, but forms a micelle encapsulation in the first solvent, which is then filled into the IL@Cu-MOF. The non-ionic polymer can be removed during washing process, leaving behind the hierarchical nanopores created by the micelle encapsulation
Data Source
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AI summary
An anode passivation slurry of anti-dendritic lithium and a method of preparation are provided. The method comprises the steps of dissolving a divalent copper metal compound and a non-ionic polymer to obtain a first solution, dissolving trimesic acid to obtain a second solution, and mixing the first and second solutions to obtain a copper-based metal-organic framework. The dried precursor are mixed with ionic liquid, which has contained a first lithium salt, and then dried to obtain an anion impregnated copper-based metal-organic framework. Thereafter, an anion impregnated copper-based metal-organic framework, a second lithium salt, polymer materials, and a second solvent are mixed to obtain the anode passivation slurry. The anode passivation slurry homogenizes the concentration of conduction of lithium ions and improves ionic conductivity, reducing the formation of lithium dendrites, and improving the cycle life of batteries. A battery with the anode passivation slurry dried on an anode is also disclosed.