Negative Electrode Material Recovery Using Phosphorus Decomposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for reproducing negative electrode active materials from secondary batteries do not adequately improve cycle characteristics, which are essential for meeting modern battery performance requirements.

Innovation Solution

A reproduction method involving a secondary battery with a phosphorus-containing compound, where the battery is charged at a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the compound, allowing the decomposition product to adhere to the negative electrode active material, enhancing its cycle characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional recovery methods are used to reproduce negative electrode active material, then the recovery process is simple, but the cycle characteristics of the recovered material are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle characteristicsVSAvoidrecovery process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phosphorus-containing compound is introduced into the secondary battery before the recovery process begins. This preliminary action ensures that when the negative electrode active material is recovered through charging at elevated temperatures, the decomposition products of the phosphorus-containing compound are already present to form protective films on the material surface, thereby improving cycle characteristics without requiring post-recovery treatment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The recovery process utilizes temperature as a critical parameter by charging the secondary battery at a temperature of 60°C or higher, which is at or above the decomposition temperature of the phosphorus-containing compound. This parameter change triggers the decomposition of the phosphorus-containing compound, enabling it to form protective films on the negative electrode active material surface and thereby improve cycle characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If charging is performed at high temperature to decompose phosphorus-containing compound, then cycle characteristics improve, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle characteristicsVSAvoidcharging energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The process exploits the phase transition or decomposition of the phosphorus-containing compound at a specific temperature threshold (60°C or higher). By charging at this elevated temperature, the phosphorus-containing compound decomposes and forms protective films on the negative electrode active material, improving cycle characteristics. The temperature is controlled to be no higher than 100°C to minimize excessive energy consumption while still achieving the desired decomposition and film formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 method effectively recovers a negative electrode active material with improved cycle characteristics, as evidenced by increased capacity retention rates and thermal stability, suitable for use in advanced battery applications.

Implementation Method 1

charging the secondary battery in a temperature environment that is at or above a decomposition temperature of the phosphorus-containing compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDecomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

a negative electrode active material with a decomposed substance of the phosphorus-containing compound disposed on its surface can be recovered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4481874A1Recovery method for negative electrode active material, negative electrode material, and secondary battery
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4481874A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4481874A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4481874A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a reproduction method for obtaining a negative electrode active material with improved cycle characteristics from a secondary battery. The technology disclosed herein is a reproduction method for a negative electrode active material, including: a preparation step of preparing a secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a phosphorus-containing compound; a charging step of charging the secondary battery in a temperature environment that is at or above a decomposition temperature of the phosphorus-containing compound; and a recovery step of recovering a negative electrode active material from the negative electrode in the secondary battery obtained after the charging step.