Anodeless Solid-State Lithium Battery With Interface-Enhanced Ion Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries face safety concerns due to flammable liquid electrolytes, poor conductivity in solid-state electrolytes, and high interfacial impedance, limiting their energy and power density, and they are not compatible with existing battery production facilities.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable lithium battery design featuring an anodeless structure with solid-state electrolyte layers and an interface enhancer composition that includes a lithium salt, ionic liquid, or polymer solution, forming a continuous lithium ion pathway, enhancing conductivity and incorporating flame retardants to prevent fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used in lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, then high lithium ion conductivity and good electrode contact are achieved, but safety concerns arise due to thermal runaway and explosion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using cross-linked polymer networks with integrated lithium salts. This parameter change eliminates the flammability issue inherent in liquid electrolytes while maintaining ionic conductivity through the solid polymer matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite electrolyte system by combining cross-linked polymer matrices (such as polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride) with lithium salts. This composite structure provides both the mechanical stability of solids and the ionic conductivity needed for battery operation, while eliminating the safety hazards of liquid electrolytes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solid-state electrolytes are used to improve safety, then fire and explosion resistance are achieved, but conductivity is typically low and interfacial impedance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the solid electrolyte structure by incorporating cross-linked polymer networks that create continuous pathways for lithium ion transport. The cross-linking density and polymer composition are optimized to achieve conductivity levels comparable to liquid electrolytes while maintaining solid-state safety advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates localized regions of high ionic conductivity within the solid polymer electrolyte by distributing cross-linked networks and lithium salts strategically. This local optimization ensures good electrode contact and low interfacial impedance at critical interfaces while maintaining the overall solid-state structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ionic liquids are used as electrolyte, then non-flammability is achieved, but high viscosity at room temperature hinders lithium ion transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular structure and physical state of the electrolyte by using cross-linked polymer matrices with integrated lithium salts. This structural transformation reduces viscosity dramatically compared to conventional ionic liquids while maintaining non-flammability and enhancing lithium ion mobility through the polymer network.
4Reliability
If inorganic ceramic electrolytes are used to achieve high conductivity, then conductivity of 10^-4 to 10^-2 S/cm is achieved, but brittleness and poor film-forming ability result in high manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system that combines the advantages of inorganic lithium salts (high ionic conductivity) with organic polymer matrices (flexibility, film-forming ability). This composite approach achieves conductivity levels comparable to inorganic ceramics while providing the mechanical flexibility and ease of manufacturing associated with polymer-based systems.
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 provides a safe, high-energy, and high-power density lithium battery that is compatible with existing production facilities, reducing the risk of fire and explosion while improving lithium ion transport and reducing interfacial impedance.
Implementation Method 1
an interface enhancer composition in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode
Implementation Method 2
incorporating flame retardants to prevent fires
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable lithium metal battery comprising (i) an anode including an anode current collector, but initially no lithium metal or lithium metal alloy deposited on the anode current collector when the battery is made; (ii) a first solid state electrolyte layer deposited on the anode current collector; (iii) a cathode including a cathode current collector and a cathode active layer (including particles of a cathode active material and a conductive additive) deposited on the cathode current collector; (iv) a second solid state electrolyte layer (in physical contact with the first electrolyte layer) disposed on the cathode active layer; and (v) an interface enhancer composition (IEC) in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode. Preferably, the IEC permeates into the cathode active layer and comes in contact with particles of the cathode active material.