Atomic Intermetallic Electrode Material for Proton Scavenging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face performance deterioration and reduced cycle life due to moisture-induced degradation of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) electrolytes, leading to hydrofluoric acid formation and subsequent reactions with electrode materials.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an atomic intermetallic material with proton absorbency, such as AxBy alloys, into the electrodes to capture and neutralize protons, preventing their reaction with the electrolyte and thus reducing moisture-related degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) electrolyte is used in lithium-ion batteries, then high voltage and high specific energy are achieved, but moisture-induced degradation occurs leading to hydrofluoric acid formation and performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
A proton-absorbing material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the LiPF6 electrolyte and moisture. This material captures protons (H+) from the electrolyte, preventing them from reacting with moisture to form hydrofluoric acid. The intermediary layer protects the electrode materials from acid attack while allowing the LiPF6 electrolyte to maintain its high voltage and energy density properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful presence of protons in the electrolyte into a beneficial effect. By intentionally adding a proton-absorbing material, the protons that would normally cause degradation are now captured and utilized to form stable metal hydrides. This transforms the harmful acidic environment into a controlled proton-absorption process that protects the battery components
2Reliability
If proton-absorbing material is added to the battery, then hydrofluoric acid formation is reduced and cycle life is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proton-absorbing material is merged with the existing electrode structures rather than being added as a separate component. The material can be incorporated into the electrode coating or mixed with the electrode active material, combining multiple functions (proton absorption, electrochemical activity) into a single integrated structure. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate proton-absorbing components
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 use of proton-absorbing materials effectively suppresses side reactions, stabilizes the electrolyte, reduces hydrofluoric acid formation, and enhances the cycle life and performance of lithium-ion batteries by minimizing water production and electrical resistance.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating an atomic intermetallic material with proton absorbency, such as AxBy alloys, into the electrodes to capture and neutralize protons
Implementation Method 2
The atomic intermetallic material reacts with a proton to form a metal hydride in the proton absorbed state
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, a method of scavenging hydrogen in a lithium-ion battery is provided. The method may comprise including an atomic intermetallic material in at least one of a positive electrode or a negative electrode of a lithium-ion battery and reacting hydrogen present inside the lithium-ion battery with the atomic intermetallic material to form a metal hydride. The method may include preparing a positive electrode slurry and a negative electrode slurry, each slurry including an active material and a binder, mixing an atomic intermetallic material including a proton absorbed state into at least one of the slurries, and casting the slurries to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The method may alternately include applying an atomic intermetallic material including a proton absorbed state to a surface of at least one of a lithium-ion battery positive electrode or negative electrode.