Battery Cell Adhesion Control for Lithium Plating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional batteries, such as lithium ion batteries, face limitations in energy density and cyclability due to lithium plating, which can lead to electrical disconnection and reduced capacity, especially when lithium plates between the anode and separator, rather than between the anode current collector and coating layer.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell design where the adhesion between the separator coating layer and the anode coating layer is stronger than the adhesion between the anode coating layer and the anode current collector, encouraging lithium plating to occur between the anode current collector and the anode coating layer, thus maintaining electrical connection and improving ion storage capacity and cyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium is plated on the anode as lithium metal to increase capacity, then the anode capacity increases, but the cyclability of the battery cell deteriorates due to lithium being electrically disconnected from other components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different adhesion strength characteristics to different interfaces: the separator coating layer is designed to have stronger adhesion to the anode coating layer than the anode coating layer has to the current collector. This local differentiation in adhesion properties directs lithium plating to occur at the current collector interface rather than the separator interface, maintaining electrical connection and improving cyclability while preserving capacity enhancement
2Quantity of substance
If larger amounts of silicon-based material are added to increase capacity, then the energy density improves, but the cyclability deteriorates due to swelling and shrinking of the silicon-based material
Solution Approach 1:
The anode coating layer acts as an intermediary between the silicon-based material and the current collector/separator. This intermediate layer accommodates the swelling and shrinking of silicon during charge-discharge cycles, preventing direct mechanical stress transmission that would cause degradation and maintain electrical connection, thus preserving both capacity and cyclability
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
This design enhances the ion storage capacity and reduces the degradation of the battery cell by ensuring lithium remains electrically connected, leading to improved energy density and longer cycle life.
Implementation Method 1
A second bond between the separator coating layer and the anode coating layer may have a second adhesion strength. The second adhesion strength of the second bond may be greater than the first adhesion strength of the first bond.
Data Source
AI summary
Various battery cell arrangements are presented herein. The battery cell can include an anode current collector. The battery cell can include an anode coating layer that coats the anode current collector. The anode coating layer may be a lithium-ion conducting solid state electrolyte or a lithium-ion conducting gel electrolyte. A first bond between the anode current collector and the anode coating layer may have a first adhesion strength. The battery cell also includes a cathode, a separator layer that contacts the cathode, and a separator coating layer. The separator coating layer can be positioned between the anode coating layer and the separator layer. A second bond between the separator coating material and the anode coating material has a second adhesion strength. The second adhesion strength of the second bond may be greater than the first adhesion strength of the first bond.