Secondary Battery Conductive Network and Gas Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face issues with high resistance and excessive gas generation due to electrolyte side reactions, which degrade battery performance and safety.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating carbon nanotubes in the positive electrode active material layer and tetravinylsilane in the electrolyte solution to enhance conductivity and suppress gas generation, while increasing the amount of positive electrode active material without increasing conductive agent usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If line-type conductive agent (carbon nanotubes) is used to improve conductivity, then conductivity is improved and active material amount can be increased, but electrolyte side reaction excessively occurs and gas is excessively generated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconductivityVSAvoidgas generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces tetravinylsilane as an intermediary substance in the electrolyte solution that mediates between the carbon nanotubes and the electrolyte. This additive forms a protective interface layer on the carbon nanotube surface, preventing direct harmful interactions between the electrolyte and conductive agent, thereby suppressing gas-generating side reactions while preserving the conductivity enhancement benefits of carbon nanotubes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte solution by adding tetravinylsilane at specific concentrations (0.01-5% by weight). This parameter modification alters the electrochemical behavior of the system, reducing the tendency for gas-generating side reactions at the conductive agent interface while maintaining effective ion transport and conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If amount of active material is increased to improve battery capacity, then battery capacity is improved, but electrolyte side reaction increases and gas generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidgas generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Tetravinylsilane acts as a protective intermediary that becomes particularly important when large amounts of active material are used. The additive forms a stable interface layer that prevents electrolyte decomposition and gas generation, enabling the system to accommodate higher active material content without proportionally increasing harmful side reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful interaction between electrolyte and active material into a beneficial outcome by using tetravinylsilane to form a protective film. This film prevents uncontrolled side reactions and gas generation, allowing the system to safely utilize high amounts of active material for enhanced capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Quantity of substance

If amount of conductive agent is reduced to increase active material amount, then active material amount is increased, but conductivity may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive material amountVSAvoidconductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite conductive network by combining carbon nanotubes with tetravinylsilane-modified electrolyte components. This composite approach enhances the effective conductivity of the system, allowing reduced conductive agent content while maintaining electrical performance through the synergistic interaction between the conductive agent and the silane-modified electrolyte environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 approach improves battery capacity, reduces resistance, and enhances safety and lifetime by effectively managing gas generation and electrolyte side reactions.

Implementation Method 1

the positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material and carbon nanotubes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Since tetravinylsilane is used in an electrolyte solution in addition to the use of the carbon nanotubes, a film may be effectively formed on the positive electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilm formation: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material capable of intercalating/deintercalating the lithium ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntercalation: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11631857B2Secondary battery

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte solution, wherein the positive electrode includes a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer disposed on the current collector, the positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material and carbon nanotubes, and the electrolyte solution includes a non-aqueous solvent, a lithium salt, and tetravinylsilane.