Lithium Battery Electrode Layout With Endothermic Ceramic Safety Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ensuring safety and reliability while minimizing the decrease in energy density in high-energy-density rechargeable lithium batteries is challenging.

Innovation Solution

The electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery features a sequential arrangement of an uncoated portion, an active material layer, and an endothermic ceramic layer on a single surface of the current collector, which provides excellent insulation and heat absorption properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If high energy density active materials are used to increase battery capacity, then energy density is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to increased heat generation and short circuit risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidsafety and reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a segmented coating structure on the current collector where different regions have different properties: an uncoated portion for electrical contact, an active material layer for energy storage, and an endothermic ceramic layer for safety. This localized differentiation allows the electrode to simultaneously achieve high energy density in the active material region while maintaining safety through the ceramic layer in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining the endothermic ceramic layer with the active material layer on the current collector. The composite structure integrates the high energy density characteristics of active materials with the safety and heat absorption properties of endothermic ceramics, resolving the contradiction between energy density and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If safety measures such as coating layers are added to prevent short circuits, then safety is improved, but energy density decreases due to additional material layers

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the current collector surface into distinct functional zones: an uncoated portion that maintains electrical conductivity and contact, an active material layer for energy storage, and an endothermic ceramic layer for safety protection. This segmented approach ensures that safety measures are applied only where necessary, minimizing the impact on energy density while maintaining effective short circuit prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial action by applying the endothermic ceramic coating only to specific portions of the current collector rather than the entire surface. The uncoated portion remains exposed for optimal electrical contact and energy storage, while the ceramic layer is applied only in areas where safety and short circuit prevention are critical, thus balancing safety requirements with energy density preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If endothermic ceramic layer is added to absorb heat and prevent short circuits, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the safety function and the electrode structure into a single integrated component. The endothermic ceramic layer is directly formed on the current collector surface in conjunction with the active material layer, combining the safety protection function with the electrode's structural and energy storage functions. This integration reduces the need for separate safety components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration minimizes energy density loss, reduces heat generation during short circuits, and enhances safety and reliability of the battery.

Implementation Method 1

an endothermic ceramic layer are provided sequentially from one end to the other end on the same single surface of the current collector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEndothermic reaction: Endothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 2

The electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery according to some embodiments has excellent insulation and heat absorption effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4496032A1Electrode for rechargeable lithium battery, electrode assembly, and rechargeable lithium battery including the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.22 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed are an electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery, an electrode assembly including the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery, the electrode including an uncoated portion; an active material layer; and an endothermic ceramic layer which are provided sequentially from one end to the other end on the same single surface of the current collector.