Lithium Battery Electrode Functional Layer for Fast-Charge Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in manufacturing thick film electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries is the difficulty in maintaining ion and electron mobility in the thickness direction, which is exacerbated by lithium precipitation during rapid charging.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a functional layer containing lithium-containing polyoxazoline on the electrode active material layer improves the reversibility of lithium deposition, enhances lithium ion transfer, and stabilizes the solid-electrolyte-interface (SEI) by promoting the formation of an LiF-rich SEI.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the active material is placed more thickly on the current collector to form thick film electrodes, then energy storage per unit volume increases, but ion and electron mobility in the thickness direction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage per unit volumeVSAvoidion and electron mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a functional layer with specific properties (lithium-containing polyoxazoline) at the electrode surface interface, while maintaining thick film structure in the bulk. This functional layer has different composition and properties from the bulk active material, optimizing local conditions for lithium ion deposition and transport without compromising overall energy density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining the active material with lithium-containing polyoxazoline in the functional layer. This composite structure integrates the high capacity of thick active material films with the ion-conducting and stabilizing properties of the polyoxazoline component, achieving both high energy density and good ion mobility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Speed

If rapid charging is performed to utilize rapid movement of lithium ions, then charging speed increases, but lithium precipitation occurs at negative electrodes due to current concentration and overpotential

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidlithium deposition reversibility
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium-containing polyoxazoline functional layer acts as an intermediary between the electrolyte and the active material. It mediates lithium ion deposition by providing a favorable interface that promotes uniform nucleation and growth, reducing current concentration and overpotential effects that lead to precipitation during rapid charging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition and structure of the electrode surface through the functional layer, modifying parameters such as surface energy, wettability, and lithium ion affinity. These parameter changes create optimal conditions for reversible lithium deposition even at high charging rates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution improves the cycle-life characteristics and stability of rechargeable lithium batteries under rapid charging conditions by reducing lithium precipitation and enhancing the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

enhances lithium ion transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon transfer: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

stabilizes the solid-electrolyte-interface (SEI) by promoting the formation of an LiF-rich SEI

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolid-electrolyte-interface (SEI) formation: Electrolyte

Implementation Method 3

improves the reversibility of lithium deposited on a negative electrode during rapid charging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLithium deposition: Electrodeposition

Data Source

PatentEP4567919A1Electrodes of rechargeable lithium batteries and rechargeable lithium batteries
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4567919A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4567919A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4567919A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are an electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same, the electrode including a current collector, an electrode active material layer on the current collector, and a functional layer, wherein the functional layer includes a lithium-containing polyoxazoline.