Battery Electrode SSRM Imaging for Material Region Differentiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods using scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM) face challenges in accurately distinguishing between the regions of active material, conductive material, and pores in battery electrodes due to the broad distribution of resistance values, making it difficult to quantify and analyze the distribution of constituent materials effectively.

Innovation Solution

The method involves preparing an electrode cross-section sample by ion milling, obtaining resistance value data, and creating both logarithmic and linear scale images, which are then merged to facilitate the clear distinction and quantification of active material, conductive material, and pore regions through analysis of the merged image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM) is used to obtain resistance value data of electrode constituent materials, then the conductive material can be distinguished from other materials, but the broad magnitude distribution of resistance values makes it difficult to accurately distinguish regions of active material, conductive material, and pores

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistinguishment accuracy of constituent materialsVSAvoiddifficulty in distinguishing material regions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resistance value data representation into two distinct scales: a linear scale for visualizing high resistance regions (active material and pores) and a logarithmic scale for visualizing low resistance regions (conductive material). This segmentation allows each scale to optimize for specific material types, thereby resolving the difficulty of distinguishing all constituent materials with a single representation method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dual-scale dimensional approach by creating separate image representations (linear scale image and logarithmic scale image) from the same resistance value data. This dimensional transformation enables the visualization of different resistance magnitude ranges simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of single-scale representation and improving measurement precision for material distinction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If a single scale (linear or logarithmic) is used to represent resistance value data, then the image can be generated, but the broad distribution of resistance values prevents clear distinction of all constituent material regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of image generation processVSAvoidaccuracy of material region distinction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the linear scale image and logarithmic scale image into a single composite image that integrates information from both scales. This merging process combines the advantages of both representations: the linear scale provides clear visualization of high resistance regions, while the logarithmic scale enhances low resistance regions. The resulting merged image achieves high measurement precision for distinguishing all constituent materials while maintaining relative process simplicity.

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 approach allows for easier and more accurate differentiation between the electrode's constituent materials, enhancing the analysis of battery electrodes by compactly displaying resistance value distributions and improving the understanding of material distribution within the electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

preparing an electrode cross-section sample by irradiating the electrode for a secondary battery with an ion beam from an ion milling apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon beam sputtering: Sputtering

Implementation Method 2

obtaining resistance value data of the electrode active material, the conductive material and the pores in the electrode cross-section sample by scanning spreading resistance microscopy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance measurement: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3786646B1Battery electrode analysis method
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3786646B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3786646B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3786646B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for analyzing an electrode for a battery, which is capable of more easily distinguishing between the constituent materials of the electrode using scanning spreading resistance microscopy.