Secondary Battery Electrolyte Layer Through-Holes for Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary batteries face challenges in achieving high energy density and preventing electrolyte leakage, particularly in applications requiring small size and long lifespan, such as electronic devices and electric vehicles, due to limitations in electrolyte layer design and material composition.

Innovation Solution

A secondary battery design incorporating a negative electrode with carbon and silicon-based materials, and an electrolyte layer with through-holes extending in the thickness direction, which enhances battery properties by improving electrolyte retention and stress reduction, thereby preventing electrolyte leakage and swelling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a gel polymer layer with three-dimensional open cells is used to improve cycle property, then cycle property is improved, but electrolyte retention property deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle propertyVSAvoidelectrolyte retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyte layer is divided into multiple closed cells that are not communicated with each other, while each cell contains electrolyte. This segmentation allows the electrolyte to be retained within each closed cell structure, preventing leakage while maintaining cycle stability through the distributed cell architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolyte layer utilizes a polymeric foam structure with controlled porosity, where closed cells provide both mechanical stability for cycle performance and electrolyte containment. The porous structure allows ion transport while the closed-cell configuration prevents electrolyte leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Quantity of substance

If a closed cell polymer foam is used to improve electrolyte retention, then electrolyte retention is improved, but cycle property deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte retentionVSAvoidcycle property

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the electrolyte layer have different structures: closed cells in certain areas provide electrolyte retention, while the overall layered structure with through-holes in other regions facilitates ion transport and accommodates electrode expansion, thereby maintaining both electrolyte retention and cycle stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolyte layer combines polymeric compound with electrolyte to form a gel-like composite structure. This composite provides both the closed-cell structure for electrolyte retention and the necessary ion conductivity for cycle performance through the integrated material system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If negative electrode includes silicon-based material to improve battery capacity, then battery capacity is improved, but swelling and electrolyte leakage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidswelling and electrolyte leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyte layer with closed cells and through-holes is positioned between the negative electrode and external environment to preemptively contain any swelling or electrolyte leakage from the silicon-based material before it causes harm. This protective layer acts as a buffer that accommodates volume changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolyte layer functions as a flexible protective film that can accommodate the expansion and contraction of silicon-based material during charge-discharge cycles while maintaining electrolyte containment. The gel-like structure provides mechanical flexibility combined with containment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The battery design achieves excellent cycle properties and high energy density while minimizing the risk of electrolyte leakage and swelling, making it suitable for compact electronic devices and electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

the electrolytic solution is supported by a polymeric compound. This type of secondary battery is equipped with an electrolyte layer that is a so-called gel-like electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGel-like electrolyte: Gel

Implementation Method 2

an electrolyte layer with through-holes extending in the thickness direction, which enhances battery properties by improving electrolyte retention and stress reduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress reduction: Stress Relaxation

Implementation Method 3

a negative electrode including a carbon material and a silicon-based material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLithium ion insertion/extraction: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10658697B2Secondary battery, battery pack, electric vehicle, electric power storage system, electric power tool, and electronic device

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A secondary battery is provided. The secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode including a carbon material and a silicon-based material; and an electrolyte layer. The electrolyte layer includes an electrolytic solution and a polymeric compound and has one or more through-holes extending in a thickness direction of the electrolyte layer.