Lithium-Ion Battery Laminates With Edge Plugging to Prevent Dendrites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion battery laminates face issues with short circuits due to burred edges during manufacturing, which are exacerbated by the use of reactive fluids for cauterization, leading to dendrite formation and incomplete interface between layers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a viscosity modifier into the reactive fluid to form a viscous composition that limits its penetration and forms a plug at the cut edges, controlling oxidization and preventing short circuits, while optimizing the volume of reactive fluid used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reactive fluid is applied to cauterize the laminate edges, then electrical insulation is improved, but dendrite formation increases and short circuits occur
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic coating is applied to the laminate edges as an intermediary layer between the reactive fluid and the alkali metal anode. This coating allows controlled oxidation to form electrical insulation while preventing excessive reactive fluid penetration that would cause dendrite formation. The hydrophobic coating acts as a mediator that regulates the interaction between the reactive fluid and the metal surface.
2Reliability
If reactive fluid penetrates between laminate layers, then oxidation of anode occurs, but interface integrity deteriorates and short circuits increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic coating is applied selectively to the edge regions of the laminate where cutting exposes the metal surfaces. This localized treatment provides oxidation protection precisely where needed at the edges without affecting the bulk laminate structure or the interfaces between layers in the interior, thus maintaining interface integrity while protecting against edge oxidation.
3Ease of manufacture
If cut edges are exposed, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but short circuit risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic coating is applied to the laminate edges as a preliminary step before stacking and assembly. This pre-treatment prepares the edges for subsequent handling and assembly operations by establishing electrical insulation in advance, preventing short circuits during the stacking process without requiring additional steps during assembly.
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 solution reduces dendrite formation and short circuits by controlling the extent of anode oxidization, maintaining the integrity of the laminate interfaces and improving the overall performance of lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
This allows for the reactive fluid, upon application, to enter between the layers of the laminate via capillary action and to attack the alkali metal anode over large surface areas
Implementation Method 2
The reactive fluid is typically water, exposure to which causes the exposed edge of the alkali metal anode to recede away from the exposed side of the bundle which prevents electrical contact between the anodes and adjacent cathodes/current collectors
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to laminates for lithium-ion batteries comprising at least one cathode layer; at least one anode layer; at least one electrolyte layer disposed between the at least one cathode layer and the at least one anode layer; and a viscosity modifier present on at least a portion of the laminate which limits the penetration of reactive fluids into the laminate and thereby controls the extent of oxidization of the anode, and prevents the formation of dendrites in said laminate. The present technology further relates to methods for preparing such laminates, and lithium-ion batteries comprising same.