Battery Pore-Forming Agent With Lithium Network for Stable Electrode Porosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pore-forming methods for secondary battery electrode plates result in poor pore stability and reduced electrochemical performance due to mechanical damage and instability of formed pores, leading to decreased energy density and cycling stability.
Innovation Solution
A pore-forming agent comprising stable-state lithium metal particles loaded on a one-dimensional conductive material, which forms a conductive network for in-situ pore formation and pre-lithiation, enhancing electrolyte infiltration and energy density by creating larger, stable pores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical pore forming or solvent pore forming is used, then pore formation is achieved, but the pore-forming effect is poor and pores are unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of pore formation from mechanical or chemical methods to electrochemical methods. By using lithium metal particles that react with electrolyte to generate lithium hydroxide, the system transforms the pore formation mechanism, achieving stable and well-defined pores with improved morphology and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pore forming methods with an electrochemical system. Instead of using mechanical forces to create pores, the invention uses electrochemical reactions between lithium metal particles and electrolyte to generate lithium hydroxide, which naturally forms stable pores during battery operation.
2Quantity of substance
If coating weight of electrode plates is increased to achieve higher energy density, then energy density improves, but transport path of lithium ions is extended and electrochemical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous structure formation mechanism using lithium hydroxide generated from lithium metal particles. These pores create additional transport channels for lithium ions, allowing the system to maintain high coating weights for energy density while providing shortcuts for ion transport to preserve electrochemical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to lithium ion transport by creating three-dimensional pore networks within the electrode structure. This porous architecture provides alternative transport pathways that reduce the effective diffusion distance, enabling high capacity without sacrificing rate performance.
3Reliability
If pores are formed in electrode plates to improve electrolyte infiltration, then infiltration improves, but pores collapse or close and stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where lithium metal particles continuously generate lithium hydroxide through reaction with electrolyte during battery operation. This in-situ generated lithium hydroxide maintains and replenishes the pore structure dynamically, ensuring pores remain open and stable throughout the battery lifecycle without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates lithium metal particles into the electrode structure before battery assembly and operation. These pre-positioned particles are designed to react with electrolyte upon first contact, proactively creating the pore structure before the battery begins its service life, ensuring immediate electrolyte infiltration capability.
4Reliability
If conventional pore forming methods are used, then some pore formation is achieved, but electrochemical performance and cycling stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system combining lithium metal particles, lithium hydroxide, and electrode materials. This composite structure provides multiple functions: lithium metal serves as both pore-forming agent and capacity contributor, lithium hydroxide provides stable pore walls, and the combination delivers superior electrochemical performance and cycling stability compared to conventional single-function pore formers.
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 improves electrolyte infiltration, reduces battery polarization, and increases energy density and cycling stability of secondary batteries by forming a stable conductive network that maintains electrical conductivity and avoids pore collapse.
Implementation Method 1
lithium metal in the pore-forming agent can be intercalated into a negative electrode active material to implement in-situ pore formation
Implementation Method 2
lithium metal in the pore-forming agent can be intercalated into a negative electrode active material to implement in-situ pore formation and pre-lithiation
Implementation Method 3
a conductive network can be formed covering the one-dimensional conductive material for preparation of negative electrode plate
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a pore-forming agent for secondary battery and a preparation method thereof, a negative electrode plate, an electrode assembly, and a secondary battery. The pore-forming agent for secondary battery includes a one-dimensional conductive material and stable-state lithium metal particles, where the stable-state lithium metal particles are loaded on the one-dimensional conductive material.