Lithium-Ion Battery SEI Self-Healing for Longer Cycle Life
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face issues with the breakdown of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer during multiple charge and discharge cycles, leading to exposure of the anode to further electrolyte decomposition and reduced battery lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating self-healing additives into the lithium-ion battery, specifically designed to repair and reinforce the SEI layer, thereby preventing dissolution and mechanical detachment, and enhancing the cycle life of the battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple charge and discharge cycles are performed, then the battery capacity is utilized, but the SEI layer breaks and exposes the anode to electrolyte decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-healing additives (vinylene carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate) into the electrolyte that automatically repair broken SEI layer during charging cycles. The additives preferentially decompose to form new SEI components that heal cracks and maintain layer integrity without external intervention, enabling the battery to self-repair during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The self-healing additives are pre-configured in the electrolyte to proactively repair SEI layer damage before it leads to harmful electrolyte decomposition. The additives are designed to decompose first and form protective SEI components that prevent further degradation, addressing potential damage before it occurs
2Reliability
If the SEI layer is maintained intact, then electrolyte decomposition is prevented, but the anode undergoes volume changes during cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the SEI layer by introducing specific additives (vinylene carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate) that decompose to form more stable SEI components. This compositional change enables the SEI layer to accommodate anode volume changes while maintaining integrity, resolving the conflict between layer stability and anode structural flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The SEI layer is transformed into a composite structure containing multiple components from different electrolyte additives. This composite SEI combines the protective properties of conventional SEI with the self-healing capabilities of the added compounds, creating a more robust layer that can withstand anode expansion and contraction cycles
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 self-healing additives effectively prolong the cycle life of lithium-ion batteries by maintaining the integrity of the SEI layer, reducing unwanted changes, and enhancing the overall durability of the battery.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizable self-healing (SH) additives, to induce self-healing abilities to the SEI
Data Source
AI summary
An ion-lithium battery that may include an anode, a cathode, and at least one out of an anode related self-healing combination and a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) self-healing combination; wherein the SEI related self-healing combination comprises a SEI self-healing additive, a SEI forming moiety and a first linker for linking the SEI self-healing additive to the SEI forming moiety; and wherein the anode related self-healing combination comprises an anode self-healing additive, an anode connection functional group, and a second linker for linking the anode self-healing additive to the anode connection functional group.