Boron Electrolyte Additive for Stable SEI in Secondary Batteries

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium secondary batteries face challenges in maintaining high thermal and chemical stability to prevent side reactions and ignition or explosion, particularly in severe environments, necessitating the development of an electrolyte that can suppress such reactions.

Innovation Solution

A boron-containing compound is introduced as an electrolyte additive, which forms a thermally stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the electrode surface, preventing direct contact and suppressing side reactions, and is used in conjunction with other additives to enhance high-temperature stability and ion conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrolytes are used in lithium secondary batteries, then basic battery operation is achieved, but thermal and chemical stability deteriorates in severe environments leading to side reactions and safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal and chemical stabilityVSAvoidside reactions and ignition risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The boron-containing compound acts as an intermediary substance that forms a protective SEI layer between the electrode and electrolyte. This intermediate layer prevents direct harmful interactions while allowing ion transport, thereby suppressing side reactions and improving thermal/chemical stability without compromising basic battery operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by introducing a boron-containing compound with specific molecular structure (formula 1). This parameter change modifies the properties of the formed SEI layer, making it more thermally and chemically stable, thus preventing decomposition and side reactions in severe environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If electrolyte additives are introduced to improve stability, then thermal and chemical stability improves, but electrolyte complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-temperature stabilityVSAvoidelectrolyte composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than introducing multiple complex additives, the invention achieves improved high-temperature stability by carefully selecting and optimizing the structure of a single boron-containing compound (formula 1). The specific molecular parameters (R1-R6 groups, X1-X6 substituents) are tuned to provide the desired stability while maintaining electrolyte simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 boron-containing compound improves battery lifespan and high-temperature performance by reducing resistance and suppressing electrolyte decomposition, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

forms a thermally stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the electrode surface, preventing direct contact and suppressing side reactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation:

Implementation Method 2

suppressing electrolyte decomposition, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentEP4190792B1Boron-containing compound and electrolyte additive for secondary battery containing the same
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4190792B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4190792B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4190792B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a novel boron-containing compound and an electrolyte additive for a secondary battery containing the same. An electrolyte for a secondary battery provided in one embodiment contains the novel boron-containing compound, such that decomposition of the electrolyte may be suppressed, thereby improving a capacity and a lifespan of the battery.