Carbon-Complexed Metal Oxide Electrode Material for Battery Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and cation-deficit metal oxides have low electron conductivity and insufficient dispersion when mixed with carbon, limiting their performance as electrode materials for cells.
Innovation Solution
Preparing carbon-complexed cation-deficit metal oxides and LDHs through the intercalation of an organic molecule into the crystal structure of LDHs followed by firing, which results in highly dispersed carbon and improved electron conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LDHs and cation-deficit metal oxides are merely mixed with carbon, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the electron conductivity and dispersion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by intercalating carbon precursors (such as polymers or small molecules) into the LDH interlayer space before firing. This pre-positioning of carbon sources within the crystal structure ensures that carbon is generated in situ during firing, leading to highly dispersed carbon throughout the metal oxide matrix and significantly improved electron conductivity without requiring complex post-processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system where carbon is intimately integrated with the LDH/cation-deficit metal oxide matrix through the intercalation-firing process. The resulting composite contains carbon dispersed at the nanoscale within the metal oxide structure, forming a synergistic material that combines the high capacity of metal oxides with the high conductivity of carbon
2Reliability
If LDHs and cation-deficit metal oxides are merely mixed with carbon, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the dispersion of carbon is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by intercalating carbon precursors (such as polymers or small molecules) into the LDH interlayer space before firing. This pre-positioning of carbon sources within the crystal structure ensures that carbon is generated in situ during firing, leading to highly dispersed carbon throughout the metal oxide matrix without requiring complex post-processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous interlayer structure of LDHs as a template for carbon dispersion. The interlayer space acts as a confined environment that guides the formation and distribution of carbon during firing, ensuring uniform nanoscale dispersion of carbon throughout the material structure
3Productivity
If carbon-complexed materials are prepared through intercalation and firing, then electron conductivity and dispersion are enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically optimizing firing temperature (typically 300-600°C), intercalation time, and carbon precursor concentration to achieve the desired balance between carbon dispersion and material performance. These parameter optimizations enable high energy density materials to be produced through a controlled, reproducible process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions during the firing process, where the intercalated carbon precursor undergoes thermal decomposition and phase transformation to form graphitic carbon or carbon nanotubes within the metal oxide matrix. This phase transition mechanism enables the conversion of simple organic precursors into highly conductive carbon structures
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 carbon-complexed materials exhibit enhanced electron conductivity and dispersion, making them suitable as high-performance electrode materials for secondary cells, such as lithium ion and metal-air cells, with improved cycle characteristics and energy density.
Implementation Method 1
through intercalation of an organic molecule into the crystal structure of an LDH followed by firing of the LDH
Implementation Method 2
Cation-deficit metal oxides prepared through firing of LDHs
Implementation Method 3
The cation-deficit metal oxide has a rock-salt crystal structure with cation deficiency schematically illustrated in FIG. 2
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an electrode material for cells. The electrode material includes carbon, and a crystalline material composed of a layered double hydroxide and/or a cation-deficit metal oxide having a rock-salt structure. Carbon is complexed with the cation-deficit metal oxide and/or the layered double hydroxide.