Cathode Composite Coating to Offset EDL in Lithium Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional positive electrode active materials for lithium secondary batteries face limitations in achieving high-output characteristics and surface stability due to the formation of an electric double layer (EDL) that hinders smooth intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions, leading to degraded performance and reduced capacity.

Innovation Solution

A composite coating layer comprising a ferroelectric material and a boron-based oxide is formed on the surface of lithium composite transition metal oxide particles, offsetting the EDL and enhancing lithium ion mobility, thereby improving output characteristics, capacity, and surface stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional positive electrode active material is used, then the battery can operate, but an electric double layer forms on the surface that hinders smooth intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions, degrading output characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput characteristicsVSAvoidelectric double layer formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A composite coating layer comprising a ferroelectric material and a boron-based oxide is formed on the surface of the lithium composite transition metal oxide particles. This coating layer acts as an intermediary between the active material and the electrolyte, offsetting the harmful electric double layer effect while maintaining lithium ion intercalation and deintercalation functionality, thereby improving output characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The surface properties of the positive electrode active material are modified by coating with a ferroelectric material and boron-based oxide. This changes the surface electrical characteristics and chemical composition, preventing electric double layer formation and enabling smooth lithium ion transport, thus enhancing output performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the Ni content in NCM-based lithium composite transition metal oxides is increased to achieve high capacity, then capacity is improved, but side reactions such as oxygen desorption and electrolyte oxidation occur, increasing resistance and degrading lifetime characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacityVSAvoidlifetime characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The composite coating layer serves as a protective intermediary between the high-Ni active material and the electrolyte, preventing direct contact and reducing side reactions such as oxygen desorption and electrolyte oxidation. This maintains both high capacity and improved lifetime characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A composite coating layer comprising a ferroelectric material and a boron-based oxide is formed on the surface of the lithium composite transition metal oxide particles. This composite structure provides both protective functions (reducing side reactions) and functional benefits (maintaining lithium ion transport), enabling high capacity and improved lifetime characteristics simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If lithium cobalt oxide is used as the positive electrode active material, then high operating voltage and excellent capacity characteristics are achieved, but the price increases and supply becomes unstable due to cobalt scarcity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacity characteristicsVSAvoidsupply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The composition of the positive electrode active material is changed from lithium cobalt oxide to nickel-cobalt-manganese-based lithium composite transition metal oxides with high Ni content. This compositional parameter change reduces cobalt dependence and supply risk while maintaining excellent capacity characteristics through optimized metal ratios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Lithium composite transition metal oxides containing Ni, Co, and Mn in specific ratios are used as the positive electrode active material. This composite material approach replaces expensive and scarce cobalt with more abundant nickel and manganese, reducing supply risk while maintaining high capacity characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 composite coating layer enables smooth intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions, resulting in improved high-capacity and high-output characteristics, along with enhanced resistance and long-term stability of the battery.

Implementation Method 1

a composite coating layer including a ferroelectric material and a boron-based oxide containing boron formed on a surface of lithium composite transition metal oxide particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerroelectric effect:

Implementation Method 2

produce electrical energy through reduction and oxidation reactions occurring when lithium ions are intercalated into or deintercalated from the positive electrode and the negative electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP3955344B1Positive electrode active material for secondary battery and lithium secondary battery comprising same
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3955344B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Provided is a positive electrode active material for a secondary battery which includes a composite coating layer formed on a surface of lithium composite transition metal oxide particles, wherein the composite coating layer includes a ferroelectric material and a boron-based oxide containing boron.