Cathode Active Material Composition for Durable High-Capacity Li-Ion Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries using existing positive electrode active materials face issues with reduced battery capacity and durability due to side reactions with the electrolyte, particularly in high-energy density batteries.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating SrMnO3 inside or outside the secondary particles of a lithium-transition metal composite oxide in the positive electrode active material to inhibit side reactions and enhance lithium-ion conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a surface coating of olivine-type lithium metal phosphate oxide or Zr oxide is applied to a spinel-type lithium-manganese-based oxide, then durability is improved, but battery capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidbattery capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating Sr (strontium) and Mn (manganese) in specific ratios to form SrMnO3 perovskite phase, which modifies the material properties to achieve both high durability and high battery capacity simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system combining spinel-type lithium-manganese-based oxide with SrMnO3 perovskite phase, where the composite structure leverages the advantages of both phases to improve durability while maintaining or enhancing battery capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a coating layer is applied to inhibit side reactions with electrolyte, then durability is improved, but lithium-ion mobility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidlithium-ion mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the Sr content parameter (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.10 in Li1-xSr x Mn0.975 Ni0.025 O4) to achieve the right balance between durability improvement and lithium-ion mobility maintenance, avoiding excessive coating that would block ion transport

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

Improves the durability and battery capacity of secondary batteries by preventing electrolyte decomposition and transition metal elution, while maintaining good lithium-ion mobility.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating SrMnO3 inside or outside the secondary particles of a lithium-transition metal composite oxide in the positive electrode active material to inhibit side reactions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInhibition of side reactions:

Implementation Method 2

preventing electrolyte decomposition and transition metal elution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrevention of metal elution:

Implementation Method 3

enhance lithium-ion conductivity while maintaining good lithium-ion mobility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLithium-ion conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4112559B1Positive electrode active material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

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AI summary

This positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery contains a lithium transition metal complex oxide capable of occluding and releasing Li, and contains SrMnO3 in the interior or exterior of secondary particles of the lithium transition metal complex oxide.