Cathode Current Collector Surface Tension for Stable Li-Ion Cycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium-ion batteries face challenges in cycle performance due to poor compatibility of raw materials, leading to difficulty in proportioning and interface instability during charge/discharge processes.

Innovation Solution

The electrochemical device incorporates a cathode current collector with a dyne value of 25 to 31 dyn/cm and controlled burr length on the cathode mixture layer, along with specific surfactant and electrolyte compositions to enhance interface stability and cycle performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional current collectors are used without controlling surface tension, then manufacturing is simpler, but the cathode mixture layer coating quality deteriorates with excessive burr formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecathode mixture layer coating qualityVSAvoidcurrent collector surface treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the surface tension (dyne value) of the current collector within 25-31 dyn/cm through surface treatment. This parameter optimization ensures proper wetting of the cathode mixture layer, preventing burr formation at edges while maintaining coating quality and avoiding excessive surface treatment complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (surfactant or surface coating) on the current collector to mediate between the current collector and cathode mixture layer. This intermediary layer adjusts surface tension to the optimal range, improving coating quality and reducing burrs without requiring complex direct surface treatment of the current collector itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If burr length is not controlled, then coating process is faster, but interface stability deteriorates during charge/discharge cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface stabilityVSAvoidcoating process speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the surface tension of the current collector before the coating process. This pre-treatment ensures that the cathode mixture layer adheres properly and forms uniform edges without excessive burrs, preventing interface instability issues that would otherwise require post-processing correction and maintaining coating productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using surface treatment to prevent burr formation in the first place. By optimizing surface tension to 25-31 dyn/cm, the coating process inherently resists burr formation at edges, eliminating the need for subsequent burr removal operations and maintaining both interface stability and coating speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If raw material compatibility is not optimized, then material selection is more flexible, but cycle performance deteriorates due to proportioning difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle performanceVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the surface tension parameter of the current collector to 25-31 dyn/cm. This parameter optimization improves the wettability and adhesion of various cathode mixture materials, enabling better proportioning and interface stability for different material combinations, thus enhancing cycle performance while maintaining material selection flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a surfactant or surface coating as an intermediary between the current collector and cathode mixture layer. This intermediary improves compatibility among different raw materials by enhancing interfacial adhesion and uniformity, allowing flexible material selection while maintaining excellent cycle performance and proportioning characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution improves the cycle performance of lithium-ion batteries by stabilizing the electrode interface, reducing burr-related coating issues, and optimizing material compatibility, thereby enhancing capacity retention and charge/discharge efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a dyne value of the cathode current collector is 25 dyn/cm to 31 dyn/cm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

the electrochemical device includes a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS12537184B2Electrochemical device and electronic device

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 NINGDE AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

An electrochemical device, including a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte. The cathode includes a cathode current collector and a cathode mixture layer formed on the cathode current collector. A dyne value of the cathode current collector is 25 dyn/cm to 31 dyn/cm. Burrs are provided on an edge of the cathode mixture layer, and a length of the burrs is not greater than 4 mm. The electrochemical device has improved cycle performance.