Porous Ceramic Anode Coating for Lithium Dendrite Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium metal anodes in solid-state batteries face issues with dendrite formation and interface degradation due to inhomogeneous Li deposition, leading to short circuits and safety concerns, while organic liquid electrolytes are flammable.

Innovation Solution

An anode assembly comprising a porous ceramic matrix with an amorphous carbon coating, which is electron and ion conductive, is introduced to stabilize the interface between the anode and electrolyte, reducing dendrite formation and enhancing mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If lithium metal anode is used in solid-state battery, then energy density is improved, but dendrite formation occurs leading to short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidshort circuit risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A porous ceramic coating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium metal anode and the solid-state electrolyte. This coating acts as a mediator that prevents direct harmful interactions while allowing beneficial ionic transport, thereby suppressing dendrite formation and eliminating short circuit risks while maintaining high energy density benefits of lithium metal anode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a porous ceramic coating material with controlled porosity (30-70% pore volume) that allows lithium ion transport while mechanically suppressing dendrite growth. The porous structure provides pathways for uniform ion distribution and prevents localized stress concentration that would lead to dendrite formation and short circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If organic liquid electrolyte is used, then ionic conductivity is improved, but flammability increases creating safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidflammability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte system by transitioning from organic liquid to inorganic solid-state materials with appropriate ionic conductivity. The porous ceramic coating further modifies local parameters by providing ion transport pathways while eliminating flammable organic components, achieving both high ionic conductivity and fire safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If solid-state electrolyte interface is used, then dendrite suppression is improved, but interface degradation occurs over cycling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedendrite suppressionVSAvoidinterface stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite interface structure consisting of porous ceramic coating combined with solid-state electrolyte. This composite material combines the dendrite-suppressing mechanical strength of ceramic with the ionic conductivity of solid electrolyte, achieving both dendrite suppression and long-term interface stability during cycling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The porous ceramic coating with optimized pore structure accommodates volume changes during lithium plating and stripping cycles while maintaining continuous contact with the solid-state electrolyte. This porous architecture prevents interface degradation by absorbing mechanical stress and maintaining stable ionic transport pathways over extended cycling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

4Strength

If porous ceramic matrix is used for anode, then mechanical strength is improved, but electron conductivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidelectron conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention develops a composite anode structure where porous ceramic matrix is combined with conductive materials (such as carbon or metal nanoparticles) to create a composite material that simultaneously provides mechanical strength from the ceramic framework and electron conductivity from the conductive additive network

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 amorphous carbon coating improves the cycling stability and safety of lithium-ion batteries by maintaining a continuous electron pathway, reducing dendrite formation, and preventing flammability, thus enhancing energy density and long-term stability.

Implementation Method 1

the amorphous carbon coating is electron conductive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the amorphous carbon coating is ion conductive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240021777A1Coated anode for a lithium battery

Publication Date: 2024.01.18 UNIV OF MARYLAND

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an anode assembly for a lithium ion battery. The anode assembly comprises an anode, a ceramic separator, and an amorphous carbon coating. The anode comprises a first porous ceramic matrix having pores. The ceramic separator layer is coupled to the anode. The amorphous carbon coating is disposed at least partially on a surface of the first porous ceramic matrix. The present disclosure also provides a lithium-ion battery. The present disclosure further provides a method of forming an anode assembly for a lithium-ion battery.