Ceramic Separator and Indicator Electrode for Lithium Battery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion battery cells pose safety risks due to organic electrolytes, particularly in high-capacity applications, leading to potential fires or explosions, and have limitations in deep discharge capability, cycle life, and energy density, while also incurring high manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery cell design utilizing a sulfur dioxide-containing electrolyte with lithium as the active cation, combined with a ceramic separator layer and an indicator electrode to prevent metallic lithium deposition and ensure safety, longevity, and high energy efficiency, while maintaining low manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If organic electrolyte is used in lithium-ion cells, then ion mobility and electrical performance are improved, but safety risks increase due to flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by replacing organic solvents with inorganic substances, specifically using sulfur dioxide as the primary electrolyte component. This parameter change fundamentally alters the safety profile while maintaining ionic conductivity, directly resolving the contradiction between electrical performance and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful flammability of organic electrolytes into a benefit by using inorganic electrolytes that are non-flammable. The sulfur dioxide-based electrolyte system transforms the safety hazard into a safe operating condition, allowing the battery to achieve both high performance and inherent safety without requiring additional protective measures.
2Use of energy by moving object
If deep discharge capability is enabled in organic lithium-ion cells, then energy utilization is improved, but irreversible damage occurs below 2.7V
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrochemical window parameters by using inorganic electrolytes with wider stability ranges. The sulfur dioxide-based electrolyte maintains its chemical stability at lower potentials where organic electrolytes would decompose, enabling deep discharge to 0V without irreversible damage and expanding the usable energy range of the battery cell.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If safety measures are added to prevent metallic lithium deposition, then safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service safety by using inorganic electrolytes that inherently prevent metallic lithium deposition through their chemical properties. The sulfur dioxide-based electrolyte naturally suppresses lithium plating without requiring external monitoring systems, control algorithms, or additional protective components, thereby maintaining safety while avoiding increased complexity.
4Reliability
If inorganic electrolyte with sulfur dioxide is used, then safety and cycle life are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an inert chemical environment using sulfur dioxide as the electrolyte base, which is inherently stable and resistant to decomposition. This inert environment reduces the sensitivity to manufacturing variations and environmental contaminants, actually decreasing the stringency of precision requirements compared to organic electrolyte systems that require strict moisture and oxygen control.
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 enhances safety, extends cycle life, and improves energy density by preventing metallic lithium deposition, allowing for deeper discharge without damage and reducing manufacturing costs through the use of a sulfur dioxide-containing electrolyte and ceramic separator layer, along with an indicator electrode for early detection of safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
The ions are transported between the electrodes by means of the electrolyte, which ensures the necessary ion mobility
Implementation Method 2
a ceramic separator layer which is applied to the negative electrode
Implementation Method 3
The electrochemical potential of the indicator electrode is determined by the metal used in the indicator electrode
Implementation Method 4
the active cations, which react when the battery cell is charged at the negative electrode by insertion or intercalation into a host lattice
Implementation Method 5
the active cations, which react when the battery cell is charged at the negative electrode by insertion or intercalation into a host lattice
Implementation Method 6
preventing metallic lithium deposition and ensure safety
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Described is a negative electrode for a rechargeable battery cell, at least one ceramic separator layer being applied to said electrode. Also described is an indicator electrode for recognizing active metal deposits, said indicator electrode being electrically insulated from the negative and positive electrodes of the battery cell.