Chromone Electrolyte Additive for High-Temperature Li-Ion Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face issues with electrode degradation, particularly at high temperatures, leading to metal ion elution, SEI passivation degradation, and swelling due to electrolyte decomposition, which affects their stability and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A non-aqueous electrolyte with a chromone-based additive that reacts with superoxides to form a stable SEI film, reducing electrode degradation and maintaining low resistance, thereby enhancing high-temperature cycle and storage properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a positive electrode active material with high nickel content or high voltage operation is used to increase capacity, then energy density and power are improved, but electrode degradation accelerates and transition metal ions are eluted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidelectrode stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a chromone-based additive as an intermediary substance that mediates between the positive electrode and electrolyte. This additive preferentially reacts with superoxide radicals generated during high-voltage operation, forming a protective interface layer that prevents direct contact between the electrolyte and positive electrode, thereby suppressing transition metal ion elution while maintaining high capacity operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful superoxide radicals generated during high-voltage charging into beneficial protective compounds. The chromone-based additive reacts with these superoxide radicals to form stable interface compounds that actually protect the electrode from degradation, transforming the harmful oxidative environment into a protective mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Quantity of substance

If the positive electrode potential is increased to improve capacity, then energy density is improved, but side reactions increase and SEI passivation degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidside reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chromone-based additive acts as a mediator that intercepts highly reactive species generated at high potentials before they can cause harmful side reactions. By forming a stable interface layer, it prevents direct side reactions between the electrolyte and electrode materials while allowing beneficial charge transfer to continue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If the battery is operated at high temperatures to improve reaction kinetics, then power output is improved, but electrolyte decomposition accelerates and gas generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidhigh-temperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having the chromone-based additive proactively suppress electrolyte decomposition before it can occur. The additive preferentially reacts with decomposed electrolyte species at elevated temperatures, forming a protective layer that prevents further decomposition and gas generation, thereby maintaining stability during high-temperature operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Quantity of substance

If the battery is left to stand at high temperatures for extended periods, then storage capacity is maintained, but swelling occurs due to gas generation from SEI decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestored capacityVSAvoidbattery thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful thermal decomposition process into a beneficial protective mechanism. The chromone-based additive reacts with thermally decomposed SEI species to form stable compounds, transforming the harmful decomposition process into a protective passivation process that prevents gas generation and swelling during storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 chromone-based additive effectively suppresses electrolyte decomposition, stabilizes the electrode-electrolyte interface, and improves the battery's lifespan and high-temperature performance by forming a protective film, reducing resistance and gas generation.

Implementation Method 1

the compound having a chromone structure is capable of suppressing the decomposition of an electrolyte by preferentially reacting with a superoxide generated due to the structural collapse of a positive electrode active material at a high voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction with superoxides: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

forming a stable SEI film on a negative electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilm formation: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240250303A1Non-Aqueous Electrolyte Including Additive for Non-Aqueous Electrolyte, and Lithium Secondary Battery Including the Non-Aqueous Electrolyte

Publication Date: 2024.07.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A non-aqueous electrolyte including an additive represented by Formula 1 below:wherein in Formula 1 above, R1 to R6 are described herein.