Clay-Composite Negative Electrode for Lithium Dendrite Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

All-solid-state batteries using lithium metal as a negative electrode face issues with lithium volume expansion and irreversible dendrite growth during charge and discharge, leading to low power characteristics and short-circuit phenomena.

Innovation Solution

A negative electrode for all-solid-state batteries comprising a current collector with a catalyst layer containing amorphous carbon, metal, and clay, where the clay improves lithium ion mobility and prevents dendrite formation, and a lithium-containing layer between the current collector and the catalyst layer acts as a lithium reservoir.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If lithium metal is used as a negative electrode to increase energy density, then energy density is improved, but lithium volume expansion and irreversible dendrite growth occur during charge and discharge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoiddendrite growth and volume expansion
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a solid electrolyte layer as an intermediary between the lithium metal negative electrode and the positive electrode. This solid electrolyte acts as a mediator that allows lithium ion transport while physically restraining dendrite growth and preventing direct contact between electrodes, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving high energy density with lithium metal and preventing dendrite-related reliability issues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, and optimizes parameters such as solid electrolyte composition, density, and interface properties. This parameter transformation enables the system to maintain high energy density while suppressing dendrite formation through the inherent mechanical and electrochemical properties of solid materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a layer with lithium deposited on the negative electrode current collector is formed without using lithium metal to avoid volume expansion, then volume expansion is reduced, but low power characteristics and excessive short-circuit phenomena occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume stabilityVSAvoidpower characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material structures including the current collector, deposited lithium layer, and solid electrolyte in specific configurations. This composite approach combines the volume stability of deposited lithium with the high ionic conductivity and dendrite-blocking properties of the solid electrolyte, achieving both volume stability and acceptable power characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates local quality differences by forming a controlled lithium deposition layer with specific thickness and distribution characteristics on the current collector, and by designing the solid electrolyte with optimized local properties at the electrode interface. This localized optimization enables the system to achieve volume stability while maintaining sufficient power delivery capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 electrochemical properties by improving lithium deposition uniformity, reducing dendrite formation, and enhancing charge/discharge efficiency, thereby extending the battery's cycle-life and preventing short circuits.

Implementation Method 1

the clay improves lithium ion mobility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

the clay improves lithium ion mobility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

a lithium-containing layer between the current collector and the catalyst layer acts as a lithium reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4611052A1Negative electrode for all-solid-state battery and all-solid-state battery including same
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4611052A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4611052A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4611052A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a negative electrode for an all-solid-state battery including same. This negative electrode for an all-solid-state battery includes a current collector and a negative electrode catalyst layer located on the current collector and including an amorphous carbon, metal and clay.