Complexometric Precursor Formulation for Nanosize Battery Powders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing high-performance lithium cathode materials for lithium ion batteries are costly and energy-intensive, requiring lengthy processing times and multiple steps, which hinder large-scale industrial production and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The complexometric precursor formulation (CPF) method forms a complexcelle on a bubble surface, allowing controlled nucleation and crystal growth, reducing processing steps and energy consumption, and utilizing low-cost raw materials to produce fine, ultrafine, and nanosize powders with tailored chemical and physical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional methods are used to produce high-performance lithium cathode materials, then product performance is improved, but production cost and energy consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the precursor formulation by using complexometric agents to control metal ion coordination, enabling nucleation and crystal growth at lower temperatures and with reduced energy input while maintaining product performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces complexometric precursors as intermediary compounds that mediate between raw materials and final product, controlling the nucleation and crystal growth processes to reduce energy consumption during synthesis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional methods are used to produce high-performance lithium cathode materials, then product performance is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct performanceVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary complexometric precursor formulation that pre-organizes metal ions in specific coordination geometries, enabling faster nucleation and crystal growth rates that reduce overall processing time while maintaining product quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies kinetic parameters through complexometric agent selection and concentration control, accelerating the nucleation and crystal growth rates to reduce processing time without sacrificing product performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional methods are used to produce high-performance lithium cathode materials, then product performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct performanceVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple process steps (precursor preparation, nucleation, and crystal growth) into a single integrated complexometric precursor formulation process, reducing device complexity while maintaining product performance through unified process control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If nanosize powders are produced to enhance battery performance, then mass and charge transport is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery performanceVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls particle size parameters through complexometric precursor formulation, achieving nanosize powders with narrow size distribution that enhance battery performance while using cost-effective reagents and simplified processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method results in lithium cathode materials with improved cycle life, stability, and charging rates, significantly reducing production costs and time, while maintaining high performance, making them suitable for industrial-scale production and electric vehicle applications.

Implementation Method 1

controlled nucleation and crystal growth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNucleation: Nucleation

Implementation Method 2

complexometric precursor formulation (CPF) method forms a complexcelle on a bubble surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplexation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

controlled nucleation and crystal growth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystal growth: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentUS9698419B1Complexometric precursor formulation methodology for industrial production of fine and ultrafine powders and nanopowders of layered lithium mixed metal oxides for battery applications

Publication Date: 2017.07.04 VERBUM

AI summary

A battery with improved properties is provided. The battery has a cathode material prepared by the complexometric formulation methodology comprising MnXp wherein: Mj is at least one positive ion selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and transition metals and n represents the moles of said positive ion per mole of said MjXp; and Xp is a negative anion or polyanion selected from Groups IIIA, IV A, VA, VIA and VIIA and may be one or more anion or polyanion and p representing the moles of said negative ion per moles of said MjXp. The battery has a discharge capacity at the 1000th discharge cycle of at least 120 mAh/g at room temperature at a discharge rate of 1 C when discharged from at least 4.6 volts to at least 2.0 volts.