Composite Anode Protective Layer for Uniform Lithium Precipitation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Anodeless-type all-solid-state batteries face challenges with non-uniform lithium precipitation on the anode current collector, leading to poor reversibility and stability.

Innovation Solution

A composite anode is developed, comprising an anode current collector with a protective layer made of a metallic compound (such as TiO2 or ZrC) and a metal alloyable with lithium (like silver or gold), which promotes uniform lithium precipitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If an anode active material layer is removed and only an anode current collector is used, then energy density per unit weight is greatly improved, but lithium is not uniformly precipitated and the battery is not reversibly driven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy density per unit weightVSAvoidreversibility and uniform lithium precipitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protective layer comprising a metallic compound (such as TiO2, ZrC, SiC, Al2O3) and a metal alloyable with lithium (such as Au, Pt, Pd, Si, Ag, Al, Bi, Sn, Zn, Mg) is introduced as an intermediary between the anode current collector and the electrolyte. This protective layer mediates the lithium precipitation process, enabling uniform lithium distribution and reversible battery operation while maintaining the anodeless structure's high energy density advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer is constructed as a composite material combining a metallic compound and a lithium-alloyable metal. The metallic compound provides structural stability and prevents direct contact between the current collector and electrolyte, while the lithium-alloyable metal promotes uniform lithium precipitation through alloying effects, achieving both high energy density and reliable reversibility

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 composite anode ensures uniform lithium precipitation and enhances the charge and discharge reversibility of anodeless-type all-solid-state batteries, improving their overall performance and stability.

Implementation Method 1

lithium is uniformly precipitated on an anode current collector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical deposition: Electrodeposition

Data Source

PatentUS12322789B2Active material-free composite anode for all-solid-state battery and method of manufacturing same

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A composite anode for an all-solid-state battery, the composite anode having no active anode material is provided. Specifically, the anode includes: an anode current collector; and a protective layer positioned on the anode current collector, and including a metallic compound and a metal alloyable with lithium, wherein the metallic compound includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a metal carbide, and a combination thereof.