Composite Electrode Coating for Lithium Battery Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary lithium batteries face issues with leakage, ignition, and explosion due to the use of liquid electrolytes, and existing solutions do not adequately enhance cycle characteristics and stability.
Innovation Solution
A composite electrode active material is developed, comprising specific compounds, lanthanum oxide, and lanthanum zirconium or tantalum oxides, which is coated on a core active material, and a method of preparing this composite involves mixing alkali and tri-valent metal sources with zirconium or tantalum sources and heat treating them, followed by application in a secondary lithium battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is used in secondary lithium battery, then battery can operate with good ion conductivity, but leakage, ignition, and explosion may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid form by using a composite coating material on the electrode surface. This solid electrolyte interface layer maintains ion conductivity while eliminating the safety hazards associated with liquid electrolytes such as leakage and ignition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite coating material consisting of metal oxide (such as Al2O3, TiO2, or ZrO2) combined with other functional materials to create a solid electrolyte interface. This composite structure provides both the necessary ion conductivity and the safety characteristics of solid electrolytes.
2Reliability
If metal oxide coating is applied on electrode active material surface, then cycle characteristics and stability are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the metal oxide coating to the electrode active material surface before assembling the battery. This preliminary coating action protects the electrode material during subsequent battery manufacturing and operation, enhancing cycle characteristics and stability without requiring complex in-situ coating processes.
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 electrode active material enhances the ion conductive characteristics, capacity, and lifetime of secondary lithium batteries, reducing the risk of leakage and explosion while improving stability and thermal performance.
Implementation Method 1
the composite electrode active material enhances the ion conductive characteristics, capacity, and lifetime of secondary lithium batteries
Implementation Method 2
heat treating the mixture to obtain the composite as described above
Data Source
AI summary
A composite includes a compound selected from the group consisting of a lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide and a lithium lanthanum tantalum oxide; a lanthanum oxide; and an oxide selected from the group consisting of a lanthanum zirconium oxide and a lanthanum tantalum oxide. An electrode active material for a secondary lithium battery may include such composite. Methods of preparing the composite, an electrode for a secondary lithium battery including the electrode active material, and a secondary lithium battery including the electrode are disclosed.