Composite Electrode Concentration Gradient for Ion Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face challenges in achieving improved ion conduction and high-current capability, as well as effective adhesion of electrode compositions to collectors, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A composite electrode with a concentration gradient of active electrode material and conductivity additives along the electrode thickness, where the active electrode material concentration increases towards the collector, and the conductivity additive concentration decreases, is used, along with a binder concentration that remains constant, to enhance ion conduction and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a uniform electrode composition is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ion conduction and high-current capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode composition is designed with spatially varying properties: the active material concentration increases from the surface toward the collector, while conductivity additive concentration decreases in the same direction. This local quality variation optimizes ion conduction near the collector while maintaining appropriate electrical conductivity throughout the electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements concentration gradients by systematically varying the parameters of active material and conductivity additive concentrations along the electrode thickness direction. This parameter change approach creates optimized regions for ion transport and electrical conduction without requiring a completely new electrode architecture.
2Quantity of substance
If the active material concentration is increased throughout the electrode, then the capacity is improved, but the adhesion to the collector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The active material is concentrated in specific regions (near the collector) rather than being uniformly distributed. This local concentration strategy increases the effective capacity near the collector where it is most needed for electron transfer, while maintaining lower concentrations in other regions to preserve binder effectiveness and overall adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentration of active material is systematically varied as a function of position within the electrode thickness. This gradient approach allows the system to achieve high local capacity near the collector while maintaining sufficient binder content elsewhere to ensure proper adhesion and mechanical integrity.
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 design improves ion conduction and high-current capability while maintaining effective adhesion to the collector, leading to better cycling stability and performance in lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode composition has a concentration gradient along the direction of the electrode thickness in respect of the active electrode material and the conductivity additive
Implementation Method 2
effect adhesion of an electrode composition to a collector
Data Source
AI summary
A composite electrode is provided having a collector, the collector is coated with an electrode composition containing an active electrode material, a binding agent, and a conductivity additive such as conductive carbon black. The electrode composition has a concentration gradient along the direction of the electrode thickness in respect of the active electrode material and the conductivity additive, with the concentration gradient of the active electrode material increasing toward the collector, and the concentration gradient of the conductivity additive and the binder decreasing toward the collector. Two different methods of producing the composite electrode are also provided. A lithium-ion battery is further provided which includes a composite electrode having a collector, the collector is coated with an electrode composition containing an active electrode material, a binding agent, and a conductivity additive.