Composite Electrode Protection Layer for Electrolyte Inhibition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical cells face challenges in forming protective layers that effectively cover electrodes without defects, leading to performance issues due to interactions with the electrolyte and other components.
Innovation Solution
A composite structure comprising a separator with enhanced surface energy treated by plasma, bonded with an ion conductor layer made of lithium oxysulfide, which inhibits electrolyte interaction with the electrode and improves adhesion between layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective layer is formed to cover the electrode, then the electrode is protected from interactions with the electrolyte, but the protective layer may have defects that reduce its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of an ion conductor layer deposited on a separator. The ion conductor layer serves as the protective barrier, while the separator provides mechanical support. This composite approach allows the thin ion conductor layer (which would be difficult to manufacture defect-free alone) to be supported by the robust separator, achieving reliable protection without requiring perfect manufacturing of the protective layer itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin ion conductor film deposited on the separator surface. This thin film provides the necessary protective function while minimizing material usage and maintaining flexibility. The thin film approach, combined with the separator substrate, achieves effective protection while being more manufacturable than thick monolithic protective layers.
2Strength
If the separator surface energy is enhanced by plasma treatment, then the adhesion between the ion conductor layer and separator is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies plasma treatment to the separator surface before depositing the ion conductor layer. This preliminary action modifies the separator surface to enhance its surface energy and adhesion properties, ensuring strong bonding between the separator and the subsequent ion conductor layer. By performing this surface preparation in advance, the patent achieves reliable interfacial adhesion while maintaining a systematic manufacturing approach.
3Reliability
If the ion conductor layer is made thinner to improve ion conductivity, then the mechanical stability and resistance to delamination decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully implements a thin ion conductor film that provides sufficient ion conductivity while relying on the underlying separator for mechanical strength. The thin film design minimizes ionic resistance while the separator substrate prevents delamination and provides structural stability, achieving a balance between conductivity and mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of ion conductor layer on separator allows the thin ion conductor film to function effectively for ion transport while the separator provides the necessary mechanical support. This division of functions between the two materials enables the system to achieve both high ion conductivity and mechanical stability simultaneously.
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 structure enhances the mechanical stability and ion conductivity of the ion conductor layer, reducing the likelihood of delamination and mechanical failure, thereby improving the overall performance and longevity of the electrochemical cell.
Implementation Method 1
the separator has been treated by plasma to enhance its surface energy thereby improving a lamination process and coating adhesion
Implementation Method 2
The ion-conducting material can inhibit interaction between the protected electrode and an electrolyte
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Composite structures including an ion-conducting material and a polymeric material (e.g., a separator) to protect electrodes are generally described. The ion-conducting material may be in the form of a layer that is bonded to a polymeric separator. The ion-conducting material may comprise a lithium oxysulfide having a lithium-ion conductivity of at least at least 10-6 S/cm.