Composite Nickel Cathode Structure for Power and Thermal Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cathodes face challenges in achieving optimal power and energy performance while managing thermal events, particularly in high states of charge, where thermal energy release can lead to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A cathode with a composite nickel structure is developed, featuring a current collector with two distinct cathode electrodes: one with a higher nickel concentration for initial discharge and another with a lower nickel concentration or nickel-free material, optimized through specific coating ratios to balance power and energy performance and reduce thermal event energy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single cathode electrode with uniform nickel concentration is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but optimal power and energy performance cannot be achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode electrode is segmented into multiple regions with different nickel concentrations. The first region contains a first cathode electrode material with a first nickel concentration, while the second region contains a second cathode electrode material with a second nickel concentration different from the first. This segmentation allows each region to contribute differently to power and energy performance, resolving the contradiction between achieving optimal performance and maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cathode electrode are assigned different nickel concentrations tailored to their specific functional requirements. The first region with its specific nickel concentration optimizes for certain performance characteristics, while the second region with a different nickel concentration optimizes for complementary characteristics. This local quality approach enables simultaneous optimization of power and energy performance without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
2Power
If high nickel concentration materials are used to enhance power performance, then power output is improved, but thermal energy release increases leading to safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode electrode employs different nickel concentrations in different regions to locally optimize performance and thermal characteristics. Regions with higher nickel concentrations provide enhanced power performance, while regions with lower nickel concentrations reduce thermal energy release and improve safety. This spatial variation in material composition allows the system to simultaneously achieve high power output and thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The cathode electrode uses composite materials with different nickel concentrations in different regions. The first cathode electrode material and second cathode electrode material form a composite structure where each component contributes different properties. This composite approach enables the system to harness the high power density of nickel-rich materials while mitigating their thermal runout issues through nickel-poor regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A cathode with a composite nickel structure for use in a battery cell is provided. The cathode includes a current collector including a first side and a second side. The cathode further includes a first cathode electrode coating the first side of the current collector. The first cathode electrode includes a first relatively higher concentration of nickel. The cathode further includes a second cathode electrode coating the second side of the current collector. The second cathode electrode includes one of a second relatively lower concentration of nickel as compared to the first cathode electrode or a nickel-free material.