Core-Shell Titanium Niobate Particles for Higher Li-Ion Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Titanium niobate, a promising material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and safety features, suffers from poor electrical conductivity, limiting its application and performance in lithium-ion batteries.
Innovation Solution
The development of core-shell particles with a titanium niobate core and a copper-containing shell layer, which improves the electrical conductivity and intercalation properties of titanium niobate, thereby enhancing the charge-discharge capacity and cycle life of lithium-ion batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If titanium niobate is used as negative electrode material, then capacity and energy density are improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a core-shell composite structure where titanium niobate core particles are coated with a conductive shell layer. This composite structure combines the high capacity advantages of titanium niobate with the excellent electrical conductivity of the shell material, resolving the contradiction between capacity and conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials to different regions of the electrode structure: the interior core maintains the high-capacity titanium niobate composition, while the exterior shell provides enhanced electrical conductivity. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its function without compromising the other.
2Quantity of substance
If titanium niobate is used as negative electrode material, then theoretical capacity is improved, but charge-discharge rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive shell layer in the core-shell composite structure facilitates faster electron transport, enabling higher charge-discharge rates while preserving the high theoretical capacity of the titanium niobate core. The shell acts as a conductive network that accelerates electrochemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of titanium niobate particles by coating them with conductive materials, changing the electrical parameters at the particle surface. This parameter change enables faster ion and electron transport kinetics without altering the bulk capacity-determining composition.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional carbon materials are used in negative electrode, then capacity is maintained, but cycle lifetime and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses carbon coating locally on the surface of titanium niobate particles, providing protective functions at the interface while maintaining the bulk structural integrity and safety characteristics of titanium niobate. This localized carbon presence enhances cycle life without compromising the inherent safety advantages of titanium niobate.
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 use of core-shell particles with a copper shell layer significantly enhances the charge-discharge capacity and cycle life of lithium-ion batteries, addressing the conductivity limitations of titanium niobate and improving the overall performance and energy density of the batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The development of core-shell particles with a titanium niobate core and a copper-containing shell layer, which improves the electrical conductivity and intercalation properties of titanium niobate
Implementation Method 2
improves the electrical conductivity and intercalation properties of titanium niobate, thereby enhancing the charge-discharge capacity and cycle life of lithium-ion batteries
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A core-shell particle includes a core having a chemical structure of Ti(1-x)M1xNb(2-y)M2yO(7-z)Qz, in which M1 is Li or Mg; M2 is Fe, Mn, V, Ni, Cr, or Cu; Q is F, Cl, Br, I, or S; x is 0 to 0.15; y is 0 to 0.15; and z is 0 to 2; and a shell layer wrapping at least a portion of the surface of the core, and the shell layer includes Cu, Nb, Ti, and O.