Cracked Oxide Lithium Metal Anode for Dendrite Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal secondary batteries face issues with decreased charge/discharge efficiency and battery life due to dendrite growth and consumption of electrolyte salts and additives, leading to instability and short-circuits.
Innovation Solution
A lithium metal negative electrode with an oxide layer featuring a cracked region on its surface to enhance lithium deintercalation and suppress dendrite growth, achieved through thermal treatment in a vacuum or inert atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a lithium metal negative electrode is used to achieve high capacity density, then the theoretical capacity increases to 3,862 mAh/g, but dendrite growth occurs causing short-circuits and decreased battery life
Solution Approach 1:
An oxide layer is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium metal and the electrolyte solution. This oxide layer acts as a mediator that prevents direct harmful interactions while allowing beneficial lithium ion transport, thereby suppressing dendrite growth and preventing electrolyte decomposition without sacrificing the high capacity density of lithium metal
Solution Approach 2:
The physical and chemical parameters of the lithium metal surface are changed by forming an oxide layer with specific thickness (10 nm to 10 μm) and composition. This parameter change transforms the surface properties to be more stable and less prone to dendrite formation, while maintaining the electrochemical performance needed for high capacity density
2Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is used as a negative electrode active material, then high capacity is achieved, but the electrolyte solution decomposes continuously consuming salts and additives
Solution Approach 1:
The oxide layer serves as a protective intermediary that blocks the direct contact between lithium metal and the electrolyte solution, preventing the decomposition reactions that consume salts and additives. This intermediary layer allows the system to maintain high capacity while minimizing substance loss
Solution Approach 2:
The oxide layer is formed in advance on the lithium metal surface to prevent the harmful side reactions before they can occur. This preliminary protective action stops the electrolyte decomposition at the source, preventing continuous consumption of electrolyte components
3Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used as a negative electrode, then high energy density is achieved, but charge/discharge efficiency decreases due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The surface parameters of the lithium metal are modified by oxide layer formation, changing the interfacial properties between the electrode and electrolyte. This parameter change reduces polarization and improves reaction kinetics, thereby enhancing charge/discharge efficiency while preserving the high energy density of lithium metal
Solution Approach 2:
The oxide layer acts as a sacrificial protective layer that can be continuously regenerated or replaced through the formation process, providing ongoing protection against instability issues while maintaining the high energy density performance
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 cracked oxide layer improves lithium deintercalation, increases surface area for uniform electrodeposition, and suppresses dendrite growth, enhancing battery life and stability.
Implementation Method 1
thermal treatment in a vacuum or inert atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
enable uniform electrodeposition
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a lithium metal negative electrode comprising a lithium metal layer; and an oxide layer on at least one surface of the lithium metal layer, wherein the oxide layer has a cracked region and a non-cracked region, and a method for manufacturing the same, and since the oxide layer on at least one surface of the lithium metal layer has the cracked region, it is possible to improve the battery life.