Graphene-CuF2 Cathode Composition for Conductivity and Li-Ion Diffusion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current lithium-ion batteries face limitations in achieving high energy density due to the low specific capacity and electronic conductivity of traditional cathode materials, particularly copper fluoride (CuF2), which also suffer from structural instability and slow lithium ion diffusion.

Innovation Solution

The integration of graphene with copper fluoride nanoparticles to form a hybrid nanocomposite material, enhancing electronic conductivity and structural stability, and improving lithium ion diffusion through a process involving solution-based reactions and freeze drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If copper fluoride (CuF2) is used as cathode material to achieve high specific capacity, then the specific capacity increases, but electronic conductivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecific capacityVSAvoidelectronic conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a hybrid nanocomposite material combining CuF2 nanoparticles with graphene. The graphene component provides excellent electronic conductivity while the CuF2 nanoparticles deliver high specific capacity. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating two materials with complementary properties, where graphene forms a conductive network that addresses the poor electronic conductivity of CuF2 alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If copper fluoride (CuF2) is used as cathode material to achieve high specific capacity, then the specific capacity increases, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecific capacityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs graphene as a flexible, stable substrate that supports CuF2 nanoparticles. The graphene film maintains structural integrity during electrochemical cycling, preventing the structural degradation that would otherwise occur with CuF2 alone. This thin film approach provides mechanical stability while preserving the high capacity benefits of the nanoparticle composite.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Quantity of substance

If copper fluoride (CuF2) is used as cathode material to achieve high specific capacity, then the specific capacity increases, but lithium ion diffusion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecific capacityVSAvoidlithium ion diffusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cathode material into nanoscale CuF2 particles dispersed on graphene. This segmentation reduces the diffusion distance for lithium ions, allowing faster ion transport throughout the electrode. The nanoparticle architecture creates numerous short diffusion pathways, resolving the contradiction between achieving high capacity and maintaining fast ion diffusion kinetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If traditional cathode materials are used to maintain structural stability, then structural stability is preserved, but specific capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidspecific capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the structural stability of graphene with the high capacity CuF2 nanoparticles in a hybrid composite. This composite material architecture allows the system to achieve both properties simultaneously: graphene provides the stable structural framework while CuF2 delivers the high specific capacity, overcoming the trade-off present in traditional single-material cathodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 graphene-CuF2 nanocomposite exhibits improved specific capacity, working potential, and energy density, overcoming the limitations of CuF2 alone, with enhanced electrochemical performance and structural stability, making it suitable for high-energy lithium-ion batteries.

Implementation Method 1

enhancing electronic conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectronic conductivity enhancement: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

freeze drying the CuSiF6/graphene oxide material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreeze drying: Freeze Drying

Implementation Method 3

heating the aqueous mixture to produce a CuSiF6/graphene oxide material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11888146B2Ultra-high specific energy cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries and methods for producing the same

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 THE TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIV

AI summary

Cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries comprise a hybrid nanocomposite of graphene and copper fluoride. Such cathode active materials are used, together with a polymeric binder material and optionally a conductive additive to form a cathode for a lithium-ion battery. Methods of producing hybrid nanocomposites of graphene and copper fluoride include hydrothermally reacting functionalized graphene, such as graphene oxide, and precursors of copper fluoride, such as aqueous fluorosilicic acid. Such hydrothermal reactions include sequential heating and freeze drying steps to produce a CuF2-graphene nanocomposite.