Current Collector Edge Coating to Suppress Electrode Sliding

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rechargeable lithium batteries face challenges in preventing lithium precipitation due to the sliding phenomenon of electrodes, which limits capacity and lifespan without increasing process complexity or material deterioration.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sliding controller with a compound having a contact angle of about 30° to 140° on the edge area of the electrode current collector to reduce or prevent the sliding phenomenon, thereby minimizing lithium precipitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sliding controller with compound coating is applied to the electrode current collector edge area, then lithium precipitation is reduced and lifecycle characteristics are improved, but process complexity increases due to additional coating steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifecycle characteristicsVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding controller compound is applied in advance to the edge area of the electrode current collector before electrode assembly, preventing the sliding phenomenon and lithium precipitation from the outset. This preliminary protective action ensures reliable lifecycle performance by addressing the root cause of electrode degradation before it occurs during battery operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding controller compound acts as an intermediary layer between the electrode current collector and the electrode material, preventing direct contact and sliding between these components. This intermediate substance reduces friction and prevents the harmful sliding phenomenon that leads to lithium precipitation, thereby improving reliability without requiring fundamental changes to the electrode structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the sliding phenomenon is prevented by additional processes, then lithium precipitation is reduced, but material deterioration occurs due to additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithium precipitation preventionVSAvoidmaterial stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding controller compound is applied in advance to the edge area of the electrode current collector before electrode assembly, preventing the sliding phenomenon and lithium precipitation from the outset. This preliminary protective action ensures reliable lifecycle performance by addressing the root cause of electrode degradation before it occurs during battery operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding controller compound acts as an intermediary layer between the electrode current collector and the electrode material, preventing direct contact and sliding between these components. This intermediate substance reduces friction and prevents the harmful sliding phenomenon that leads to lithium precipitation, thereby improving reliability without requiring fundamental changes to the electrode structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces the risk of electrode deterioration and lithium precipitation, leading to improved lifecycle characteristics of the rechargeable lithium battery without substantial increases in process complexity or material modification.

Implementation Method 1

the sliding controller includes a compound having a contact angle of about 30 ° to about 140 °

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContact angle: Wetting

Data Source

PatentEP4560722A1Electrodes, preparation methods thereof, and rechargeable lithium batteries

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed are an electrode, a preparation method thereof, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the electrode, the electrode including an electrode current collector (101), and a sliding controller (201) located on an edge area of the electrode current collector, wherein the sliding controller includes a compound having a contact angle of about 30° to about 140°.