Dielectric-Coated Battery Separator for Lithium Dendrite Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current separators in lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to electrical shorts due to lithium dendrite growth, require complex manufacturing methods, and are expensive, limiting the development of faster charging, higher capacity, and more compact energy storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A separator comprising a porous ion-conducting polymeric substrate coated with a thin, binder-free dielectric layer, such as aluminum oxide, formed using reactive evaporation techniques, which inhibits dendrite growth and reduces ionic resistance, allowing for thinner and more efficient energy storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high porosity separators are used to increase ionic conductivity, then ion transport is improved, but electrical shorts occur due to lithium dendrite growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a porous polymeric separator with a dielectric coating layer to create a composite structure. The porous substrate provides high ionic conductivity, while the dielectric coating prevents lithium dendrite penetration, resolving the contradiction between ionic conductivity and dendrite resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a porous polymeric separator as the base layer to enable efficient ion transport. The porous structure allows high ionic conductivity while the dielectric coating applied on top prevents dendrite growth through the pores, maintaining both conductivity and safety
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional separator manufacturing methods are used, then production is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separator formation and dielectric coating deposition into a single integrated manufacturing process. The dielectric layer is deposited directly onto the porous separator in one step, eliminating the need for separate lamination or assembly steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical lamination processes with a direct deposition method. The dielectric coating is formed through vapor deposition or similar processes that deposit material directly onto the separator, simplifying the manufacturing workflow and reducing process steps
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 enhances lithium metal deposition and stripping during cycling, reduces tortuosity in the separator, and improves energy density and voltage stability, while being cost-effective and easier to manufacture, thus enabling faster charging and higher capacity batteries.
Implementation Method 1
formed using reactive evaporation techniques
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relate to separators, high performance electrochemical devices, such as, batteries and capacitors, including the aforementioned separators, and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, a separator for a battery is provided. The separator comprises a substrate capable of conducting ions and at least one dielectric layer capable of conducting ions. The at least one dielectric layer at least partially covers the substrate and has a thickness of 1 nanometer to 2,000 nanometers.