Doped Cathode Active Material for High-Temperature Cycle Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face issues with reduced structural stability and lifespan retention rate in high-temperature environments, particularly in high-Ni-based cathodes used for electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A cathode active material comprising a metal composite with lithium compound particles, including specific metal elements like Al, Ti, Zr, Sb, and Nb, and controlled doping ratios, is developed to enhance stability and lifespan retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If high-Ni-based cathodes are used to achieve high energy density, then battery energy density is improved, but structural stability and lifespan retention rate deteriorate in high-temperature environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite cathode material comprising Li-Ni-Co-Mn-O spinel particles combined with Li-Mn-O layered particles. This composite structure leverages the high capacity of nickel-based materials while the manganese spinel component provides structural stability at high temperatures, resolving the contradiction between energy density and thermal stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a core-shell structure where the Li-Ni-Co-Mn-O spinel forms a stable outer layer protecting the inner Li-Mn-O layered structure. This local differentiation allows the inner core to provide high capacity while the outer shell maintains structural integrity during thermal cycling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If high-Ni-based cathodes are used to achieve high energy density, then battery energy density is improved, but lifespan retention rate deteriorates in high-temperature environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidlifespan retention rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The composite of Li-Ni-Co-Mn-O spinel and Li-Mn-O layered particles creates a synergistic effect where the spinel phase acts as a stable framework that prevents degradation of the layered structure during long-term high-temperature operation, thereby extending battery lifespan while maintaining high energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The Li-Ni-Co-Mn-O spinel component serves as a protective cushion that preemptively prevents structural degradation of the cathode material during thermal cycling, reducing capacity fade over time and maintaining lifespan retention rate in high-temperature environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Use of energy by moving object

If high-Ni-based cathodes are used to achieve high energy density, then battery energy density is improved, but performance deteriorates in high-temperature operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidhigh-temperature degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-phase composite structure combines the high capacity advantage of nickel-based layered oxides with the thermal stability of manganese spinel, creating a material that resists high-temperature degradation while maintaining high energy density for battery application.

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 cathode active material exhibits excellent structural stability and lifespan retention even in high-temperature conditions, improving battery performance.

Implementation Method 1

A cathode active material comprising a metal composite with lithium compound particles, including specific metal elements like Al, Ti, Zr, Sb, and Nb, and controlled doping ratios

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoping: Dopants

Implementation Method 2

the metal composite 10 may include an extra-particle region 12, and the extra-particle region 12 may include one or more selected from the group consisting of oxides, sulfides, sulfur oxides, fluoroxides, and hydrates of the first metal element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolid solution strengthening: Solid Solution Strengthening

Data Source

PatentUS20250219070A1Positive electrode active material

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 SK ON CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention may provide a cathode active material that exhibits excellent structural stability and lifespan retention rate even in a high-temperature environment where a battery is operating. In addition, the present invention may provide a cathode including an active material layer containing the cathode active material and provide a battery cell including the cathode. In addition, the present invention is aimed at providing a battery cell assembly including the battery cell. In addition, the present invention may provide an electric device including one or more selected from the group consisting of the battery cell and the battery cell assembly.