Dry-Coated Li-Ion Electrodes to Limit SEI and Drying Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face challenges with the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the anode surface during cycling, leading to irreversible charge losses and reduced lithium availability. Additionally, traditional wet coating processes for electrode fabrication are energy-intensive and pose challenges in scaling up production.
Innovation Solution
The development of a solvent-free electrode agglomeration method using lithium organic compounds such as dilithium terephalate or dilithium 2-aminoterephthalate, combined with active material powder and a binder, which prevents SEI formation and eliminates the need for solvents in the electrode composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional wet coating processes are used for electrode fabrication, then the electrode can be formed with binder and active material, but the process is energy-intensive due to drying requirements and poses challenges in scaling up production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the coating process from wet to dry by using a solvent-free slurry composition. This eliminates the drying step entirely, as the slurry is applied and immediately forms a cohesive electrode structure without requiring solvent evaporation, thereby dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the solvent component from the traditional wet coating slurry. By formulating a solvent-free slurry using lithium organic compounds as the liquid medium, the harmful drying step is eliminated, and the coating process becomes energy-efficient while still allowing for proper adhesion and structural formation
2Productivity
If traditional electrode coating processes are used, then the electrode can be formed, but irreversible charge losses occur due to SEI formation on the anode surface during cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lithium organic compounds as an intermediary substance that forms a protective interface between the anode active material and the electrolyte. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact between the electrolyte and anode surface, thereby preventing SEI formation and the associated irreversible charge losses while maintaining lithium ion transport
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies lithium organic compounds to the anode surface before the electrolyte can cause SEI formation. This preliminary protective action creates a stable interface that prevents the harmful SEI formation reaction from occurring during battery cycling, preserving charge capacity
3Use of energy by moving object
If solvent-free slurry is used for electrode coating, then energy consumption is reduced by eliminating drying process, but the process must ensure proper adhesion and structural integrity of the electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite slurry system combining lithium organic compounds with binder and active material powders. This composite formulation ensures proper adhesion to the current collector and structural integrity of the electrode while maintaining the solvent-free characteristic that eliminates drying requirements and reduces energy consumption
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
This approach reduces energy consumption by eliminating the drying process, enhances battery performance by minimizing irreversible charge losses, and facilitates scalable production by simplifying the coating process.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode is resistant to solid electrolyte interphase formation on a surface of the electrode during cycling of the battery
Implementation Method 2
The solvent-free electrode agglomeration is mechanically adhered to the binder
Data Source
AI summary
A lithium-ion battery electrode and a method for its fabrication are provided. The electrode comprises a current collector and a solvent-free electrode agglomeration of lithium organic compound, active material powder, and binder mechanically adhered to the current collector such that the electrode is resistant to solid electrolyte interphase formation on a surface of the electrode during cycling of the battery.