Positive Electrode Additive Coating to Reduce Slurry Gelation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable lithium batteries suffer from capacity loss at the positive electrode due to lithium ion consumption during the initial charge and discharge cycle, leading to stability and processability issues.

Innovation Solution

An additive for the positive electrode comprising lithium iron oxide particles with a coating layer of metal oxide particles having an oxidation number of 4 or higher is used to improve dispersibility and reduce gelation, enhancing charge/discharge efficiency and lifecycle characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If lithium iron oxide particles are used as positive electrode additive, then capacity characteristics are improved, but gelation occurs reducing dispersibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity characteristicsVSAvoiddispersibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Metal oxide particles with oxidation number 4 or higher serve as intermediary substances between lithium iron oxide particles and the slurry matrix. These intermediary particles prevent direct harmful interactions while maintaining the beneficial capacity characteristics of lithium iron oxide, thereby resolving the gelation issue without sacrificing performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite additive system combining lithium iron oxide particles with metal oxide particles (such as SiO2, TiO2, ZrO2, HfO2, SnO2, PbO2, MnO2, or V2O5). This composite structure leverages the high capacity of lithium iron oxide while the metal oxide component provides gelation resistance, achieving both improved capacity and maintained dispersibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If pre-lithiation is performed to compensate capacity loss, then capacity characteristics are improved, but stability and processability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity characteristicsVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the chemical composition through pre-lithiation, the invention changes physical parameters by introducing metal oxide particles with specific properties (oxidation number 4 or higher, controlled size distribution). This parameter-based approach compensates for capacity loss while maintaining system stability and processability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 additive improves the initial efficiency, capacity characteristics, and lifecycle of rechargeable lithium batteries by reducing gelation and enhancing dispersibility, resulting in improved charge/discharge efficiency and prolonged battery life.

Implementation Method 1

capable of improving the dispersibility of a positive electrode slurry and reducing or suppressing gelation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGelation reduction:

Implementation Method 2

enhancing charge/discharge efficiency, capacity characteristics, and lifecycle characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS20250226406A1Additives for positive electrodes, preparation methods thereof, positive electrodes, and rechargeable lithium batteries

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are an additive for a positive electrode, a preparation method thereof, and a positive electrode and a rechargeable lithium battery including the additive, the additive including lithium iron oxide particle; and a coating layer located on the surface of the lithium iron oxide particles and including metal oxide particles including a metal having an oxidation number of 4 or higher.