Electrode Coating Cavities Using Gas Jets for Faster Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for enhancing lithium-ion battery electrode performance, such as laser structuring, face challenges in transitioning to industrially applicable formats and often result in debris and impurities.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an array of gas nozzles to eject gas impulses onto the coating layer of an electrode, creating cavities that improve ion transport pathways without generating debris or impurities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If laser structuring is used to create ion transport pathways, then ion movement is enhanced, but debris and impurities are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser-based mechanical/thermal ablation system with a gas jet system that uses pressurized gas to create cavities. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of laser ablation (debris generation) while achieving the same functional outcome of creating ion transport pathways through non-contact gas impulse application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pressurized gas jets to create cavities in the coating layer, utilizing pneumatic principles to form ion transport pathways. The gas impulses create controlled cavitation and voids without generating solid debris, thereby improving ion movement while avoiding contamination
2Quantity of substance
If electrode thickness is increased to improve energy capacity, then energy density increases, but ion transport speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous structure with cavities and voids within the coating layer that serves as dedicated ion transport pathways. This porous architecture allows ions to move more efficiently through the electrode thickness, decoupling the relationship between electrode thickness and ion transport speed, thereby enabling high energy capacity without sacrificing ion mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates three-dimensional cavities and voids within the coating layer structure, adding vertical and lateral dimensions to ion transport pathways. This dimensional approach provides multiple routes for ion movement, reducing the effective transport distance and improving speed while maintaining the required electrode thickness for high energy capacity
3Speed
If laser treatment is applied to create micropores, then ion transport is improved, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cavity formation process with the existing coating application process by applying gas impulses to the coating layer while it is still wet or semi-dry. This integration eliminates the need for separate post-processing steps to create pores, as the cavities are formed during the coating process itself, thereby reducing overall device complexity
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 method enhances the energy capacity of electrodes by creating efficient ion transport pathways, reduces the need for additional processing steps, and minimizes material and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an array of gas nozzles (110) configured to eject gas impulses (190) onto a surface of the coating layer (140)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (100) for treating a coating layer (140) of an electrode (120), the coating layer (140) being in an at least partially liquid state, the system (100) comprising an array of gas nozzles (110) configured to eject gas impulses (190) onto a surface of the coating layer (140) of the electrode (120) to form a plurality of cavities (200) in the coating layer (140).