Non-Aqueous Electrolyte Additive for High-Nickel Battery Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face issues with thermal instability, high-temperature durability degradation, and electrolyte side reactions, particularly when using high-nickel lithium transition metal composite oxides, which affect energy density and cycle life performance.

Innovation Solution

A non-aqueous electrolyte containing a lithium salt, organic solvent, and an additive with a specific compound having an imidazolium cation structure substituted with a cyclic sulfur oxide, which forms protective films on electrodes during charge and discharge, enhancing durability and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If high-nickel lithium transition metal composite oxides are used to increase energy density, then the energy density of the cathode is improved, but the thermal stability of the cathode deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidthermal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specific electrolyte additive (Formula 1 compound with imidazolium cation and cyclic sulfur oxide) as an intermediary substance that mediates between the high-nickel cathode and the electrolyte. This additive forms protective films on the cathode surface, preventing direct harmful interactions while allowing the high-nickel composition to maintain its high energy density function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by incorporating a specific additive (Formula 1) with defined structural parameters (R1, L1, R2, Ra, Rb, Rc groups). This parameter change in the electrolyte composition enables it to form stable protective films that improve thermal stability without compromising the energy density provided by the high-nickel cathode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the nickel content is reduced to improve thermal stability, then the thermal stability is improved, but a higher operating voltage is required to achieve the desired energy density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidoperating voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyte additive (Formula 1) acts as an intermediary that enables the use of high-nickel cathodes without suffering from their thermal instability. By forming protective films, it allows the system to operate at high energy density without requiring compensatory voltage increases that would result from reducing nickel content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrolyte composition parameters by adding Formula 1 compound, which modifies the electrochemical environment. This parameter change allows the battery to achieve desired energy density through improved stability rather than increasing operating voltage, thus avoiding the need for higher voltages that would result from reduced nickel content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If high-voltage operation is used to achieve desired energy density with reduced nickel content, then the energy density is maintained, but side reactions between the cathode and electrolyte increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidside reactions
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The Formula 1 additive serves as an intermediary layer between the cathode and electrolyte, forming protective films that prevent direct harmful side reactions. This allows the system to operate at high voltages necessary for maintaining energy density without suffering from increased side reactions that would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrolyte composition by incorporating Formula 1 compound, which modifies the electrochemical parameters of the system. This parameter change creates a more stable interface that suppresses side reactions even during high-voltage operation, thereby maintaining energy density without the harmful effects of increased side reactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Use of energy by moving object

If high-voltage operation is used to achieve desired energy density, then the energy density is maintained, but high-temperature durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidhigh-temperature durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The Formula 1 additive acts as a protective intermediary that forms stable films on the cathode surface. These films protect against thermal degradation during high-temperature operation, enabling the system to maintain high energy density through high-voltage operation without suffering from reduced high-temperature durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrolyte composition parameters by adding Formula 1 compound, which enhances the thermal stability of the electrochemical system. This parameter change allows the battery to operate at high voltages for maintained energy density while improving resistance to high-temperature degradation, thus maintaining reliability under thermal stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

5Use of energy by moving object

If high-voltage operation is used to achieve desired energy density, then the energy density is maintained, but resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidresistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The Formula 1 additive serves as an intermediary that forms conductive protective films on the cathode surface. These films reduce interfacial resistance, allowing high-voltage operation for maintained energy density without the penalty of increased resistance that would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrolyte composition by incorporating Formula 1 compound, which modifies the interfacial electrochemical parameters. This parameter change reduces resistance at the cathode-electrolyte interface, enabling high-voltage operation to maintain energy density without the energy losses associated with increased resistance.

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 electrolyte improves long-term life performance, high-temperature durability, and thermal stability of lithium secondary batteries, especially those requiring high energy density and high-voltage operation.

Implementation Method 1

the additive contains a compound of Formula 1... which forms protective films on electrodes during charge and discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFilm formation: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

an electrolyte that serves as a medium for transferring lithium ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon transfer: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentEP4700895A1Non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium secondary battery comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4700895A1 patent drawing
  • EP4700895A1 patent drawing
  • EP4700895A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising: a lithium salt; an organic solvent; and an additive, wherein the additive comprises a compound represented by a specific chemical formula. The non-aqueous electrolyte forms a stable film on a positive electrode and a negative electrode, thereby improving long-term durability and lifespan performance of a lithium secondary battery.