Battery Electrolyte Additive for Stable SEI and Low Gas Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium secondary batteries face issues with non-uniform SEI film formation, leading to reduced high-rate charge/discharge characteristics, high-temperature performance, and increased gas generation, due to improper electrolyte composition and additive use, which affects battery lifespan and safety.

Innovation Solution

An electrolyte composition comprising a non-aqueous organic solvent, lithium salt, and an additive represented by Formula 1, which forms a uniform coating film on the electrode surfaces, inhibiting electrolyte decomposition and reducing gas generation, thereby enhancing battery performance and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective film is formed on the aluminum foil current collector to prevent corrosion, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the film may detach during battery assembly causing safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidfilm detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by forming a multi-layer protective film comprising an aluminum oxide layer and an aluminum hydroxide layer on the aluminum foil current collector. This composite structure provides both corrosion resistance and mechanical adhesion, preventing film detachment during battery assembly while maintaining the protective function against electrolyte corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If the electrolyte concentration is increased to improve ionic conductivity, then electrical performance is improved, but the risk of dendrite formation and thermal runaway increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoiddendrite formation and thermal runaway

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the electrolyte concentration to 1.4 mol/L LiPF6 in a mixed solvent system of EC and DEC (4:6 volume ratio). This specific concentration and composition balance ionic conductivity with safety, reducing dendrite formation and thermal runaway risk while maintaining efficient lithium ion transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a protective film with specific composition (aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide layers) on the current collector surface. This localized modification of the electrode interface improves electrolyte wetting and provides a stable platform for lithium ion deposition, preventing dendrite formation at critical locations without requiring bulk electrolyte concentration increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the battery structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but safety protection mechanisms may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidsafety protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a current collector with multi-functional properties: the aluminum foil base provides electrical conductivity, while the deposited aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide layers provide corrosion protection, mechanical reinforcement, and controlled electrolyte interaction. This single component performs multiple safety and performance functions, reducing the need for additional separate protective structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 composition improves high-rate charge/discharge characteristics, high-temperature storage characteristics, and reduces gas generation, resulting in improved battery performance and safety by reinforcing the SEI layer and preventing metal ion elution.

Implementation Method 1

a protective film formed on a surface of the aluminum foil current collector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

the protective film has a porous structure that facilitates stable transport of lithium ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP4280306B1Lithium secondary battery with enhanced safety

Publication Date: 2026.04.08 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

An electrolyte composition and a lithium secondary battery including the same are disclose herein. The electrolyte composition has improved high temperature safety. In some embodidments, the electrolyte composition includes an additive including a compound represented by Formula 1, it may reinforce an SEI layer on the surface of an electrode, thereby having advantages of improved storage and lifetime characteristics at a high temperature and a decreased amount of gas generated in the battery.