Nonaqueous Electrolyte Additives for Metal Ion Capture in Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

The dissolution and deposition of metal foreign matter in nonaqueous electrolyte batteries lead to deterioration of battery properties, such as voltage, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A nonaqueous electrolyte containing a solvent, electrolyte salt, and an additive with two electron-withdrawing groups, such as nitrile or thiocyanate groups, captures metal ions to suppress their reduction and deposition on the negative electrode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If metal foreign matter is present in the positive electrode, then battery assembly is simplified, but metal dissolution and deposition occurs leading to voltage deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery structureVSAvoidvoltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sulfur-containing compound as an intermediary substance that mediates between metal foreign matter and the electrolyte. This compound preferentially reacts with dissolved metal ions to form stable complexes, preventing metal deposition on the negative electrode while maintaining battery structure simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of metal dissolution into a beneficial process by allowing metal ions to dissolve and then immediately complexing them with sulfur-containing compounds. This transforms the harmful metal deposition phenomenon into a controlled complexation reaction that protects the battery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If existing additives like methanethiol are used to suppress metal deposition, then voltage stability improves, but the ability to suppress dissolution and deposition of other metal foreign matter is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidmetal foreign matter suppression capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sulfur-containing compounds with high electron affinity that can universally complex with multiple types of metal ions (Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Co, etc.). This single class of compounds provides multi-functional protection against various metal foreign matters, enhancing versatility while maintaining voltage stability

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 additive effectively reduces the deterioration of battery properties by inhibiting the growth of dendrites, thereby maintaining battery performance.

Implementation Method 1

the additive contains two electron-withdrawing groups R having the same structure, and the electron-withdrawing groups R contain at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoordination: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4700891A1Nonaqueous electrolyte for nonaqueous-electrolyte cell, and nonaqueous-electrolyte cell

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

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AI summary

A disclosed nonaqueous electrolyte is a nonaqueous electrolyte for a nonaqueous electrolyte battery. The nonaqueous electrolyte contains a nonaqueous solvent, an electrolyte salt, and an additive. The additive contains two electron-withdrawing groups R having the same structure. The electron-withdrawing groups R contain at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.