Electrolyte Composition for Lithium Secondary Battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face issues with stability and lifespan characteristics when using high-voltage cathode active materials and anode active materials, particularly due to electrolyte decomposition and ion conductivity challenges, especially when using cyclic carbonates and linear solvents in specific ratios.

Innovation Solution

A non-aqueous electrolyte composition is developed, incorporating a cyclic carbonate within a specific weight range (1 wt% to 30 wt%), an anion receptor (tris(trimethylsilyl)borate), and a linear solvent, which stabilizes the battery performance by reducing electrolyte decomposition and enhancing ion conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a non-aqueous electrolyte containing cyclic carbonate and linear solvent is used in lithium secondary batteries with high-voltage cathode active materials, then ion conductivity is improved, but electrolyte decomposition occurs and lifespan characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion conductivityVSAvoidlifespan characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the weight ratio of cyclic carbonate to linear solvent within 1:9 to 30:70, and by controlling the cyclic carbonate content at 1-30 wt% based on total non-aqueous solvent. This optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal parameter range where ion conductivity is maintained while electrolyte decomposition is suppressed, improving both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the amount of cyclic carbonate in the electrolyte is increased to improve ion conductivity, then rate characteristics are enhanced, but electrolyte decomposition increases and stability at high voltage decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverate characteristicsVSAvoidstability at high voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by establishing the cyclic carbonate content range of 1-30 wt% of total non-aqueous solvent. This optimized parameter range enables the electrolyte to achieve sufficient ion conductivity for good rate characteristics while maintaining stability at high voltages, preventing excessive electrolyte decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional electrolyte compositions are used with spinel-structure lithium nickel-based metal oxides, then manufacturing is simplified, but reaction at the electrode-electrolyte interface varies and performance is inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidperformance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the electrolyte composition parameters - specifically the cyclic carbonate to linear solvent ratio (1:9 to 30:70) and cyclic carbonate content (1-30 wt%). This creates a standardized, optimized composition that ensures consistent performance with spinel-structure lithium nickel-based metal oxides while remaining easy to manufacture.

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 composition improves the lithium secondary battery's lifespan and rate characteristics by maintaining stability at high voltages and reducing anode reduction, thereby enhancing overall battery performance.

Implementation Method 1

the non-aqueous solvent includes an anion receptor... which stabilizes the battery performance by reducing electrolyte decomposition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnion binding: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the non-aqueous electrolyte acts as a medium through which lithium ions migrate between the anode and the cathode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon migration: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

enhancing ion conductivity... improves the lithium secondary battery's lifespan and rate characteristics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2822082B1Electrolyte for secondary battery and lithium secondary battery including same
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are an electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery which includes a non-aqueous solvent and a lithium salt, wherein the non-aqueous solvent includes an anion receptor, a cyclic carbonate, and a linear solvent, wherein an amount of the cyclic carbonate is in a range of 1 wt% to 30 wt% based on a total weight of the non-aqueous solvent, and a lithium secondary battery including the same.