Solid Electrolyte Membrane Guide Layer for Lithium Dendrite Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium dendrite growth in all-solid-state batteries can lead to short circuits, compromising the safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries, particularly when using lithium metal as the negative electrode active material.
Innovation Solution
A solid electrolyte membrane with a guide layer comprising metal particles that form an alloy with lithium, patterned to guide lithium dendrite growth horizontally, thereby preventing vertical penetration through the membrane and reducing the likelihood of short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a thin-film free standing type electrolyte membrane is manufactured using solid electrolyte material alone, then the battery can be made thin and energy density is improved, but defects such as tears or cracks or separation of the electrolyte material may occur during manufacture or use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining solid electrolyte material with a porous substrate. The substrate provides mechanical strength and structural support to prevent tears, cracks, and separation, while the solid electrolyte material maintains ionic conductivity. This composite structure enables the electrolyte membrane to be both thin and reliable during manufacturing and operation.
2Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is used as the negative electrode active material, then energy density is improved, but lithium dendrite growth occurs from the negative electrode surface causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide layer as an intermediary between the lithium metal negative electrode and the solid electrolyte membrane. This guide layer, containing metal particles that form alloys with lithium, mediates the interaction by guiding lithium dendrite growth horizontally along the electrode surface rather than allowing vertical penetration through the electrolyte membrane, thus preventing short circuits while maintaining high energy density.
3Reliability
If inorganic solid electrolyte with particulate ion conducting material and layered structure is used, then ionic conductivity is improved, but pores are formed by interstitial volume between particles allowing lithium dendrites to grow through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a guide layer with specific local properties between the electrode and electrolyte membrane. The guide layer contains metal particles distributed in a matrix, creating regions with different alloying characteristics. This local modification guides lithium dendrite growth horizontally in specific zones without compromising the overall ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte membrane, preventing dendrite penetration through pores.
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 solution effectively suppresses lithium dendrite growth, enhancing the durability and life characteristics of lithium metal batteries by directing dendrite growth horizontally, thereby delaying short circuit occurrence and improving battery reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the metal particles form an alloy with lithium
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a solid electrolyte membrane for an all-solid-state battery and a battery comprising the same. In the present disclosure, the battery may comprise lithium metal as a negative electrode active material. The solid electrolyte membrane for an all-solid-state battery according to the present disclosure comprises a guide layer comprising metal particles to guide the horizontal growth of lithium dendrites, thereby delaying an electrical short caused by dendrite growth. Additionally, the guide layer is formed by polymer self-assembly, and thus the metal particles may be uniformly distributed in a very regular pattern within the guide layer.