Lithium Battery Electrolyte Additive for Transition Metal Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary batteries face challenges with self-discharge phenomena due to transition metal ion dissolution in the positive electrode, especially under high-temperature conditions, which affects battery stability and life.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte formulation for lithium secondary batteries is introduced, comprising a lithium salt, an organic solvent, and a compound represented by Formula 1, which acts as a Lewis base to scavenge Lewis acid by-products and suppress electrolyte decomposition reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the battery is operated under high-temperature conditions, then the battery can provide sufficient power and performance, but transition metal ions dissolve from the positive electrode and cause self-discharge and increased resistance
Solution Approach 1:
A compound containing sulfur and nitrogen heteroatoms (Formula 1) is introduced as an intermediary substance in the electrolyte. This compound selectively binds to dissolved transition metal ions through coordination chemistry, forming stable complexes that prevent the ions from causing harmful effects. The sulfur and nitrogen atoms act as ligands that capture metal ions, serving as a mediator between the positive electrode and the electrolyte to eliminate the harmful interaction between high temperature and transition metal dissolution
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of transition metal ion dissolution into a beneficial process. Instead of allowing dissolved metal ions to cause self-discharge and resistance increase, the electrolyte compound captures these ions and transforms them into harmless or beneficial complexes. The dissolution process itself becomes beneficial as it delivers metal ions to the electrolyte where they are immediately sequestered, preventing their harmful deposition on electrodes
2Ease of operation
If conventional electrolytes are used, then the battery can function normally, but electrolyte decomposition occurs and lithium salt decomposition products accumulate under high-temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses electrolyte decomposition by introducing a compound that stabilizes the electrolyte system under high-temperature conditions. The sulfur-nitrogen heterocyclic structure acts as a thermal stabilizer that prevents decomposition reactions, converting the potentially harmful high-temperature environment into a stable operating condition. The compound sacrifices itself to form protective films that prevent further decomposition of the main electrolyte components
3Adaptability or versatility
If the battery is stored or charged at high temperatures, then the battery can be used in various environments, but self-discharge phenomenon increases due to electrodeposition of transition metal ions on the negative electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte compound containing Formula 1 acts as an intermediary that intercepts transition metal ions before they can reach and electrodepose on the negative electrode. The compound creates a chemical barrier in the electrolyte that binds metal ions, preventing their migration to the negative electrode. This intermediary substance eliminates the harmful pathway from positive electrode dissolution to negative electrode deposition, stopping self-discharge at its source
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte compound performs self-service by automatically capturing and neutralizing transition metal ions as they dissolve from the positive electrode. The compound continuously monitors and cleanses the electrolyte of harmful metal ions without requiring external intervention, maintaining battery health autonomously throughout operation and storage
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 proposed electrolyte effectively minimizes transition metal ion dissolution and electrolyte decomposition, leading to improved high-temperature life characteristics and resistance for lithium secondary batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a compound represented by Formula 1, which acts as a Lewis base to scavenge Lewis acid by-products and suppress electrolyte decomposition reactions
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyte that becomes a medium for transferring lithium ions
Implementation Method 3
The SEI suppresses additional decomposition of an electrolyte solution and may transmit lithium ions
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery and a lithium secondary battery including the same are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery includes a lithium salt, an organic solvent, and a compound represented by Formula 1. In some embodiments, a lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and the electrolyte.