Fe-Ni Diffusion Layer Control for Corrosion-Resistant Battery Containers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

As battery capacity increases, the potential of the Fe-Ni diffusion layer in traditional surface-treated steel sheets becomes close to the positive electrode potential, leading to iron elution into the electrolyte solution and corrosion of the battery container during overdischarge, necessitating a steel sheet with higher electrolyte solution resistance.

Innovation Solution

A surface-treated steel sheet with an Fe-Ni diffusion layer is developed, where the ratio of maximum diffraction intensities at specific angles is controlled through thin film X-ray diffractometry, and the thickness and composition of the diffusion layer are optimized to suppress iron elution and enhance electrolyte solution resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional Fe-Ni diffusion layer is used in surface-treated steel sheets, then pitting corrosion and solution leakage are prevented, but iron elution occurs during overdischarge when battery capacity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidiron elution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the crystallographic parameters of the Fe-Ni diffusion layer by controlling the ratio of maximum diffraction intensities (Ib/Ia) at specific angles within 0.01 to 0.37, and adjusting the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of peak A to 0.35 or more. These parameter changes modify the diffusion layer's structure to reduce iron elution during overdischarge while maintaining corrosion resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite surface structure consisting of the steel sheet substrate and the Fe-Ni diffusion layer with specific crystallographic characteristics. The diffusion layer acts as a protective barrier that combines the benefits of corrosion prevention with reduced iron elution, forming a composite material system with enhanced overall performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If the positive electrode potential increases with battery capacity, then battery energy storage improves, but the potential difference between the Fe-Ni diffusion layer and positive electrode decreases, causing iron elution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidelectrolyte solution resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the Fe-Ni diffusion layer, specifically the crystallographic orientation indicated by the diffraction intensity ratio (Ib/Ia) and peak broadening (FWHM). These parameter changes enhance the diffusion layer's stability and electrolyte solution resistance, allowing it to withstand higher positive electrode potentials without iron elution even as battery capacity increases

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 solution effectively suppresses iron elution and enhances electrolyte solution resistance during overdischarge, ensuring the integrity and performance of the battery container.

Implementation Method 1

an Fe-Ni diffusion layer formed on the topmost surface of at least one surface of the steel sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP4610408A1Surface-treated steel sheet and battery container
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 TOYO KOHAN CO LTD
  • EP4610408A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4610408A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4610408A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a surface-treated steel sheet comprising a steel sheet, and an Fe-Ni diffusion layer formed on the topmost surface of at least one surface of the steel sheet, wherein when a maximum diffraction intensity IA at a diffraction angle 2θ of 43.00° or more and 44.30° or less and a maximum diffraction intensity IB at a diffraction angle 2θ of 44.51° or more and 45.00° or less are obtained by thin film X-ray diffractometry performed on the surface of the Fe-Ni diffusion layer, the ratio IB/IA is 0.01 ≤ IB/IA ≤ 0.37.