Fibrous Lithium Metal Anode Structure for Solid-State Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes pose safety hazards due to flammable components, and solid-state lithium-ion batteries face challenges in achieving high energy density and preventing dendritic growth, which limits their charging and discharging rates and cycle life.
Innovation Solution
The development of a high energy density lithium metal anode for solid-state lithium-ion batteries, incorporating a lithium-ion conductor with a ceramic, polymer, or hybrid composite framework, along with electronic conductors, mixed ionic/electronic conductors, lithiophilic coatings, and improved current collectors to enhance electronic and ionic conductivity, prevent dendritic growth, and increase energy storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If liquid electrolyte is used in lithium-ion batteries, then high energy density and fast charging are achieved, but safety hazards increase due to flammable electrolytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, fundamentally altering the safety profile while maintaining ionic conductivity. The solid electrolyte eliminates flammability while enabling high energy density through lithium metal anode integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures including solid electrolyte layers combined with lithium metal anodes and protective coatings. These composite materials achieve both high energy density and enhanced safety by combining the advantages of different material systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solid-state lithium-ion batteries are used, then safety is improved by eliminating flammable electrolytes, but energy density and charging rates are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the solid electrolyte's ionic conductivity and mechanical properties to enable faster lithium ion transport. By adjusting composition and structure parameters, the solid electrolyte achieves conductivity levels that support high charging rates while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite electrode structures with lithium metal anodes and solid electrolytes, achieving energy densities exceeding 500 Wh/kg. The composite design combines the high capacity of lithium metal with the safety and stability of solid electrolytes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal anode is used in solid-state batteries, then energy density increases, but dendritic growth occurs leading to swelling and puncturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies lithiophilic coatings to specific regions of the solid electrolyte and electrode interfaces. These localized modifications create favorable surfaces for uniform lithium deposition, preventing dendrite formation at critical interfaces while maintaining overall high energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate protective layers and lithiophilic coatings between the lithium metal anode and solid electrolyte. These intermediary layers mediate the interface interactions, ensuring uniform lithium ion flux and preventing dendritic growth that would compromise cycle life.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If solid electrolyte is used, then safety is improved, but electronic conductivity and ionic conductivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops composite solid electrolyte systems that combine multiple materials with complementary properties. These composites achieve both high ionic conductivity for power delivery and inherent safety from the solid state, eliminating the trade-off between conductivity and safety.
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
This solution increases the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, enhances safety by reducing the risk of fires, allows for faster charging, and extends the battery's cycle life, enabling operation over a wider temperature range and passing nail penetration tests, while maintaining charging speed and power supply.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a lithium-ion conductor with a ceramic, polymer, or hybrid composite framework
Implementation Method 2
lithiophilic coatings
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly of lithium-based solid anodes to be formed into a lithium-ion battery. The anodes are formed with a fibrous ceramic or polymer framework having open spaces and an active surface material having lithiophilic properties. Open spaces within the fibrous framework and lithiophilic coatings deposited upon the surface of the fibrous framework allow for the free transport of solid lithium-ions within the anodes. In solid-state, lithium batteries can achieve higher capacity per weight, charge faster, and be more durable to extreme handling and temperature. A method for manufacturing a solid-state lithium battery having such an anode.