Flake Metal Lithium Powder via Vacuum Ultrasonic Pulverization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preparing metal lithium powder, such as melt-dispersion and ultrasonic pulverization, face challenges like high cost, low efficiency, equipment demands, and inability to produce non-spherical or irregular shapes due to high reactivity and viscosity of materials used.
Innovation Solution
A method involving placing metal lithium in an inert organic solvent, vacuum-pumping, and performing ultrasonic processing at a temperature below the lithium melting point to produce flake metal lithium powder with a controlled width-to-thickness ratio, using solvents like cyclohexane and dispersants to enhance pulverization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If melt-dispersion method is used to prepare metal lithium powder, then spherical lithium powder can be obtained, but the preparation cost is high, preparation efficiency is low, and equipment requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical melt-dispersion system with an ultrasonic cavitation system. Instead of using mechanical stirring at high speeds in molten lithium, the invention uses ultrasonic waves to generate cavitation bubbles that collapse and fragment lithium particles in a solvent, achieving pulverization without melting. This substitution of mechanical energy with acoustic energy resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient powder production without the high equipment requirements and costs associated with melt-dispersion equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from above melting point (melt-dispersion) to below melting point (ultrasonic pulverization). By conducting the process at room temperature or moderate temperatures in a solvent environment rather than molten state, the invention achieves both cost reduction and improved efficiency while maintaining effective particle fragmentation through ultrasonic cavitation.
2Productivity
If ultrasonic pulverization is performed in ion liquid at temperature higher than 100° C., then metal lithium powder can be prepared, but the cavitation effect is weak and pulverization efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature (>100°C) to low temperature (room temperature or below lithium melting point). By lowering the temperature and using a low-viscosity organic solvent instead of ion liquid, the invention enhances ultrasonic cavitation effect and pulverization efficiency without requiring high operating temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inert organic solvent environment to replace ion liquid, creating conditions that enhance cavitation effect. The solvent system provides both inert protection for reactive lithium and optimal acoustic properties for ultrasonic cavitation, resolving the contradiction between temperature and pulverization efficiency.
3Shape
If conventional pulverization methods are used on metal lithium, then powder can be obtained, but the high reactivity and viscosity of lithium prevent effective pulverization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a solvent as an intermediary medium between the ultrasonic field and metal lithium. The solvent facilitates energy transfer, enhances cavitation effect, and provides a environment where lithium can be effectively pulverized despite its high reactivity and viscosity. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling powder formation without direct mechanical contact that would be hindered by lithium's properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pulverization systems with ultrasonic cavitation. Instead of using crushers or mills that struggle with lithium's viscosity and reactivity, the invention uses acoustic field-induced cavitation to fragment particles, overcoming the manufacturing difficulties associated with lithium's inherent properties.
4Shape
If flake-shaped lithium powder is produced by ultrasonic pulverization, then non-spherical powder can be obtained, but the process requires optimization of multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes key parameters including temperature (below melting point), ultrasonic power density, and solvent type to achieve flake-shaped powder. By controlling these parameters, the invention produces non-spherical flake morphology through cavitation-induced fragmentation patterns, resolving the contradiction between achieving specific shape and maintaining process simplicity.
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 method results in high-purity, low-cost, high-efficiency production of non-spherical flake lithium powder suitable for lithium cells, improving initial Coulomb efficiency and reducing side reactions by leveraging vacuum ultrasonic processing to create vapor bubble cavities for effective pulverization.
Implementation Method 1
performing ultrasonic processing at a temperature lower than lithium melting point
Implementation Method 2
leveraging the dispersion effect of ultrasonic in the liquid to thereby pulverize the solid particles
Implementation Method 3
vacuum-pumping
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses flake metal lithium powder and a preparing method thereof; by ultrasonically pulverizing the metal lithium placed in a low-viscosity inert organic resolvent using a vacuum ultrasonic pulverization method, a micrometer scale flake metal lithium powder is prepared. The metal lithium powder may be used as an anode material for a lithium cell or lithium ion cell. The present method has advantages of high product purity, simple operation, low processing temperature, low cost, high efficiency, and less demanding on equipment, etc., and has a high prospect of being applied to mass production of metal lithium powder.