Foamed Metal Negative Electrode Layout to Block Tab-Region Dendrites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries using foamed metal as a negative electrode face safety hazards due to short circuits caused by dendrites forming from surplus metal particles deposited in the tab region, which existing insulation methods cannot effectively prevent, and these methods also compromise the metal properties and flow capacity of the tab region.
Innovation Solution
A negative electrode plate design with a current collector divided into three regions: the first region for metal nucleation, the second region filled with insulation material to isolate the first from the third, and the third region maintaining metal properties without active material, ensuring no metal particles deposit in the tab region, thus preventing short circuits and maintaining high flow capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insulation material is applied to the tab region to prevent metal particle deposition, then short circuit risk is reduced, but the metal properties and flow capacity of the tab region are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is divided into three distinct regions: a first region with negative active material for metal nucleation, a second region filled with insulation material to prevent metal particle deposition, and a third region without active material to maintain metal properties. This segmentation allows the tab region (third region) to remain conductive and weldable while the intermediate region provides insulation protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the current collector are given different functional properties: the first region has lithiophilic properties for metal deposition, the second region has insulating properties for isolation, and the third region maintains metallic properties for conductivity and welding. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing insulation only where needed while preserving metal properties in the tab region.
2Reliability
If the second region filled with insulation material is made wider to improve isolation, then metal particle deposition in the tab region is better prevented, but the energy density and production cost are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second region is designed with a width that provides sufficient isolation functionality without being excessively wide. The width is optimized to achieve the minimum necessary insulation effect while minimizing the loss of energy density, balancing protection effectiveness with production efficiency.
3Productivity
If negative active material is distributed throughout the current collector to maximize capacity, then metal particle deposition occurs in the tab region causing short circuits, but reducing active material decreases battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is segmented into regions with and without negative active material. The active material is confined to the first region where it provides lithiophilic properties for controlled metal nucleation, while the third region (tab area) remains free of active material to prevent unwanted metal particle deposition and maintain electrical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The negative active material is selectively distributed only in the first region with lithiophilic properties, while the third region maintains pure metallic properties. This local quality differentiation ensures that metal particles deposit only in designated areas away from the tab region, preventing short circuits while maintaining sufficient battery capacity through optimized active material placement.
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 design enhances the safety performance of batteries by preventing dendrite growth and short circuits while maintaining the metal properties and flow capacity of the tab region, ensuring reliable and efficient battery operation.
Implementation Method 1
The second region is filled with an insulation material so that the second region physically isolates the first region from the third region
Implementation Method 2
The interior of the first region is provided with a negative active material to facilitate metal nucleation and growth inside the first region
Implementation Method 3
The current collector is made of a foamed metal material
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a negative electrode plate, and a method for preparing same, and related devices. The negative electrode plate includes a current collector. The current collector is made of a foamed metal material. The current collector includes a first region, a second region, and a third region arranged sequentially along a first direction. An interior of the first region is provided with a negative active material. The second region is filled with an insulation material. The third region is provided with no negative active material. The technical solution hereof ensures that no metal particles are deposited in a tab region in a battery that uses foamed metal as a negative electrode, thereby avoiding a short circuit of a battery cell caused by dendrites arising from surplus metal particles deposited in the tab region, and in turn, enhancing safety performance of the battery.