Orthogonally Fused Graphene Anode for Li-Ion Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face challenges with low electrical conductivity and high charge transfer resistance in their anode materials, leading to reduced performance and safety concerns due to dendrite growth and irreversible capacity loss.
Innovation Solution
A carbon-based electrode is developed with a film layer composed of orthogonally fused few-layer graphene sheets, creating a porous structure that enhances electrical conduction and hosts electroactive materials like lithium, along with a solid-state electrolyte interface to prevent dendrite formation and improve ion transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional amorphous carbon is used as anode material, then the battery can store electrical charge, but the electrical conductivity is low and charge transfer resistance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining few-layer graphene sheets with amorphous carbon matrix. The graphene provides high electrical conductivity pathways while the amorphous carbon provides charge storage capacity, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and charge storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local conductive networks by distributing few-layer graphene sheets throughout the amorphous carbon matrix. This local quality enhancement provides high conductivity pathways at critical locations without compromising the overall charge storage capability of the amorphous carbon structure
2Ease of operation
If conventional amorphous carbon is used as anode material, then the battery can operate, but the charge transfer resistance is high leading to polarization and internal power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The few-layer graphene sheets act as intermediary conductive pathways between the amorphous carbon regions and the current collector. This intermediary structure facilitates efficient charge transfer, reducing resistance and polarization while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances local charge transfer properties by strategically placing few-layer graphene sheets at interfaces and within the amorphous carbon matrix, creating high-conductivity zones that reduce overall charge transfer resistance without affecting operational ease
3Ease of operation
If conventional carbon-based anode materials are used, then the battery can function, but irreversible capacity loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The composite of few-layer graphene and amorphous carbon creates a synergistic structure where graphene's stable layered structure reduces irreversible capacity loss while maintaining the functional properties of amorphous carbon, enabling the battery to function with reduced substance loss
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 significantly improves the electrical conductivity and cyclability of lithium-ion batteries, reducing irreversible capacity loss and enhancing safety by preventing lithium dendrite growth and internal short-circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The porous structure is configured to provide for electrical conduction between contact points between any two or more of the plurality of few layer graphene sheets
Implementation Method 2
The porous structure is configured to provide for electrical conduction between contact points between any two or more of the plurality of few layer graphene sheets or host an electroactive material
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides an electrochemical cell electrode including a film layer deposited on an electrically conductive substrate. The film layer includes a concentration of carbon aggregates formed from a plurality of few layer graphene sheets orthogonally fused together. A porous structure is defined by the plurality of few layer graphene sheets and is configured to any provide for electrical conduction between contact points between any two or more of the plurality of few layer graphene sheets or host an electroactive material. The electrochemical cell electrode can be an anode. The electroactive material can include an elemental lithium (Li) interspersed in a D-spacing between adjacent few layer graphene sheets in the anode. An additional film can be deposited on the film. The film can be configured to provide a first electrical conductivity and the additional film can be configured to provide a second electrical conductivity different from the first electrical conductivity.