Graphenic Cathode Coatings for Higher Li-Ion Energy Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductive carbon in lithium ion battery electrodes adds weight and volume without contributing to energy density, necessitating the use of more highly conductive materials like graphene to increase energy storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of graphenic carbon particles with specific properties into the cathode coating to enhance electron transport, reducing electrical resistance and increasing the percentage of energy storage material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive carbon is added to transport electrons, then electrical conductivity is improved, but energy density decreases due to added weight and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the conductive material by using graphene with superior electrical conductivity compared to conventional conductive carbon. This parameter change allows for reduced amounts of conductive material while maintaining or improving conductivity, thereby preserving energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where graphene particles are integrated with the cathode active material particles. This composite approach allows the graphene to provide enhanced conductivity pathways while occupying minimal volume, thus improving electrical conductivity without significantly increasing weight or volume that would reduce energy density.
2Power
If more conductive carbon is used to handle high discharge currents, then power density is improved, but battery capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes graphene's exceptionally high electrical conductivity parameter to create efficient electron transport pathways. This allows the battery to handle high discharge currents effectively without requiring large amounts of conductive carbon, thus maintaining power density while preserving battery capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential conductive function from conventional carbon materials and replaces it with graphene that provides superior conductivity in smaller quantities. This extraction approach removes the unnecessary weight and volume overhead while retaining the critical electron transport capability needed for high power density.
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 use of graphenic carbon particles in the cathode coating results in higher energy storage capacity and lower resistance, maintaining performance at high discharge rates.
Implementation Method 1
graphenic carbon particles to enhance electron transport, reducing electrical resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
Lithium ion battery electrodes including graphenic carbon particles are disclosed. Lithium ion batteries containing such electrodes are also disclosed. The graphenic carbon particles may be used in cathodes of such batteries by depositing a graphenic carbon particle-containing coating of a conductive substrate such as a metal foil. The use of graphenic carbon particles in the cathodes results in improved performance of the lithium ion batteries.