Graphite Anode Electrolyte Design for Capacity Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Graphite-based negative active materials in energy storage devices experience non-uniform expansion and contraction during charge-discharge cycles, leading to a decrease in capacity retention rate.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating solid graphite particles with an aspect ratio of 1 to 5 as the main component in the negative electrode and using a nonaqueous electrolyte containing an imide salt with phosphorus or sulfur to form a protective film on the surface of the negative active material, suppressing uneven expansion and contraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If graphite is used as negative active material to increase energy density, then energy density is improved, but capacity retention rate after charge-discharge cycles deteriorates due to non-uniform expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcapacity retention rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte by introducing specific imide salts containing phosphorus or sulfur. These parameter changes lead to the formation of a protective film on the graphite surface that suppresses non-uniform expansion and contraction during charge-discharge cycles, thereby improving capacity retention rate while maintaining high energy density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure by forming a protective film on the graphite surface through the interaction between graphite and imide salt additives. This composite material system combines the high capacity of graphite with the protective properties of the imide salt-derived film, resolving the contradiction between energy density and cycle stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If graphite particles with certain aspect ratio are used to suppress non-uniform expansion, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to specific electrolyte composition requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle aspect ratio controlVSAvoidelectrolyte composition
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies precise parameter ranges for both graphite particle aspect ratio (1 to 5) and imide salt content in the electrolyte. By controlling these parameters within defined ranges, the invention achieves uniform expansion behavior while managing the complexity of electrolyte composition through systematic specification rather than trial-and-error approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 combination enhances the capacity retention rate after charge-discharge cycles by reducing non-uniform expansion and contraction of the negative active material, improving the overall performance of the energy storage device.

Implementation Method 1

the nonaqueous electrolyte contains an imide salt containing phosphorus or sulfur... forming a protective film on the surface of the negative active material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentEP3890074B1Energy storage device and method for manufacturing energy storage device
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 GS YUASA INT LTD
  • EP3890074B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3890074B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3890074B1 patent drawing

AI summary

One aspect of the present invention is an energy storage device including: a negative electrode containing a negative active material; a positive electrode containing a positive active material; and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The negative active material contains solid graphite particles with an aspect ratio of 1 to 5 as a main component, and the nonaqueous electrolyte contains an imide salt containing phosphorus or sulfur.