Graphite-Functionalized Graphene Anode for High Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lithium ion battery anode materials, primarily graphite, face limitations in electrical properties, restricting the performance and application of lithium ion batteries, particularly in terms of capacity and initial coulombic efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A lithium ion battery anode material is developed by compounding graphite phase carbon materials with functionalized graphene, utilizing a liquid or solid phase compounding method to create a composite material that enhances both capacity and initial coulombic efficiency, while maintaining low manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If graphite phase carbon material is used as anode material, then manufacturing cost is low and initial coulombic efficiency is improved, but specific capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecific capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining graphite phase carbon material with functionalized graphene. The functionalized graphene provides high specific capacity while graphite provides structural stability and low cost, creating a composite anode material that achieves both high capacity and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the properties of graphite by introducing functionalized graphene with specific functional groups. This changes the electrical and chemical parameters of the anode material, enabling higher lithium ion insertion capacity while maintaining the base graphite structure for cost efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If functionalized graphene is used to improve electrical properties, then specific capacity and electrical conductivity are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies functionalized graphene locally on the graphite surface rather than using it as the bulk material. This localized application provides the necessary electrical property improvements at the interface where lithium ion exchange occurs, while the majority of the anode remains as low-cost graphite.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure allows functionalized graphene to provide electrical conductivity enhancement locally, while graphite provides the bulk structure at low cost. The synergistic combination achieves reliable electrical properties without proportionally increasing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If artificial graphite is prepared by high-temperature graphitization, then structural stability is improved, but electrical properties are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical propertiesVSAvoidgraphitization temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary functionalization of graphene before combining it with graphite. This preliminary action introduces the necessary electrical conductivity enhancements upfront, so that the subsequent assembly requires lower graphitization temperatures while still achieving the desired electrical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The composite of functionalized graphene and graphite provides electrical properties through the functionalized component, reducing the reliance on high-temperature graphitization of bulk graphite. This allows structural stability to be achieved at lower temperatures while electrical properties are provided by the functionalized graphene.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 anode material achieves high specific capacity, high initial coulombic efficiency, and excellent cycle performance, with initial capacity reaching 1500 mAh/g and maintaining 80-99% capacity after 300 cycles, while reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

the functional groups on the functionalized graphene have high ability to capture lithium ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

Lithium ion battery mainly relies on the movements of the lithium ions between the positive pole and the negative pole to work

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS10665893B2Anode material including graphite phase carbon material and functionalized graphene, method thereof, and lithium ion battery
Publication Date: 2020.05.26 HUNAN YUANCHANG NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

A lithium ion battery anode material, a method thereof and a lithium ion battery. The lithium ion battery anode material includes graphite carbon materials and functionalized graphene. The method of the lithium ion battery anode material includes the following steps: compounding a graphite phase carbon material and functionalized graphene by liquid phase compounding method or solid phase compounding method, to obtain a lithium ion battery composite material. The lithium ion battery anode material provided by the present invention has the advantages of high capacity, high initial coulombic efficiency, excellent cycle performance and low production cost.