Hard Carbon Anode Microstructure for Higher Sodium Plateau Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The poor energy density of sodium-ion batteries has hindered their penetration into the lithium-ion battery market, and there is a lack of competitive anode materials that can enhance their electrochemical performance.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing an anode for sodium ion batteries using thermally oxidized and heated hard carbon precursors to create polymeric hard carbons, with a specific SPC factor of 0.5 to 1, achieved by controlling pore volume ratio and peak intensity ratio through thermal and chemical activation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anode materials are used for sodium ion batteries, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but energy density and electrochemical performance are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the carbonization temperature (2000-3000°C) and thermal oxidation conditions to optimize the hard carbon structure. By controlling these parameters, the invention achieves an SPC factor of 0.5-1, which directly improves sodium plateau capacity and electrochemical performance while maintaining a feasible manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite microstructure within the hard carbon anode by combining graphitic crystalline regions with amorphous carbon phases. This composite structure, achieved through controlled carbonization and thermal oxidation, provides both high sodium ion capacity and good electrochemical stability, resolving the contradiction between performance and manufacturability
2Quantity of substance
If pore volume ratio is increased to improve sodium capacity, then theoretical sodium plateau capacity increases, but actual electrochemical performance does not improve sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different structural characteristics within the hard carbon anode. Specifically, it develops localized graphitic domains with appropriate interlayer spacing alongside amorphous carbon regions, ensuring that sodium ions can be effectively stored and accessed in specific high-capacity regions while maintaining overall structural integrity and electrochemical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action through thermal oxidation treatment before final carbonization. This pre-treatment creates a microstructure with optimized pore distribution and surface characteristics that prepares the material to achieve higher actual sodium capacity during subsequent electrochemical cycling, rather than relying solely on theoretical pore volume
3Manufacturing precision
If thermal oxidation temperature is increased to optimize microstructure, then SPC factor improves, but manufacturing complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thermal oxidation temperature parameter to a specific range (250-400°C) that achieves the desired SPC factor of 0.5-1 without excessive energy consumption. This precise parameter control allows for effective microstructure development while minimizing the energy input required, balancing manufacturing precision with energy efficiency
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 approach improves the reversible capacity and balanced electrochemical performance of sodium-ion batteries, enhancing their sodium plateau capacities.
Implementation Method 1
thermally oxidizing a hard carbon precursor at a temperature of 250 to 400° C. to obtain a microstructured hard carbon
Implementation Method 2
heating the microstructured hard carbon at a temperature of 2000 to 3000° C. to obtain polymeric hard carbons
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to anode for sodium ion batteries including hard carbon, and method of manufacturing the same. According to anode for sodium ion batteries including hard carbon, and method of manufacturing the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve improved reversible capacity and balanced electrochemical performance through an SPC factor, which is a structural index.