HB Interlayer in Secondary Batteries for Uniform Lithium Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries with deposition type metallic lithium negative electrodes face issues of non-uniform lithium deposition and decreased Coulomb efficiency due to uneven lithium distribution between the electrolyte layer and the negative electrode current collector during charging and discharging.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an intermediate layer containing hydrogen boride (HB) between the electrolyte layer and the negative electrode current collector, which facilitates uniform lithium deposition and improves Coulomb efficiency by occluding and releasing lithium ions during charging and discharging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If metallic lithium is deposited between the electrolyte layer and the negative electrode current collector during charging, then the battery capacity increases, but the lithium deposition becomes non-uniform and Coulomb efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidCoulomb efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediate layer containing hydrogen boride (HB) is introduced between the electrolyte layer and the negative electrode current collector. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that promotes uniform lithium ion distribution during deposition, preventing non-uniform lithium accumulation while maintaining high battery capacity. The HB-containing layer facilitates controlled lithium ion transport and uniform deposition morphology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate layer is specifically positioned at the critical interface between the electrolyte and current collector where lithium deposition occurs. By modifying the local properties of this specific region with HB-containing material, the patent creates a favorable environment for uniform lithium deposition without affecting the overall battery structure or other functional layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If an intermediate layer containing hydrogen boride is added between the electrolyte layer and the negative electrode current collector, then uniform lithium deposition is achieved and Coulomb efficiency increases, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCoulomb efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The negative electrode structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: the electrolyte layer, the HB-containing intermediate layer, and the negative electrode current collector. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally - the intermediate layer specifically addresses lithium deposition uniformity while the other layers maintain their respective roles, achieving high Coulomb efficiency through functional specialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 an HB intermediate layer ensures uniform metallic lithium deposition and dissolution, enhancing the battery's Coulomb efficiency and preventing irreversible capacity, thus improving the battery's performance and durability.

Implementation Method 1

facilitates uniform lithium deposition and improves Coulomb efficiency by occluding and releasing lithium ions during charging and discharging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOcclusion: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

metallic lithium as a negative electrode active material that is deposited between the electrolyte layer and the negative electrode current collector by charging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrodeposition: Electrodeposition

Data Source

PatentUS20240088394A1Secondary battery
Publication Date: 2024.03.14 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US20240088394A1 patent drawing
  • US20240088394A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A secondary battery of the present disclosure includes a positive electrode, an electrolyte layer, a negative electrode current collector, and metallic lithium as a negative electrode active material that is deposited between the electrolyte layer and the negative electrode current collector by charging, an intermediate layer is present between the electrolyte layer and the negative electrode current collector, and the intermediate layer contains hydrogen boride.