Hybrid Coating Multilayer Assembly for Lithium Dendrite Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal anodes in rechargeable batteries suffer from uncontrollable dendrite growth, leading to poor service life and safety hazards due to internal short circuits, which existing coatings like vinylidene difluoride polymers fail to adequately suppress.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer assembly comprising a metallic layer coated with a hybrid inorganic/organic composition, formed by reacting a compound with a hydrocarbon group and a fluoro co-polymer derived from vinylidene difluoride, which adheres to the metallic layer and suppresses dendrite growth while maintaining ionic conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polymeric layer is added on lithium metal to prevent dendrite growth, then dendrite suppression is improved, but ionic conductivity decreases and lithium concentration at the interface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining organic polymeric components (vinylidene difluoride-based polymer) with inorganic components (silane compound residues forming a gel structure) to create a hybrid coating layer. This composite structure provides both mechanical strength for dendrite suppression and porous gel network for ionic conductivity, resolving the contradiction between protection and ion transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials through the formation of a gel structure within the coating layer, where the inorganic silane residues create a three-dimensional network with interconnected pores. These pores allow efficient lithium ion transport while the gel matrix provides mechanical strength to suppress dendrite growth, simultaneously addressing both requirements.
2Reliability
If existing vinylidene difluoride polymer coatings are used, then some dendrite growth suppression is achieved, but the overall efficiency of electrochemical cells decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and physical structure of the coating layer. Specifically, it changes from pure polymeric coating to a hybrid coating with controlled inorganic content (silane compounds), controlled porosity through gel formation, and optimized thickness (1-20 micrometers). These parameter adjustments enable simultaneous achievement of dendrite suppression and high electrochemical efficiency.
3Strength
If the coating layer has good mechanical properties to resist dendrite growth, then dendrite suppression is improved, but ionic conductivity and lithium concentration at the interface decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the coating layer. The gel network provides localized mechanical strength and structural integrity for dendrite resistance, while the porous spaces within the gel structure provide localized channels for efficient ion transport. This spatial differentiation of properties allows simultaneous optimization of both mechanical resistance and ionic conductivity.
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 hybrid coating significantly reduces dendrite growth and enhances the mechanical resistance and ionic conductivity of lithium metal anodes, improving the safety and performance of lithium-based electrochemical cells.
Implementation Method 1
the inorganic residues deriving from polycondensation of compound (M) are at least partially chemically bound to co-polymer (F) via reaction with the groups —O—Rx and/or —C(O)O—Rx of co-polymer (F)
Implementation Method 2
the inorganic residues deriving from polycondensation of compound (M) are at least partially chemically bound to co-polymer (F)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a multilayer assembly comprising a metallic layer that is at least partially coated with a hybrid inorganic/organic composition, a method for its preparation and an electrochemical cell comprising said multilayer assembly.