In-situ Pre-lithiation of Non-Lithium Electrodes via Integrated Lithium Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for forming lithium-based batteries require additional manufacturing steps that can damage the negative electrode and reduce its lifespan due to exposure to moisture and oxygen, and the deformation caused by volume expansion during pre-lithiation makes it difficult to integrate into the battery.
Innovation Solution
The electrochemical cell is designed for in-situ pre-lithiation, eliminating the need for additional manufacturing steps by using lithium ion permeable non-lithium negative and positive electrodes with microporous polymer separators and a lithium source electrode, allowing lithium ions to permeate and pre-lithiate the electrodes within the cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional manufacturing steps are used for pre-lithiation, then lithium ions can be added to the negative electrode, but the electrode is exposed to moisture and oxygen causing damage and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pre-lithiation process with the battery assembly process by integrating a lithium source electrode and microporous polymer separator directly into the battery cell during manufacturing. This merging eliminates the need for separate pre-lithiation manufacturing steps that would expose the electrode to moisture and oxygen, thereby adding lithium ions to the negative electrode while preserving electrode lifespan and reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If pre-lithiation is performed outside the battery cell, then lithium ions can be added to the negative electrode, but the electrode undergoes volume expansion causing deformation and integration difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary lithium ion addition through the lithium source electrode and microporous polymer separator structure that is pre-integrated into the battery cell during manufacturing. This preliminary action occurs under controlled conditions within the sealed cell, allowing the negative electrode to undergo volume expansion during pre-lithiation without experiencing deformation from external handling or exposure, thereby maintaining electrode shape and facilitating integration.
3Quantity of substance
If separate pre-lithiation manufacturing steps are used, then lithium ions can be added to the negative electrode, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-lithiation function with the battery cell structure by integrating the lithium source electrode and microporous polymer separator directly into the cell during standard manufacturing. This consolidation eliminates separate pre-lithiation manufacturing steps and equipment, reducing overall manufacturing process complexity while still achieving the necessary lithium ion content in the negative electrode.
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 extends the battery's life cycle by avoiding exposure to moisture and oxygen, reduces the risk of electrode deformation, and simplifies the manufacturing process by integrating pre-lithiation directly within the cell, enhancing the battery's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a respective microporous polymer separator is disposed between the lithium source electrode and each of the non-lithium negative electrode and the positive electrode
Implementation Method 2
allowing lithium ions to permeate and pre-lithiate the electrodes within the cell
Implementation Method 3
An electrolyte is introduced into the electrochemical cell
Implementation Method 4
A voltage potential is applied across the electrochemical cell to pre-lithiate any of the non-lithium negative electrode and the positive electrode with lithium ions from the lithium source electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell is formed. The cell includes a non-lithium negative electrode in contact with a lithium ion permeable negative electrode current collector, and a positive electrode disposed in contact with a lithium ion permeable positive electrode current collector. The non-lithium negative electrode and the positive electrode are lithium ion permeable. The cell also has a lithium source electrode including lithium ions. A respective microporous polymer separator is disposed between the lithium source electrode and each of the negative and positive electrodes; or a first separator is disposed between the lithium source electrode and one of the negative and positive electrodes, and a second separator is disposed between the negative and positive electrodes. An electrolyte is introduced into the electrochemical cell. A voltage potential is applied across the electrochemical cell to pre-lithiate any of the non-lithium negative electrode and positive electrode with lithium ions from the lithium source electrode.