Isocyanate Electrolyte Additives for High-Temperature Lithium Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable lithium batteries face performance reductions due to transition metal ion elution and moisture interactions, leading to decreased storage capacity, capacity retention, and increased gas generation at high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

An electrolyte formulation including a lithium salt, non-aqueous organic solvent, and an additive represented by Formula 1, which suppresses transition metal ion elution and precipitation, enhancing battery performance and stability at various temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrolyte formulations are used, then basic battery operation is maintained, but transition metal ion elution and moisture interactions cause performance reduction at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery performance stabilityVSAvoidtransition metal ion elution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mediator substance (additive with isocyanate group) that interacts with transition metal ions and moisture to prevent their harmful effects. The additive acts as an intermediary that binds to metal ions and controls moisture, thereby protecting the battery system from performance degradation without interfering with normal battery operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by incorporating a specific additive containing an isocyanate group (Formula 1). This parameter change in the electrolyte formulation alters the chemical environment to suppress transition metal ion elution and control moisture interactions, thereby improving high-temperature performance stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional electrolyte formulations are used, then battery operation is maintained, but gas generation increases at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery operation stabilityVSAvoidgas generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The additive with isocyanate group serves as a mediator that controls moisture in the electrolyte system. By binding and controlling moisture through the isocyanate group's chemical properties, the additive prevents moisture-induced side reactions that would otherwise generate gas, thereby reducing harmful gas generation during high-temperature operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If conventional electrolyte formulations are used, then basic capacity is maintained, but capacity retention decreases after storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelithium ion capacityVSAvoidcapacity retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The additive performs preliminary action by proactively binding to transition metal ions and controlling moisture before these substances can cause harmful reactions during storage. This preliminary protective action prevents capacity loss mechanisms from activating, thereby maintaining capacity retention after extended storage periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The isocyanate-containing additive acts as a mediator that prevents direct harmful interactions between moisture and battery components during storage. By controlling the chemical environment through this intermediary substance, the patent preserves lithium ion capacity and prevents degradation during stationary storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 electrolyte effectively prevents performance reductions by controlling moisture and reducing transition metal ion elution, resulting in improved capacity retention and reduced gas generation, especially at high temperatures, thus enhancing overall battery performance and lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

the additive may control moisture to effectively suppress or reduce transition metal ions eluted from a positive electrode and precipitated on a surface of a negative electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

The positive electrode and negative electrode each include an active material capable of intercalating and de-intercalating of lithium ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntercalation:

Implementation Method 3

electrical energy is generated due to oxidation and reduction reactions when lithium ions are intercalated and de-intercalated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation and reduction reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 4

A lithium salt dissolved in a non-aqueous organic solvent is utilized as the electrolyte of the rechargeable lithium battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP4525071A1Electrolyte of rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery including the same
Publication Date: 2025.03.19 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4525071A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4525071A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4525071A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a lithium salt, a non-aqueous organic solvent, and an additive represented by Formula: where at least one Ri is an isocyanate group and at least one R2 is an isocyanate group.