Lanthanide Imide Electrolyte for Fast-Charging Lithium Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable lithium batteries face degradation and increased resistance during rapid charging due to lithium dendrite precipitation at the negative electrode interface, which affects their life-cycle characteristics and charging performance.

Innovation Solution

An electrolyte comprising a non-aqueous organic solvent, a lithium salt, and a lanthanide metal imide salt is used, which forms a lithiophilic film on the negative electrode, minimizing dendrite precipitation and enhancing rapid charging performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If rapid charging is performed, then charging speed is improved, but lithium dendrites precipitate on the negative electrode surface causing degradation and increased resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidlife-cycle characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming a protective lithiophilic film on the negative electrode surface before rapid charging occurs. The electrolyte containing lanthanide metal imide salt pre-treats the electrode interface, creating a stable SEI layer that prevents dendrite formation during subsequent rapid charging cycles, thus enabling fast charging without compromising battery life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lanthanide metal imide salt acts as an intermediary substance between the electrolyte and the negative electrode. It mediates the interaction by forming a lithiophilic film that facilitates lithium ion insertion while preventing harmful dendrite precipitation, thus resolving the contradiction between fast charging and battery reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If rapid charging is performed, then charging speed is improved, but resistance increases due to dendrite formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidresistance increase

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyte with lanthanide metal imide salt performs preliminary action by pre-forming a low-resistance lithiophilic film on the negative electrode before rapid charging. This pre-established interface minimizes resistance during fast charging, enabling high charging speeds without the usual resistance increase that would normally occur due to dendrite formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 improves rapid charging capabilities while reducing degradation and resistance increase, thereby extending the life-cycle of the battery.

Implementation Method 1

by adding a lanthanide metal imide salt, a lithiophilic film can be formed on the surface of the negative electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

lithium ions are intercalated/deintercalated to/from the positive electrode and negative electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntercalation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

electrical energy is produced through oxidation and reduction reactions when lithium ions are intercalated/deintercalated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation and reduction reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS20250023098A1Electrolyte and rechargeable lithium battery including the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

An electrolyte and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same are provided. The electrolyte includes a non-aqueous organic solvent, a lithium salt, and a lanthanide metal imide salt.