LATP Positive Electrode Composition for Stable Li-Ion Cycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium-ion batteries face challenges in maintaining cycling stability due to undesirable chemical reactions between electroactive material particles and the electrolyte, which can lead to reduced discharge capacity and shortened cycle life.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) particles into the positive electrode as a physical mixture with electroactive material particles, where LATP particles are discrete and have a smaller mean particle diameter relative to the electroactive material, forming a protective interface that inhibits chemical reactions while allowing ion transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electroactive material particles are used in positive electrodes, then discharge capacity is achieved, but undesirable chemical reactions with electrolyte reduce cycling stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycling stabilityVSAvoidchemical reactions with electrolyte

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

LATP particles serve as an intermediary substance between the electroactive material particles and the electrolyte. These particles form a protective interface that mediates the interaction, preventing direct harmful chemical reactions while allowing beneficial lithium ion transfer to occur. The LATP particles act as a physical barrier that filters out harmful effects while permitting necessary ionic conduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positive electrode is formulated as a composite material system containing electroactive material particles, LATP particles, and electrolyte. This composite structure combines the electrochemical activity of the primary material with the protective properties of LATP, creating a synergistic system that maintains discharge capacity while enhancing cycling stability through the protective interface formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If protective layers are formed on electroactive material particles, then chemical reactions are prevented, but lithium ion transfer may be hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycling stabilityVSAvoidlithium ion transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The LATP particles possess a porous or highly conductive structure that allows rapid lithium ion diffusion through their matrix. This porous architecture provides multiple pathways for ion transport, ensuring that the protective interface does not act as a kinetic barrier. The porous structure maintains high lithium ion conductivity while providing mechanical protection against electrolyte degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The LATP particles are designed with specific compositional parameters (lithium content, aluminum content, titanium content) that optimize both protective functionality and ionic conductivity. By adjusting the stoichiometric ratios and particle characteristics, the system achieves a balance where the protective interface maintains high lithium ion transfer rates while effectively preventing harmful chemical reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 inclusion of LATP particles enhances cycling stability and discharge capacity retention, improving the cycle life of lithium-ion batteries by preventing undesirable reactions and maintaining lithium ion mobility.

Implementation Method 1

LATP particles may be discrete from the electroactive material particles. The LATP particles may not be physically or chemically bonded to the electroactive material particles.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier formation: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) particles... forming a protective interface that inhibits chemical reactions while allowing ion transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260011714A1Lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP)-containing positive electrodes and batteries including the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A positive electrode for a battery that cycles lithium ions includes a physical mixture of electroactive material particles and lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) particles. The electroactive material particles include a lithium-rich and manganese-based oxide. The electroactive material particles have a first mean particle diameter (D1), the LATP particles have a second mean particle diameter (D2), and a ratio of the first mean particle diameter to the second mean particle diameter (D1:D2) is greater than or equal to 4:1 and less than or equal to 1000:1.