Layered Silicon-Graphite Anode Balancing Adhesion and Fast Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face limitations in thermal stability and quick charging characteristics due to the use of graphite-based anodes, which hinder the achievement of desired performance levels in energy storage applications, particularly in electric vehicles and mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered anode structure is introduced, comprising a first layer with a mixture of natural and artificial graphite and a second layer containing a silicon-based compound, optimized in specific weight ratios and binder content, to enhance adhesion and reaction efficiency, thereby improving thermal stability and quick charging capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mixture of natural graphite and artificial graphite is used in the anode, then adhesion to the current collector is improved, but quick charging performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion to current collectorVSAvoidquick charging performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The anode is divided into multiple layers with different compositions. The first layer (close to current collector) contains natural graphite and artificial graphite for good adhesion, while the second layer (far from current collector) contains silicon-based compound and artificial graphite for high capacity and quick charging. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the anode are assigned different material compositions based on their functional requirements. The region near the current collector uses natural graphite mixture for adhesion, while the region farther away uses silicon-based compound for enhanced charging performance. Each local region has optimized quality for its specific role.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If graphite-based anode materials are used, then electrochemical reaction potential close to lithium metal and reaction reversibility are achieved, but thermal stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrochemical reaction potential and reversibilityVSAvoidthermal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The anode uses a composite structure combining graphite-based materials (for electrochemical performance) with silicon-based compounds (for thermal stability). The silicon-based compound layer provides thermal stability while the graphite layers maintain good electrochemical reaction characteristics and reversibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If natural graphite is used to improve adhesion, then stability is enhanced, but quick charging capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion stabilityVSAvoidquick charging capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The anode is segmented into layers where natural graphite is concentrated in the first layer for stability and adhesion, while the second layer uses silicon-based compound for quick charging capability. This spatial segmentation resolves the conflict between stability and charging speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Natural graphite is locally concentrated in the region where adhesion stability is most needed (near the current collector), while silicon-based compound is placed in the region where quick charging performance is prioritized (farther from the current collector).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 proposed anode structure significantly enhances thermal stability and quick charging characteristics of lithium secondary batteries, ensuring improved performance and lifespan by leveraging the adhesion properties of natural graphite and the reactive capabilities of silicon-based compounds.

Implementation Method 1

reaction reversibility with lithium ions should be high, and a diffusion rate of lithium ions in the active material should be fast

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

a diffusion rate of lithium ions in the active material should be fast

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

Considering excellent adhesion of natural graphite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20240258504A1Multi-Layered Anode Containing Silicon-Based Compound and Lithium Secondary Battery Including the Same
Publication Date: 2024.08.01 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • US20240258504A1 patent drawing
  • US20240258504A1 patent drawing
  • US20240258504A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An anode for a lithium secondary battery includes a first anode active material layer formed on at least one surface of the anode current collector. The first anode active material layer contains a mixture of natural graphite and artificial graphite as the anode active material and a first binder. The second anode active material layer is formed on the first anode active material layer. The second anode active material layer contains a mixture of artificial graphite and a silicon-based compound as the anode active material and a second binder. The weight ratio of the first binder and the second binder is 1 to 2:1. A lithium secondary battery containing the anode is also provided.