Li-Ion Battery Electrode Additive for High-Temperature Capacity Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium ion batteries experience capacity degradation due to electrolyte decomposition during repeated charge and discharge cycles, especially at high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sulfonic acid compound containing a sulfonate anion and a Mn cation into the electrodes, which forms a protective SEI film to prevent electrolyte decomposition and maintain discharge capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If charge and discharge are repeated, then battery capacity is utilized, but lithium loss occurs due to electrolyte decomposition on electrode surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacity utilizationVSAvoidbattery capacity retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a protective coating film on the electrode surface before battery operation. The sulfonic acid compound is incorporated into the electrode in advance, and upon first contact with the electrolyte, it spontaneously forms a protective SEI film that prevents subsequent electrolyte decomposition during charge-discharge cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary substance (sulfonic acid compound) that mediates between the electrode and electrolyte. This compound acts as a sacrificial agent that reacts with the electrolyte first to form a protective SEI film, thereby protecting the electrode from direct contact and decomposition of the electrolyte during normal battery operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If high temperature operation is performed, then battery power is maintained, but electrolyte decomposition is accelerated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power outputVSAvoidelectrolyte decomposition

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of high temperature into a beneficial outcome. The sulfonic acid compound is designed to undergo controlled decomposition at elevated temperatures to form a stable SEI film that actually protects the electrode from further thermal degradation and electrolyte decomposition, transforming the thermal stress into a protective mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 SEI film enhances the battery's ability to maintain higher discharge capacity after repeated charge and discharge cycles, particularly at high temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

a method of forming a coating film on the surface of the electrode has been studied... a specific lithium sulfonate is added to a negative electrode slurry to be dispersed, and the slurry is applied and dried so that the lithium sulfonate is adhered to a surface of a negative electrode active material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSEI film formation: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

an electrode for lithium ion batteries, the electrode containing a sulfonic acid compound which contains a sulfonate anion represented by the following Formula (1) and a Mn cation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS20250323274A1Lithium-ion battery electrode and lithium-ion battery

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEM CO LTD

AI summary

An electrode for lithium ion batteries, containing a sulfonic acid compound which contains a sulfonate anion represented by the following Formula (1) and a Mn cation,in the Formula (1), R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, which may be substituted with a fluorine atom, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, which may be substituted with a fluorine atom, an alkynyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, which May be substituted with a fluorine atom, or an aryl group which may be substituted with a fluorine atom.