Li2-X-Y Intermetallic Anodes for High-Energy Li-Ion Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion batteries face challenges in increasing energy density while maintaining cost-effectiveness, requiring the development of new anode materials with high capacity, facile synthesizability, and acceptable conductivity without using expensive, rare, or toxic elements.
Innovation Solution
Development of intermetallic compounds with a formula Li2—X—Y, where X and Y are metal or metalloid atoms, featuring a cubic unit cell, discharge potential below 0.4 V vs. Li/Li+, and a molar ratio of 2:1:1, which can be synthesized through methods like thermal treatment, reaction of metal precursors, or electrochemical deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional anode materials are used, then cost-effectiveness is maintained, but energy density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using intermetallic compounds with specific stoichiometric ratios (Li2-X-Y where X and Y are metals or metalloids), which fundamentally alters the material properties to achieve higher energy density while maintaining manufacturability through established synthesis routes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite intermetallic compounds combining multiple elements (Li with X and Y metals/metalloids) to create materials that exhibit superior electrochemical performance and energy density compared to conventional single-element anodes, while the use of abundant elements keeps costs manageable
2Quantity of substance
If high capacity anode materials are developed, then energy density increases, but susceptibility to side reactions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating intermetallic compounds with specific atomic arrangements and local chemical environments that provide high capacity while the structured intermetallic framework protects against side reactions by controlling the local chemistry at the electrode-electrolyte interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of high reactivity into a benefit by designing intermetallic compounds that undergo controlled initial side reactions to form stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers, which then protect the high-capacity material from further parasitic reactions during cycling
3Reliability
If new anode materials are synthesized, then performance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synthesis process into manageable stages (precursor preparation, controlled reaction, thermal treatment) that can be independently optimized and scaled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving high-performance intermetallic compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms in the synthesis where metal precursors spontaneously react under controlled conditions to form the desired intermetallic phases, reducing the need for complex external processing equipment and simplifying manufacturing
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 intermetallic compounds offer higher energy densities, improved stability, and reduced susceptibility to side reactions, enhancing the performance of lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
anode materials comprising intermetallic compounds, which are useful in lithium-ion batteries
Implementation Method 2
said method comprising one or more of thermal treatment, reaction of metal precursors
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments may provide an anode material, comprising a compound of formula Li2—X—Y, wherein: X and Y are each independently a metal atom or a metalloid atom; the anode material has a discharge potential of less than about 0.4 V vs. Li/Li+; and the molar ratio of Li:X:Y is 2:1:1.