Liquid-Deposited SEI Coatings for Battery Thermal Runaway Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying thin-film coatings to Lithium-Ion battery electrodes are either too slow and capital-intensive for high-volume manufacturing or ineffective in preventing thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-phase deposition method is used to produce artificial solid-phase electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers on battery electrodes, which are more resistant to thermal degradation and can be scaled for high-volume production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If atomic layer deposition (ALD) is used to form artificial SEI layers, then thermal stability is improved, but manufacturing speed and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vacuum-based atomic layer deposition (ALD) process with a liquid-phase deposition process that occurs in ambient atmosphere. This substitution eliminates the need for vacuum equipment and enables continuous processing, dramatically improving manufacturing throughput while maintaining the ability to form protective artificial SEI layers on battery electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs liquid-phase deposition where precursor solutions are applied to electrodes through浸渍 (immersion) or spraying methods. This hydraulic approach allows for rapid, continuous coating of large numbers of electrodes, achieving high manufacturing scalability that vapor-phase ALD cannot match
2Ease of operation
If conventional SEI layers are allowed to form naturally, then battery operation is enabled, but thermal runaway resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies liquid-phase deposition to form artificial SEI layers on battery electrodes before the electrodes are assembled into complete battery cells. This preliminary formation of thermally stable protective layers prevents thermal runaway while maintaining normal battery operation, addressing both requirements simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite electrode structures by depositing artificial SEI layers composed of thermally stable materials (such as metal oxides or other inorganic compounds) onto the surface of conventional electrode materials. This composite approach combines the electrochemical functionality of the original electrodes with the thermal stability of the protective coating
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 artificial SEI layers significantly improve the thermal stability of Lithium-Ion batteries, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and enabling safer, more reliable battery performance.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid-phase deposition method is used to produce artificial solid-phase electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers on battery electrodes
Implementation Method 2
artificial solid-phase electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers on battery electrodes, which are more resistant to thermal degradation
Implementation Method 3
a series of self-catalyzing exothermic reactions occur in the range of 60-300° C. that eventually lead to mechanical cell failure
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are battery cells comprising artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers used as protective coatings on electrodes. The SEI layers are produced by liquid-phase deposition (LDP). The battery cell may comprise an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode, a polymer separator disposed between the anode and the cathode, and a casing containing the anode, the cathode, the electrolyte, and the polymer separator, wherein at least one or the anode or cathode comprises an SEI layer produced by an LDP method.