Lithiophilic-Coated Anode Structure for Dendrite-Safe Solid-State Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing all-solid-state batteries face challenges such as limited energy density, rapid capacity fade due to volume changes in silicon anode active materials, and the risk of lithium dendrite formation leading to internal short circuits.

Innovation Solution

The use of an anode active material layer with a carbon material and a lithiophilic material coating, which allows lithium to precipitate on the surface and pores of the anode during charging, thereby increasing energy density, improving cycle characteristics, and preventing volume expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If silicon-based anode active material is used to increase energy density, then the battery capacity increases, but the volume expansion during charging causes rapid capacity fade and loss of contacting surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidcontacting surface stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A carbon coating layer is formed on the surface of the silicon-based anode active material particles. This carbon shell maintains structural integrity during volume expansion, preserving the contacting surface between the anode active material and solid electrolyte while allowing the silicon core to expand and contract during charging-discharging cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The anode active material is designed as a composite structure combining silicon-based material with carbon material. The silicon provides high capacity while the carbon matrix accommodates volume expansion and maintains electrical contact, creating a synergistic composite that resolves the contradiction between high capacity and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If lithium is precipitated on the surface and pores of anode active material during charging, then energy density increases, but lithium dendrites may form causing internal short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidinternal short circuit prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Lithium precipitation is directed to specific locations - the pores and surface of the anode active material particles - rather than occurring uniformly. The carbon coating creates localized regions where lithium can safely precipitate within the porous structure, preventing dendrite formation while maintaining high energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The anode active material has a porous structure that provides controlled pathways for lithium precipitation. The pores accommodate lithium deposition in a distributed manner, preventing the formation of concentrated dendritic structures that would cause internal short circuits while still achieving high energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the voltage range is extended beyond existing limits, then battery performance improves, but lithium may precipitate between solid electrolyte layer and anode active material layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage rangeVSAvoidlithium precipitation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The carbon coating layer acts as a flexible shell that can accommodate lithium precipitation even at extended voltage ranges. This shell prevents uncontrolled lithium deposition between the solid electrolyte and anode active material layers while allowing the battery to operate at higher voltages for improved performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

This approach enhances the energy density and cycle stability of all-solid-state batteries while minimizing volume changes and preventing lithium dendrite formation, allowing the battery to operate within a wider voltage range.

Implementation Method 1

allows lithium to precipitate on the surface and pores of the anode during charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLithium precipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 2

suppressing the volume expansion rate of the anode when charging an all-solid-state battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolume suppression:

Implementation Method 3

preventing lithium dendrite formation, allowing the battery to operate within a wider voltage range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDendrite prevention:

Data Source

PatentUS20250201805A1Anode and an all-solid-state battery including same

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Proposed is an anode containing an anode active material having a form in which at least a portion of the surface of a carbon material is coated with a lithiophilic material. The fastening pressure or N/P ratio in an all-solid-state battery, including the anode, is adjusted to suppress lithium dendrite growth and increase the energy density of the battery.