Lithium Air Battery Anode with Composite Protective Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium air batteries face a short lifetime due to structural changes in the lithium electrode during charge and discharge, and existing inorganic material-based solid electrolytes offer low ion conductivity, leading to increased resistance and efficiency deterioration.
Innovation Solution
An anode for lithium air batteries is developed with a protective layer composed of inorganic material-based solid electrolyte powder dispersed in a polymer matrix, which enhances lithium ion conductivity and mechanical protection without requiring high-temperature sintering processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inorganic material-based solid electrolyte is used as a protective film on the lithium electrode, then mechanical protection and structural stability are improved, but ion conductivity deteriorates (only 10^-6 to 10^-5 S/cm at normal temperature)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite protective film consisting of inorganic solid electrolyte particles dispersed in an organic polymer electrolyte matrix. This composite structure combines the mechanical strength and structural stability of inorganic materials with the high ion conductivity of organic polymers, resolving the contradiction between protection and conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the organic electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer form, and controls the particle size of inorganic solid electrolyte particles (1-100 micrometers). These parameter changes enable the protective film to maintain mechanical integrity while preserving ion conductivity through the polymer matrix.
2Productivity
If the lithium electrode surface structure changes during charge and discharge, then battery operation is enabled, but lifetime deteriorates due to accumulation of decomposed products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a protective film to the lithium electrode surface before battery operation begins. This preliminary protective layer prevents direct contact between the lithium electrode and electrolyte, preventing decomposition product accumulation that would otherwise occur during charge-discharge cycles, thereby extending battery lifetime while maintaining operation capability.
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 solution provides a lithium air battery with improved lithium ion conductivity and extended lifetime, maintaining high battery efficiency while stabilizing the lithium metal, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the ion conductivity of the inorganic material-based solid electrolyte is only about 10−6 S/cm to 10−5 S/cm, which is a very low level at normal temperature
Implementation Method 2
the protective layer may include an inorganic material-based solid electrolyte powder dispersed in a polymer matrix
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an anode for a lithium air battery with a long lifetime and high lithium ion conductivity and a method for preparing thereof. The anode includes a lithium metal and a protective layer disposed on one surface of the lithium metal, in which the protective layer includes an inorganic material-based solid electrolyte powder dispersed in a polymer matrix.