Lithium Alloy Anode Structure for Uniform High-Capacity Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium secondary batteries face issues with uneven distribution of heterogeneous materials during manufacturing, leading to suboptimal capacity and output characteristics due to the lack of uniformity in electrode components.
Innovation Solution
An anode for lithium secondary batteries is designed with a lithium alloy layer and a protective layer, where the lithium alloy layer is positioned between a current collector and the protective layer, incorporating alloying metals like silver, magnesium, and oxides to enhance mechanical strength and ionic conductivity, formed through an in-situ method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If heterogeneous materials are used as components for electrode formation to achieve high capacity and output characteristics, then the energy density and performance are improved, but the materials become unevenly distributed during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrode components from solid particles to a solubilized state in a solvent, creating a homogeneous slurry composition. This parameter change from solid to dissolved state enables uniform distribution of heterogeneous materials (lithium alloy powder, conductive material, solid electrolyte) throughout the electrode, resolving the manufacturing uniformity issue while maintaining high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite slurry composition where multiple heterogeneous materials (lithium alloy powder, conductive material, solid electrolyte, and solvent) are combined into a homogeneous mixture. This composite approach allows each component to contribute its specific function while achieving uniform distribution through the liquid medium, solving both the energy density and uniformity requirements
2Reliability
If a protective layer is formed on the lithium alloy layer to improve interfacial stability and reduce side reactions, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is formed in-situ through a simple heat treatment process (heating to 400-600°C for 1-24 hours), allowing the layer to self-form from the lithium alloy layer without requiring separate coating or deposition steps. This self-service approach improves interfacial stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by using a straightforward thermal process rather than complex manufacturing steps
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 anode structure improves mechanical strength, ionic conductivity, and interfacial stability, reducing side reactions and dendrite formation, thereby enhancing the performance and durability of lithium secondary batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a preliminary layer including lithium and an alloying metal different from lithium is formed on one surface of a current collector. A cell including the preliminary layer, a lithium metal plate, and an electrodeposition solution including a solvent and a lithium source is assembled. The preliminary layer is converted into a lithium alloy layer including lithium and the alloying metal by applying a current to the cell
Data Source
AI summary
An anode for a lithium secondary battery includes a current collector, a lithium alloy layer including lithium and an alloying metal different from lithium, and a protective layer including a lithium compound and an oxide of the alloying metal. The lithium alloy layer is positioned between the current collector and the protective layer.