Lithium Metal Anode Adhesive Layer for Stable Collector Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium metal batteries face commercialization challenges due to weak adherence between the negative current collector and active material, leading to electrolyte penetration and increased resistance, which deteriorates battery performance and safety.

Innovation Solution

An adhesive layer comprising a binder and conductive material is introduced between the negative current collector and lithium metal thin membrane to enhance conductivity and adherence, improving the manufacturing method through a wet process for better adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a physical compression method without binder is used to manufacture the negative electrode, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adherence between the negative current collector and the negative active material is weak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidadherence between current collector and active material
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An adhesive layer comprising a binder and conductive material is introduced between the negative current collector and the lithium metal thin membrane. This adhesive layer acts as an intermediary that simultaneously improves adherence and maintains conductivity, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and reliable adherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer is formed as a composite material combining a binder (for adherence) and conductive material (for electrical conductivity). This composite structure allows the system to achieve both strong bonding and maintained electrical performance, addressing the limitations of using either component alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If no adhesive layer is used, then the device structure is simple, but electrolyte solution penetrates between the current collector and active material causing increased resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode structure complexityVSAvoidelectrolyte penetration and resistance increase
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer serves as a protective intermediary barrier that prevents electrolyte solution from penetrating between the current collector and active material. This layer blocks the harmful interaction while maintaining the overall structural simplicity of the electrode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer is implemented as a thin film structure that provides continuous coverage and protection against electrolyte penetration. The thin film format maintains structural simplicity while effectively preventing the harmful effects of electrolyte intrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Duration of action of moving object

If volume changes of lithium occur during operation, then the battery operates, but gaps between the current collector and active material gradually increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery operation durationVSAvoidgap formation between layers
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer acts as a flexible intermediary that accommodates volume changes of the lithium metal during charge-discharge cycles. This mediator layer maintains continuous contact between the current collector and active material, preventing gap formation despite volumetric expansion and contraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer is designed with mechanical properties that allow it to adapt to parameter changes (volume changes) of the lithium metal during operation. The binder and conductive material composition enables the adhesive layer to maintain adherence under varying dimensional conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improved adherence and conductivity result in enhanced battery lifespan, safety, and capacity retention, suppressing resistance increase during cycling and enabling stable battery operation.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive layer disposed on one surface or both surfaces of the negative current collector and including a binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

an adhesive layer disposed on one surface or both surfaces of the negative current collector and including a binder and a conductive material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3671912B1Negative electrode for lithium metal battery, manufacturing method of the same, and lithium metal battery including the same
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3671912B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3671912B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3671912B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a negative electrode for a lithium metal battery, a manufacturing method thereof, and a lithium battery including the same. In detail, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, to improve conductivity while improving adherence between a negative current collector and a negative active material of the lithium battery, an adhesive layer including a binder and a conductive material between the negative current collector and the negative active material is provided.