Lithium Metal Anode Coating for Dendrite-Free Charge Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal anodes in secondary batteries face challenges with surface reaction layers that are difficult to control, leading to deteriorated reproducibility and charge/discharge characteristics due to lithium's high reactivity.
Innovation Solution
A lithium metal anode with a controlled composition and characteristics is achieved by forming a Li—N—C—H—O based ionic compound coating layer on a lithium metal thin film layer, using an electrochemical plating method to simultaneously create a columnar structure without dendrites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is used as anode material to improve energy density, then energy density is improved, but surface reaction layer control becomes difficult leading to deteriorated reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a surface reaction layer with controlled composition containing Li2CO3, LiOH, and ROCO2Li compounds. This composite layer structure provides both the high reactivity needed for high energy density and the controlled composition needed for reproducibility, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the surface reaction layer by controlling its thickness (5-50 nm) and composition ratios of different lithium compounds. By adjusting these parameters, the patent achieves both high energy density through lithium metal reactivity and improved reproducibility through controlled surface layer characteristics.
2Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is used as anode material to improve energy density, then energy density is improved, but charge/discharge characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite surface reaction layer containing multiple lithium compounds (Li2CO3, LiOH, ROCO2Li) in specific ratios. This composite structure improves charge/discharge characteristics by providing stable ion transport pathways while maintaining the high capacity of lithium metal for high energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a distinct surface reaction layer with specific composition and thickness (5-50 nm) on the lithium metal anode. This localized modification improves charge/discharge characteristics at the surface while preserving the bulk lithium metal's high energy density properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional plating method is used to form lithium metal layer, then manufacturing process is simple, but dendrite formation occurs reducing battery stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a plating solution containing specific additives as an intermediary medium during the electrodeposition process. These additives in the plating solution mediate the lithium deposition process to form a uniform surface reaction layer and prevent dendrite formation, maintaining battery stability while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the plating process by controlling the composition of the plating solution and the electrodeposition conditions. These parameter changes result in uniform lithium metal layer formation without dendrites, improving battery stability while maintaining ease of manufacture through a modified but still straightforward plating process.
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 homogeneous interface with improved electrochemical characteristics, enhancing charge/discharge performance and preventing dendrite growth, thus improving the lithium secondary battery's energy density and stability.
Implementation Method 1
forming a lithium metal thin film layer and a coating layer on a surface of the current collector by applying a current between the current collector and the lithium source
Implementation Method 2
forming simultaneously a metal thin film layer and a coating layer on at least one surface of the current collector by applying a current between the current collector and the lithium source
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a lithium metal anode. Wherein the lithium metal anode comprises a current collector and a lithium metal thin film layer disposed on at least one surface of the current collector and having a thickness in a range of 0.1 to 200 μm and a coating layer disposed on a surface of the lithium metal thin film layer, wherein, the coating layer comprising a Li—N—C—H—O based ionic compound.