Nanoscale Polymer Coating for Lithium Battery Anode Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary batteries face issues with dendritic crystal formation on the anode leading to short circuits, rapid heating, and potential fires due to direct contact with the electrolyte, which existing protective layers fail to adequately address, especially concerning electrochemical stability and high-temperature cycle life.
Innovation Solution
A composite electrode material with a nanoscale coating layer composed of metastable state polymers and heterocyclic amino aromatic derivatives is applied to the electrode active powder, providing a protective layer that suppresses delithiation and side reactions, improving thermal stability and cycle life while simplifying the fabrication process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing protective layers (metal, metal oxide, metal fluoride, carbon composites) are applied to the electrode surface, then thermal stability and electrochemical property are improved, but the fabrication process becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the protective layer by using a polymer electrolyte containing cyclic carbonate chains instead of traditional metal or oxide materials. This parameter change simplifies the fabrication process while maintaining thermal stability and electrochemical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite protective layer by combining polymer electrolyte with cyclic carbonate chains, forming a new material system that integrates both protective function and simplified processing characteristics, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer structures.
2Reliability
If existing protective layers are applied to prevent direct contact with electrolyte solution, then electrochemical stability is improved, but cycle life at high temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the protective layer composition by incorporating cyclic carbonate chains into the polymer electrolyte, changing the chemical parameters to achieve both electrochemical stability and improved high-temperature cycle life through enhanced thermal resistance and electrolyte compatibility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used for anodes, then energy density is improved, but dendritic crystal formation occurs causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polymer electrolyte protective layer as an intermediary between the lithium metal anode and the electrolyte solution. This intermediate layer prevents direct contact that would cause dendritic crystal formation, while still allowing ionic transport to maintain high energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin film polymer electrolyte layer that flexibly conforms to the electrode surface, providing continuous coverage that prevents dendritic crystal penetration while maintaining ionic conductivity for high energy density performance.
4Power
If battery operates at high temperature, then power output is improved, but decomposition reaction of electrolyte solution and cathode material occurs causing fire and explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal stability parameters of the electrolyte system by using a polymer electrolyte with cyclic carbonate chains, which has higher thermal decomposition temperature and better thermal stability, allowing high power output at elevated temperatures without decomposition reactions.
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 nanoscale coating layer enhances electrochemical performance, increases energy density, and significantly improves cycle life at high temperatures, while reducing fabrication costs and preventing destructive reactions between the electrolyte and electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
the nanoscale coating layer is composed of a metastable state polymer, a compound A, a compound B, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
the compound B is a heterocyclic amino aromatic derivative used as an initiator
Data Source
AI summary
A composite electrode material of a lithium secondary battery and a lithium secondary battery are provided. The composite electrode material of the lithium secondary battery at least includes an electrode active powder and a nanoscale coating layer coated on the surface of the electrode active powder, wherein the nanoscale coating layer is composed of a metastable state polymer, a compound A, a compound B, or a combination thereof. The compound A is a monomer having a reactive terminal functional group, and the compound B is a heterocyclic amino aromatic derivative used as an initiator. The weight ratio of the nanoscale coating layer to the composite electrode material of the lithium secondary battery is 0.005% to 10%.