Lithium Metal Anode Protection Layer Using UV-Cured Composite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal anode batteries face issues with dendrite formation due to solvent reactions and poor heat resistance of polymer protection layers, leading to internal short circuits and fire risks during charging and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A battery design featuring a polymer-ceramic composite protection layer on the lithium metal anode, cured using ultraviolet or electron-beam methods, eliminating the need for solvent drying and enhancing heat resistance, comprising materials like polyisoimide, polyester acrylate, and ceramic particles, which reduces the risk of dendrite growth and fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polymer protection layer is applied using a solvent-based solution on lithium metal surface, then the protection layer can be formed to prevent dendrite formation, but the solvent may react with lithium metal to generate side products or cause ignition during drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the solvent component from the protection layer application process entirely. Instead of using a solvent-based polymer solution, the invention applies a polymer slurry that is cured in place, eliminating the harmful drying step where solvent reactions and ignition risks occur while still forming an effective protection layer on the lithium metal surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal drying process (heating to evaporate solvent) with a chemical curing process. The polymer slurry is cured using chemical initiators or radiation (UV/electron beam) instead of thermal energy, substituting a harmful thermal-mechanical process with a controlled chemical process that avoids solvent ignition risks
2Reliability
If a polymer protection layer is used to prevent dendrite formation, then the lithium metal surface is protected, but the polymer has poor heat resistance and may be damaged when the battery generates heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite protection layer by combining polymer matrix with inorganic fillers (such as aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, or other ceramic particles). This composite structure provides both the flexibility and adhesion of polymer materials and the high heat resistance and mechanical strength of inorganic materials, enabling the protection layer to withstand battery operating temperatures while maintaining dendrite prevention capabilities
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 improved heat resistance and reduced fire risk while maintaining high capacity and output, ensuring the protection layer's integrity during battery operation and eliminating solvent-related hazards.
Implementation Method 1
the protection layer may include a polymer-ceramic composite material containing an ultraviolet cured resin or electron-beam cured resin
Implementation Method 2
the protection layer may include a polymer-ceramic composite material containing an ultraviolet cured resin or electron-beam cured resin
Data Source
AI summary
A battery including a composite electrode protection layer and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The battery includes a negative electrode that includes a current collector containing a conductive material, an anode active material positioned on a surface of the current collector and containing metallic lithium, and a protection layer covering an exposed surface of the anode active material and the protection layer may include a polymer-ceramic composite material containing an ultraviolet cured resin or electron-beam cured resin and a ceramic.