Rechargeable Lithium Battery Electrode with Impregnation Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable lithium batteries face challenges in maintaining high performance and large capacity due to difficulties in electrolyte impregnation within thick electrodes, leading to concentration gradients and impaired lithium ion mobility.

Innovation Solution

The electrode design includes a current collector, an electrode active material layer, and an electrolyte solution impregnation layer with a metal oxide and conductive material, positioned closer to the current collector, facilitating smooth electrolyte supply and minimizing concentration gradients, thereby enhancing lithium ion mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the electrode is made thick to increase capacity, then the battery capacity increases, but electrolyte impregnation becomes difficult and concentration gradients form

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidelectrolyte impregnation uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple layers: an active material layer and an electrolyte solution impregnation layer. This segmentation allows the thick electrode to be divided into functional zones, where the impregnation layer specifically addresses electrolyte distribution while the active material layer provides capacity, resolving the contradiction between thickness and impregnation uniformity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolyte solution impregnation layer acts as an intermediary between the electrolyte and the active material layer. It facilitates uniform electrolyte distribution throughout the thick electrode structure, enabling both high capacity and reliable impregnation by mediating the interaction between electrolyte and active material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If the electrode is made thick to increase capacity, then the battery capacity increases, but lithium ion mobility is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidlithium ion mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structure is segmented into an active material layer and an electrolyte solution impregnation layer. This segmentation creates optimized pathways for lithium ion transport within each layer, maintaining high ion mobility even in thick electrodes by reducing transport distances within the active material regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode are given different properties: the active material layer is optimized for lithium ion insertion/extraction, while the impregnation layer is optimized for electrolyte distribution and ion transport. This local optimization maintains high lithium ion mobility throughout the thick electrode structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple electrode structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but electrolyte impregnation and ion mobility are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidelectrolyte impregnation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into two main layers that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through a modular approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolyte solution impregnation layer serves multiple functions: it facilitates electrolyte distribution, enhances lithium ion mobility, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration improves the cycle-life and output characteristics of rechargeable lithium batteries by ensuring efficient electrolyte impregnation and lithium ion mobility, even in thick electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

The metal oxide may provide a pathway for movement of lithium ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon transport: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

the conductive material may provide a pathway for movement of electrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

an electrolyte solution impregnation layer, wherein the electrolyte solution impregnation layer includes a metal oxide and a conductive material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9905854B2Electrode for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery including the same

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

An electrode for a rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery, the electrode including a current collector; an electrode active material layer; and an electrolyte solution impregnation layer, wherein the electrolyte solution impregnation layer includes a metal oxide and a conductive material.