LiF Coated Carbon Negative Electrode for Lithium Battery Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries using carbon-based negative electrodes face challenges with rapid charging capability and safety issues during overcharge and high-temperature exposure due to the formation of a thick solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and potential for short circuits.

Innovation Solution

A negative electrode with a carbon-based active material layer coated with a LiF layer containing amorphous LiF in amounts of 30 mol % or more, which helps regulate SEI thickness, enhance rapid charging, and improve safety by acting as a protective and insulating layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thick SEI is formed on the surface of the negative electrode to prevent lithium ion reactions and act as an ion tunnel, then safety is improved, but rapid charging capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidrapid charging capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the SEI layer by incorporating LiF compounds (specifically LiF, Li3PO4, and Li2SiO3) in controlled ratios. This compositional parameter change modifies the SEI properties to achieve both safety and rapid charging capability, resolving the contradiction between thick SEI for safety and thin SEI for rapid charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite SEI layer by combining multiple lithium compounds (LiF, Li3PO4, Li2SiO3) with carbon-based active material. This composite structure provides both the protective function of a thick SEI and the ion conductivity needed for rapid charging, simultaneously addressing both requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If carbon-based compound is used as negative electrode active material to maintain structural and electrical properties, then cycle life is improved, but safety at overcharge and high temperature is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle lifeVSAvoidsafety at overcharge and high temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces LiF-containing compounds as an intermediary protective layer between the carbon-based active material and the electrolyte. This intermediary SEI layer acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact and harmful reactions at high temperatures and overcharge conditions, while allowing normal operation and maintaining cycle life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary protective action by forming a stable LiF-containing SEI layer before harmful reactions can occur. This pre-formed protective barrier prevents thermal runaway and short circuits during overcharge and high-temperature conditions, addressing safety concerns before they manifest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Productivity

If LiF layer is formed on negative electrode active material layer to regulate SEI thickness, then rapid charging capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverapid charging capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating LiF-containing compounds directly into the electrode manufacturing process before battery assembly. The LiF layer is formed in advance during electrode production, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to post-assembly treatments, while still achieving the desired SEI thickness control for rapid charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 LiF layer enables stable rapid charging, reduces calorific values during overcharge and high-temperature exposure, and enhances short-circuit safety, maintaining excellent cycle performance and safety at overcharge and high-temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a LiF layer which is formed on the negative electrode active material layer and comprises amorphous LiF

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Vapour Deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

enhance short-circuit safety, maintaining excellent cycle performance and safety at overcharge and high-temperature conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11539039B2Negative electrode for lithium secondary battery, lithium secondary battery comprising the same, and preparation method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.12.27 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery, in which a LiF layer comprising amorphous LiF in an amount of 30 mol % or more is formed on a negative electrode active material layer comprising a carbon-based active material, a lithium secondary battery comprising the same, and a preparation method thereof.