Lithium Battery Separator Polymer Coating for Cycle-Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable lithium batteries have limited cycle-life and safety concerns during overcharge due to the limitations in existing electrolyte solutions and separator materials.

Innovation Solution

A rechargeable lithium battery design incorporating a polymer layer made from polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymers on the separator, combined with an electrolyte solution containing alkyl propionate, which enhances the impregnation of the electrolyte and improves the adherence of the separator to electrodes, thereby increasing cycle-life and safety during overcharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrolyte solutions and separator materials are used, then the battery structure is simple, but the cycle-life is limited and safety concerns arise during overcharge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle-lifeVSAvoidbattery structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymer with ceramic powders (such as Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2) to create an enhanced separator. This composite structure improves cycle-life and overcharge safety through the synergistic effects of the polymer matrix and ceramic particles, while maintaining a relatively simple overall battery structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by coating the separator surface with a polymer layer containing polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymer and ceramic powders. This localized modification enhances the separator's properties at critical interfaces with electrodes, improving cycle-life and safety without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional electrolyte solutions are used, then the electrolyte composition is simple, but the impregnation of electrolyte and adherence of separator to electrodes are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadherenceVSAvoidelectrolyte composition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials in the electrolyte by combining polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymer with ceramic powders. This composite formulation enhances electrolyte impregnation and separator adhesion through the combined properties of the polymer matrix and ceramic particles, achieving improved reliability without significantly complicating the electrolyte composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and physical properties of the electrolyte through the addition of polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymer and ceramic powders. These compositional changes enhance the electrolyte's ability to impregnate the separator and improve adhesion to electrodes, addressing the adherence issue through controlled parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional separator materials are used, then the separator structure is simple, but the safety during overcharge is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveovercharge safetyVSAvoidseparator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by incorporating ceramic powders (Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2) into the polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymer matrix of the separator. This composite structure enhances overcharge safety through the thermal stability and structural integrity provided by the ceramic particles, while maintaining a relatively simple separator architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies beforehand cushioning by pre-coating the separator with a polymer layer containing polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymer and ceramic powders before battery assembly. This preparatory treatment creates a protective interface that prevents harmful effects during overcharge conditions, addressing safety concerns before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If conventional separator and electrolyte combinations are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the electrolyte impregnation and conductivity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymer with ceramic powders in the separator and electrolyte formulations. This composite approach enhances conductivity through improved electrolyte impregnation and interfacial contact, while the manufacturing process remains relatively straightforward by utilizing conventional coating and assembly techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-coating the separator with the polymer-ceramic composite layer before electrolyte filling and battery assembly. This preparatory step ensures optimal electrolyte impregnation and conductivity from the outset, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by eliminating the need for post-assembly modifications.

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 described configuration significantly improves the cycle-life and safety of rechargeable lithium batteries by ensuring better electrolyte impregnation and adherence, leading to enhanced conductivity and reduced risk of overcharge-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

the separator may be coated with a polymer layer including a polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer... sufficient electrolyte solution impregnation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the separator may be coated with a polymer layer including a polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer... improved adhesion between the separator and electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10461358B2Rechargeable lithium battery
Publication Date: 2019.10.29 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • US10461358B2 patent drawing
  • US10461358B2 patent drawing
  • US10461358B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rechargeable lithium battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a polymer layer on the separator, the polymer layer including a polyvinylidene fluoride based polymer, and an electrolyte solution including an alkyl propionate.