Lithium-Ion Cathode Material via Biomineralized Precursor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries, such as the liquid-phase method, require high energy consumption, generate pollution, and result in materials with irregular structures and poor cycle stability.

Innovation Solution

A biomineralization method is used to prepare a precursor for the positive electrode material, which is then mixed with a lithium source and calcined to produce a material with a regular layered structure and high cycle stability, reducing energy consumption and pollution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the liquid-phase method is used to prepare positive electrode material, then the material has good chemical homogeneity and high purity, but the energy consumption increases and pollution is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical homogeneityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the preparation parameters by using a low-temperature solvothermal method (80-120°C) instead of conventional high-temperature liquid-phase methods, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining good chemical homogeneity and purity of the electrode material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple aqueous solvent system that can be easily evaporated and disposed of without generating harmful pollution, replacing complex organic solvents and reducing environmental impact while maintaining material quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If the solid-phase method is used to prepare positive electrode material, then the process is simple, but the material has uneven phase distribution and irregular grain shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidphase distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the preparation process into two distinct stages: first forming a homogeneous precursor through solvothermal method with uniform metal ion distribution, then performing simple solid-phase sintering. This segmentation allows the complex homogenization to occur in the liquid phase while keeping the final processing simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-forming a homogeneous precursor material with uniformly distributed metal ions through the solvothermal method before the final sintering step, ensuring even phase distribution is achieved before the simple solid-phase processing begins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional liquid-phase methods are used, then the material has narrow particle size distribution, but the electrochemical performance is affected by multiple reaction conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size distributionVSAvoidreaction conditions control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-service by using the self-assembly and controlled precipitation properties of metal ions in the solvothermal system, where the reaction conditions themselves guide the formation of uniform particles without requiring complex external control mechanisms for pH, stirring speed, or temperature variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If co-precipitation method is used in industry, then the precursor can be prepared, but stirring and heating consume a lot of energy and three wastes treatment increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecursor preparationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stirring and heating system of conventional co-precipitation with a solvothermal system where controlled heating in a sealed environment enables precursor formation without continuous mechanical agitation, significantly reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for complex waste treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method achieves high cycle stability and improved electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries, with an initial discharge specific capacity of 285 mAhg−1 and a cycle stability of 95% after 200 cycles.

Implementation Method 1

A biomineralization method is used to prepare a precursor for the positive electrode material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiomineralization:

Implementation Method 2

which has a regular layered structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 3

mixed with a lithium source and calcined to produce a material with a regular layered structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCalcination: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentUS20250122096A1Lithium ion battery positive electrode material, and preparation method therefor and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.04.17 INSTITUTE OF PROCESS ENGINEERING CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

AI summary

The present application relates to a lithium ion battery positive electrode material, and a preparation method therefor and the use thereof. The preparation method comprises the following steps: (1) preparing a mixed solution from a raw material containing metal ions, a polymer and a solvent, independently leaving same and an ammonium source to stand in the same space, and subjecting same to solid-liquid separation to obtain a precursor, and (2) mixing and calcining the precursor in step (1) and a lithium source to obtain a lithium ion battery positive electrode material.