Lithium Cathode Active Material for Higher Capacity and Discharge Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium batteries require cathode active materials with high capacity and increased driving voltage to meet the demands of miniaturized, high-performance electronic devices, but existing olivine-based cathode materials have low charge/discharge voltage.
Innovation Solution
A novel cathode active material represented by the formula A2+xMP2O7Zy, where A is a Group 1 element, M is a metal cation from Groups 2 to 16, and Z is a Group 17 element, with excess lithium incorporated to enhance discharge capacity and voltage, prepared by mixing precursors and heat-treating in an oxidizing or inert atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If olivine-based cathode active material is used, then high capacity is achieved, but charge/discharge voltage is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple metal elements (Fe, Co, Ni, Mn) in specific ratios within the cathode active material structure. This composite approach allows the material to achieve both high capacity and improved charge/discharge voltage by leveraging the complementary properties of different metal elements, resolving the contradiction between capacity and voltage performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the atomic ratios of metal elements (Fe: 0.2-0.8, Co: 0.1-0.5, Ni: 0.1-0.5, Mn: 0.1-0.5) and heat treatment temperature (400-1000°C) to optimize both capacity and voltage characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the material achieves high capacity while simultaneously improving charge/discharge voltage beyond conventional olivine-based materials
2Quantity of substance
If high-capacity cathode active material is developed, then energy density increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cathode active material into distinct functional components with specific metal element ratios. This segmentation approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing precise control of individual element proportions while achieving high overall capacity, reducing the complexity of producing high-capacity materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by establishing specific compositional ranges and heat treatment conditions that optimize capacity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The defined parameter ranges (metal ratios, heat treatment temperature) provide clear manufacturing guidelines that reduce complexity compared to undefined optimization processes
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 new cathode active material achieves improved discharge capacity density and increased average discharge voltage, enhancing the energy density of lithium batteries.
Implementation Method 1
heat-treating the first composition in an oxidizing or an inert atmosphere at 400° C. to 1,000° C. for 3 hours to 20 hours
Implementation Method 2
heat-treating the first composition in an oxidizing or an inert atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A cathode active material represented by Formula 1 below:A2+xMP2O7Zy Formula 1wherein in Formula 1, A is at least one element selected from Group 1 of the Periodic Table, M is at least one metal element selected from Groups 2 to 4, or 6 to 16 of the Periodic Table, and is a cation having a valence of at least two, Z is at least one element selected from Group 17 of the Periodic Table, 0<x≤4, and 0<y≤4.