Lithium Metal Cell Electrolyte and Pressure Control for Stable Cycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-containing electrochemical cells face challenges in achieving optimal performance due to limitations in electrode materials, electrolyte composition, and charging/discharging rates, which affect their efficiency and stability.

Innovation Solution

The electrochemical system incorporates a lithium anode, a nickel-manganese-cobalt cathode with a fluorinated carbonate-based electrolyte, and an anisotropic force applied to the cell, along with a management system controlling charging and discharging rates, to enhance performance and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrode materials and electrolyte compositions are used, then the electrochemical cell can be manufactured with standard materials, but the efficiency and stability of the cell are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the electrolyte composition (using fluorinated carbonates instead of conventional carbonates) and electrode material parameters (using specific nickel-manganese-cobalt ratios and fluorinated binders) to achieve improved stability and efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through controlled compositional adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining fluorinated carbonate electrolytes with nickel-manganese-cobalt cathode materials and fluorinated binder systems, creating a multi-component composite structure that enhances overall cell stability and performance beyond what single materials could achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If high charging and discharging rates are implemented, then the productivity of the electrochemical system increases, but the stability and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging and discharging rateVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a management system that dynamically adjusts charging and discharging rates based on real-time cell conditions, allowing the system to operate at high productivity when conditions permit while maintaining stability through adaptive rate control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms through the electrochemical cell management system that monitors cell performance and adjusts operating parameters accordingly, enabling high discharge rates (at least 2 times the charging rate) while maintaining stability through continuous feedback-driven optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If optimal electrode materials and electrolyte composition are used, then the efficiency and stability improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing specific local components (electrolyte composition in contact with electrodes, binder distribution in electrode layers, cathode material composition) to achieve high efficiency without requiring complex system-wide modifications, allowing standard manufacturing processes to be used with improved local material properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 electrochemical cell's efficiency and stability by optimizing the electrode materials and electrolyte composition, allowing for controlled charging and discharging rates, thereby enhancing overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises: a first solvent comprising a fluorinated carbonate; a second solvent comprising a carbonate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

wherein an anisotropic force is applied to the electrochemical cell, the anisotropic force comprising a component normal to a surface of the first electrode, and wherein the component normal defines a pressure of at least about 4.9 N/cm2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnisotropic force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the electrochemical cell is charged at a charging rate over a first state of charge range having breadth of at least 2%, and the electrochemical cell is discharged at a discharging rate over a second state of charge range having a breadth of at least 2%, wherein the discharging rate is at least 2 times the charging rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS20240055647A1Lithium-containing electrochemical cells, electrochemical systems, and related methods

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 SION POWER CORP

AI summary

Electrochemical cells and electrochemical systems containing lithium (e.g., lithium metal) are generally described.