Electrolyte Additive for Lithium Secondary Battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face challenges in improving low-temperature output characteristics, high-temperature cycle characteristics, and swelling due to non-uniform solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation and decomposition issues, especially when using electrolyte solutions without effective additives.

Innovation Solution

A non-aqueous electrolyte solution containing lithium difluorophosphate, vinylene carbonate-based compounds, and sultone-based compounds, with specific weight ratios and concentrations, is used to form a robust SEI, preventing cathode decomposition and oxidation reactions, thereby enhancing battery performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If electrolyte solution additives are used to improve low-temperature output characteristics, then low-temperature output is improved, but high-temperature cycle characteristics and swelling characteristics deteriorate due to non-uniform SEI formation and decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow-temperature outputVSAvoidhigh-temperature cycle characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the concentration ratios of multiple electrolyte additives (vinylene carbonate at 0.01-5 wt%, dimethyl carbonate at 0.01-5 wt%, and lithium difluorophosphate at 0.01-1 wt%) to achieve optimal SEI formation that performs well across both low-temperature and high-temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite electrolyte additive system combining multiple compounds (vinylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and lithium difluorophosphate) that work synergistically to form a robust SEI layer, where each component contributes different properties that collectively resolve the temperature-dependent performance contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If electrolyte solution additives are increased to improve SEI formation, then low-temperature output improves, but cathode decomposition and oxidation reactions increase at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow-temperature outputVSAvoidcathode decomposition and oxidation reactions
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the concentration ratios of multiple electrolyte additives (vinylene carbonate at 0.01-5 wt%, dimethyl carbonate at 0.01-5 wt%, and lithium difluorophosphate at 0.01-1 wt%) to achieve optimal SEI formation that performs well across both low-temperature and high-temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dimethyl carbonate as an intermediary substance that mediates between the SEI-forming additives and the cathode, preventing direct harmful interactions while maintaining beneficial SEI formation properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution improves low-temperature output, high-temperature cycle, and swelling characteristics by forming a robust SEI, maintaining capacity retention and reducing irreversible capacity, leading to better battery performance and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

a process of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions from a lithium metal oxide cathode into and out of a graphite anode is repeated. In this case, since lithium is highly reactive, lithium reacts with the carbon electrode to form Li 2 CO 3 , LiO, or LiOH. Thus, a film may be formed on the surface of the anode. The film is denoted as 'solid electrolyte interface (SEI)'

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSEI formation:

Implementation Method 2

The SEI formed at an initial stage of charging may prevent a reaction of the lithium ions with the carbon anode or other materials during the charge and discharge. Also, the SEI may only pass the lithium ions by acting as an ion tunnel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon tunneling:

Implementation Method 3

Charge and discharge of the lithium secondary battery is performed while a process of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions from a lithium metal oxide cathode into and out of a graphite anode is repeated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntercalation:

Implementation Method 4

the co-intercalation of the carbon anode and organic solvents of an electrolyte solution having a high molecular weight which solvates lithium ions and moves therewith

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP2797156B1Electrolyte additive for lithium secondary battery, non-aqueous electrolyte containing said electrolyte additive, and lithium secondary battery
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP2797156B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2797156B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2797156B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided is an electrolyte solution additive including lithium difluorophosphate (LiDFP), a vinylene carbonate-based compound, and a sultone-based compound. Also, a non-aqueous electrolyte solution including the electrolyte solution additive and a lithium secondary battery including the non-aqueous electrolyte solution are provided. The lithium secondary battery including the electrolyte solution additive of the present invention may improve low-temperature output characteristics, high-temperature cycle characteristics, output characteristics after high-temperature storage, and swelling characteristics.