Lithium Metal Negative Electrode Protective Layer Against Dendrites

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium metal batteries with lithium metal thin film negative electrodes face issues such as reduced lifetime and stability due to dendritic growth and reactivity with the electrolyte, leading to short circuits and decreased cycle lifetime.

Innovation Solution

A negative electrode with a protective layer having a Young's modulus of 106 Pa or greater, comprising particles with sizes between 1 micrometer and 100 micrometers, including organic, inorganic, or organic-inorganic particles, which suppresses dendritic growth and enhances mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a lithium metal thin film is used as the negative electrode, then high energy density is achieved, but dendritic growth occurs and lifetime is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidlifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protective layer comprising particles with sizes between 1 micrometer and 100 micrometers is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium metal thin film and the electrolyte. This protective layer suppresses dendritic growth and reduces reactivity with the electrolyte, thereby extending battery lifetime while maintaining the high energy density benefits of lithium metal electrodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer is formed using composite materials consisting of particles with specific size ranges (1-100 micrometers) and Young's modulus of 10^6 Pa or greater. These composite structures provide both mechanical strength to prevent dendritic penetration and appropriate porosity to allow lithium ion transport, resolving the contradiction between durability and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If a lithium metal thin film is used as the negative electrode, then high energy density is achieved, but reactivity with electrolyte increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidreactivity with electrolyte

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer acts as a mediator between the lithium metal thin film and the electrolyte, physically separating them to reduce direct contact and chemical reactivity. This intermediary layer prevents harmful side reactions while maintaining ionic conductivity for battery operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer creates an inert environment around the lithium metal thin film, shielding it from the electrolyte and preventing unwanted chemical reactions. This inert barrier allows the lithium metal to maintain its high energy density characteristics without suffering from electrolyte degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If a protective layer with particles of 1-100 micrometers is applied, then dendritic growth is suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer's effectiveness is controlled by optimizing specific parameters: particle size (1-100 micrometers) and Young's modulus (≥10^6 Pa). By carefully controlling these parameters, the protective layer achieves dendritic growth suppression while maintaining manufacturability and avoiding excessive complexity in the overall battery structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 protective layer improves the stability and cycle characteristics of lithium metal batteries by reducing dendritic growth and reactivity, leading to enhanced mechanical strength and conductivity, thereby increasing the battery's lifetime and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a protective layer on at least a portion of the lithium metal electrode, wherein the protective layer has a Young's modulus of about 10^6 pascals (Pa) or greater and includes at least one particle having a particle size of greater than 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the negative electrode may react with the liquid electrolyte during charging or discharging of the battery due to the high reactivity between the lithium metal and the electrolyte, and dendritic growth may occur on the lithium metal thin film negative electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11984581B2Negative electrode for lithium metal battery and lithium metal battery comprising the same

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A negative electrode for a lithium metal battery including: a lithium metal electrode including a lithium metal or a lithium metal alloy; and a protective layer on at least portion of the lithium metal electrode, wherein the protective layer has a Young's modulus of about 106 pascals or greater and includes at least one particle having a particle size of greater than 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers, and wherein the at least one particle include an organic particle, an inorganic particle, an organic-inorganic particle, or a combination thereof.