Lithium Electrode Non-Aqueous Interlayer Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable lithium metal batteries face cell cycling issues due to the growth of lithium dendrites and 'mossy' deposits, leading to internal short circuits and reduced capacity, and are not compatible with aqueous environments due to corrosive reactions.
Innovation Solution
A non-aqueous electrolyte interlayer architecture is used to isolate the lithium electrode from the environment, comprising an active metal ion conducting separator layer with a non-aqueous anolyte and a substantially impervious ionically conductive layer, preventing deleterious reactions while allowing ion transport, and incorporating safety additives to prevent aggressive catholyte ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used as electrode component, then energy density is improved, but cycling reliability deteriorates due to dendrite growth and internal short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective architecture into multiple functional layers: a porous separator layer impregnated with non-aqueous electrolyte and a substantially impervious ionically conductive layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the porous layer provides ionic conductivity and flexibility, while the impervious layer provides mechanical barrier and dendrite penetration resistance, collectively solving the cycling reliability problem while maintaining high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The protective architecture uses composite material structure combining organic porous polymer separator with inorganic glass-ceramic membrane. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both materials - the flexibility and ion transport capability of polymers and the impermeability and mechanical strength of glass-ceramics - to prevent dendrite growth and improve cycling reliability without sacrificing the high energy density benefits of lithium metal
2Reliability
If protective layer is applied to lithium electrode, then cycling reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film structures for both the porous separator layer and the impervious glass-ceramic layer. These thin films provide effective protection against dendrite growth and electrode degradation while minimizing the thickness of the protective architecture, thereby reducing overall device complexity and maintaining compact battery design
Solution Approach 2:
The porous separator layer impregnated with non-aqueous electrolyte serves as an intermediary between the lithium metal electrode and the aqueous catholyte environment. This intermediate layer provides ionic conductivity and chemical compatibility, mediating the interaction between incompatible environments and simplifying the overall system design by enabling the use of stable aqueous catholytes with high-energy lithium anodes
3Adaptability or versatility
If lithium electrode contacts aqueous environment, then manufacturing versatility is improved, but harmful reactions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The substantially impervious ionically conductive layer made of glass-ceramic material acts as an intermediary barrier between the lithium metal electrode and the aqueous catholyte environment. This layer is chemically inert to both lithium metal and water, preventing harmful corrosive reactions while allowing ionic transport, thereby enabling the versatile combination of lithium anodes with aqueous-based cathodes and simplifying manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The glass-ceramic impervious layer creates an inert chemical environment for the lithium metal electrode by providing a stable, non-reactive barrier that isolates the reactive lithium from the aqueous environment. This inert barrier enables manufacturing versatility by allowing the use of stable aqueous catholytes and simplifying cell assembly processes while preventing deleterious reactions between lithium and water
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 solution enhances the cycle life and safety of lithium batteries by preventing dendrite formation and allowing the use of aqueous and other corrosive environments, enabling high energy density batteries with improved stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a non-aqueous electrolyte (anolyte) in contact with the anode and comprising a non-aqueous solvent and a lithium salt dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent
Implementation Method 2
a porous separator layer with a non-aqueous electrolyte
Implementation Method 3
comprising a non-aqueous solvent and a lithium salt dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent
Data Source
AI summary
Active metal and active metal intercalation electrode structures and battery cells having ionically conductive protective architecture including an active metal (e.g., lithium) conductive impervious layer separated from the electrode (anode) by a porous separator impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte (anolyte). This protective architecture prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment on the other (cathode) side of the impervious layer, which may include aqueous or non-aqueous liquid electrolytes (catholytes) and/or a variety electrochemically active materials, including liquid, solid and gaseous oxidizers. Safety additives and designs that facilitate manufacture are also provided.