Lithium Battery Electrode with Interlayer for Uniform Component Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-loading lithium batteries experience performance deterioration due to non-uniform distribution of components, leading to increased internal resistance and reduced cycle characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A novel electrode design featuring a uniform distribution of components, achieved through an electrode active material layer with a first and second layer, each with controlled vertical relative force ratios, and an interlayer between the active material layer and the current collector, ensuring improved binding strength and reduced internal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-loading electrodes are used to increase energy density, then capacity is improved, but component distribution becomes non-uniform and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode active material layer is divided into multiple sub-layers (first, second, and third layers) with different compositions and functions. The first layer contains electrode active material and binder, the second layer contains electrode active material, conductive material, and binder, and the third layer contains electrode active material and conductive material. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to the overall electrode performance, improving component distribution uniformity while maintaining high loading.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode are given different properties through the multi-layer structure. Each layer has specific local compositions optimized for its position: the first layer near the current collector focuses on binding strength, the second layer in the middle optimizes for conductivity and active material distribution, and the third layer at the surface enhances reaction efficiency. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction by allowing high overall loading while maintaining uniform local composition throughout the electrode thickness.
2Quantity of substance
If high-loading electrodes are used to increase energy density, then capacity is improved, but internal resistance increases and cycle characteristics reduce
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into multiple functional layers that collectively manage electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. The second layer specifically contains conductive material to ensure adequate electrical pathways throughout the thick electrode structure, while the binder in all layers maintains structural integrity during cycling. This segmentation allows high loading while preventing the internal resistance increase and cycle degradation that would otherwise occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode employs composite material composition across multiple layers, combining electrode active material with binder and conductive material in specific ratios and arrangements. This composite structure optimizes the balance between capacity (through high active material loading) and reliability (through adequate binder and conductive material distribution), preventing performance deterioration during cycling.
3Quantity of substance
If component density near the surface is increased to achieve high loading, then capacity is improved, but performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The third layer at the electrode surface has a specific composition optimized for surface reactions, containing electrode active material and conductive material with appropriate ratios. This local quality at the surface ensures good electrical contact and reaction efficiency without compromising the overall uniformity. The gradient structure from the current collector interface to the surface allows each region to have properties optimized for its specific function, maintaining reversibility even with high surface density.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure segments the active material distribution across three layers, with the third layer specifically addressing surface composition. This segmentation prevents the harmful concentration of all components at the surface while still achieving high overall loading. The distributed layering ensures that no single region becomes excessively dense, maintaining uniform reaction characteristics and electrode reversibility throughout the electrode thickness.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an electrode, a lithium battery including the same, and an electrode manufacturing method, the electrode including: an electrode active material layer including an electrode active material and a binder; an electrode current collector on one surface or between two surfaces of the electrode active material layer; and an interlayer located between the electrode active material layer and the electrode current collector, wherein the electrode active material layer includes: a first electrode active material layer including a first electrode active material and contacting the interlayer; and a second electrode active material layer arranged on the first electrode active material layer and including a second electrode active material layer.