Lithium Electrode Transfer Coating for Thin Uniform Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing lithium electrodes struggle to achieve a thin and uniform thickness while minimizing the formation of an oxidized layer, which affects the energy density and lifespan of lithium-ion batteries.
Innovation Solution
A method involving surface treatment of the substrate with plasma and corona, followed by the formation of a protective layer and deposition of lithium metal, which is then transferred to a current collector, thereby preventing exposure to moisture and external air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lithium metal is deposited directly on a substrate, then the deposition process is simple, but the surface of lithium is exposed and the thickness of the oxidized layer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective layer as an intermediary between the substrate and lithium metal. This protective layer prevents direct exposure of lithium to air and moisture during deposition, thereby controlling oxidized layer thickness while maintaining a feasible manufacturing process. The protective layer acts as a mediator that solves the contradiction between process simplicity and oxidation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment by coating the substrate with a protective layer before lithium deposition. This protective layer establishes an inert barrier that prevents oxidation of lithium metal, allowing the deposition process to proceed while maintaining lithium surface integrity and controlling oxidized layer formation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a protective layer is formed on the substrate before lithium deposition, then the oxidized layer thickness is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer serves as a simple intermediary that adds minimal complexity to the manufacturing process while effectively controlling oxidized layer thickness. The patent demonstrates that this single additional coating step provides substantial benefit in oxidation control without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used as the negative electrode, then the energy density is increased, but the reactivity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer creates an inert environment that protects highly reactive lithium metal from exposure to air and moisture during handling and manufacturing. This allows lithium metal to be used for high energy density applications while mitigating its reactivity and handling difficulties through the protective barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer acts as an intermediary barrier that enables safe handling of lithium metal by preventing direct contact between lithium and the external environment. This mediator allows the benefits of lithium metal (high energy density) to be realized while managing its drawbacks (high reactivity and handling difficulty).
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 method enables the production of lithium electrodes with a thin and uniform thickness, enhancing the energy density of lithium-ion batteries and reducing the formation of oxidized layers, thus improving battery performance and lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
surface-treating a first surface of a substrate by a plasma and corona process
Implementation Method 2
surface-treating a first surface of a substrate by a plasma and corona process
Implementation Method 3
coating a polymer for protecting lithium metal on the surface-treated substrate to form a protective layer
Implementation Method 4
depositing lithium metal on the protective layer to form a lithium metal layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a lithium electrode. More particularly, in the manufacture of a lithium electrode, a protective layer capable of protecting a lithium metal is firstly formed on a substrate surface-treated by a plasma and a corona process, a lithium metal is deposited on the protective layer, and then the deposited lithium metal layer is transferred to a current collector. Therefore, the method enables manufacture of a thin lithium electrode having a uniform thickness, and can improve the energy density of a lithium secondary battery using the lithium electrode manufactured as described above.