Lithium Electrode Transfer Process for Uniform Thin Metal Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing lithium electrodes face challenges in achieving a thin and uniform thickness while minimizing oxide layer formation, which affects the energy density and longevity of lithium-ion batteries.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of a protective layer on a substrate, followed by depositing lithium metal on this layer and then transferring the resulting laminate onto a Cu current collector, effectively minimizing oxide layer formation and achieving a uniform thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is directly deposited on a substrate, then high capacity and low weight are achieved, but oxide layer formation increases due to exposure to moisture and air
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer is introduced as an intermediary between the substrate and lithium metal. This protective layer prevents direct exposure of lithium metal to moisture and air, thereby reducing oxide layer formation while still allowing the lithium metal to provide its high capacity and low weight benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer creates an inert environment for the lithium metal by blocking exposure to reactive substances in the air (moisture and oxygen). This inert environment prevents oxidation reactions that would otherwise form thick oxide layers on the lithium metal surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If protective layer is formed before lithium deposition, then oxide layer formation is minimized, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is formed in advance (preliminary action) before lithium metal deposition. This preliminary protection ensures that when lithium is later deposited, it is already shielded from moisture and air, preventing oxide layer formation from the outset rather than requiring complex post-deposition protection measures.
3Quantity of substance
If lithium electrode thickness is reduced to increase energy density, then battery weight decreases and energy density increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is designed as a thin film structure that provides adequate protection against moisture and air while minimizing its own thickness. This allows the overall lithium electrode thickness to be reduced for higher energy density while the protective film maintains its integrity and protective function.
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 approach enables the preparation of lithium electrodes with enhanced energy density and improved cycle performance by preventing exposure to moisture and air, thus reducing oxide layer formation and maintaining electrode integrity.
Implementation Method 1
lithium metal is a metal highly reactive and difficult to handle, and has a problem of handling being difficult in a process
Implementation Method 2
forming a protective layer capable of protecting lithium metal on a substrate first, depositing lithium metal on the protective layer
Implementation Method 3
depositing lithium metal on the protective layer
Implementation Method 4
depositing lithium on the protective layer
Data Source
Figure 1
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, a lithium metal is deposited on the protective layer, and then the deposited lithium metal layer is transferred to a current collector. Therefore, the present invention 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.