Pseudo-Solid Lithium Gel Layer for Dendrite-Safe Anode-Free Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dendrites formation in lithium ion batteries during charging leads to short circuits, overheating, and potential fire hazards due to lithium ions plating unevenly on the anode surface, necessitating a solution to inhibit dendrite growth.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an anti-dendrite layer between the lithium gel separator and anode current collector, which decreases nucleation energy for lithium deposition and promotes even film formation, combined with a lithium gel separator layer acting as a solid-state electrolyte and separator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium ions plate onto the anode surface during charging, then lithium storage capacity increases, but dendrites form causing short circuits and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A gel separator layer is introduced as an intermediary between the cathode and anode. This gel layer physically separates the electrodes while allowing lithium ion transport, preventing direct contact and short circuits even when dendrites form, thus maintaining safety while preserving lithium storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The gel separator layer utilizes a porous structure that allows lithium ions to pass through during charging and discharging. The porous material provides pathways for ion transport while maintaining physical separation, enabling both high lithium storage capacity and battery safety
2Productivity
If lithium ions deposit unevenly on the anode surface, then charging speed increases, but dendrite formation is encouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The gel separator layer provides different local properties at the electrode interface, creating a controlled environment for lithium deposition. The gel's composition and structure are optimized to promote uniform nucleation and growth of lithium, preventing the formation of dendrites while maintaining fast charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gel separator layer modifies the local parameters at the anode surface, including surface energy, wettability, and ion transport properties. These parameter changes create favorable conditions for uniform lithium deposition, reducing dendrite formation while maintaining high charging speed
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
Inhibits dendrite growth, preventing short circuits and enhancing battery safety by ensuring even lithium deposition, thus reducing the risk of overheating and fire.
Implementation Method 1
a lithium gel separator layer between the cathode layer and the anode current collector layer
Implementation Method 2
A presence of the anti-dendrite layer may cause a nucleation barrier to be decreased in energy for lithium ions to deposit onto the anode current collector layer
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-dendrite anode-free solid-state battery (SSB) can include a cathode layer; an anode current collector layer; and a lithium gel separator layer between the cathode layer and the anode current collector layer. An anti-dendrite layer may also be present located between the lithium gel separator layer and the anode current collector layer. The anti-dendrite layer can help discourage dendrite formation.