Pseudo-Solid Lithium Gel Layer for Dendrite-Resistant Anode-Free SSBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dendrite formation during lithium ion battery charging leads to potential short circuits, overheating, and fire risks due to lithium ion deposition on the anode surface, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
An anode-free solid-state battery design incorporating a lithium gel separator layer and an anti-dendrite layer, which includes a scaffolding material, salt, solvent, and additives, to inhibit dendrite growth by reducing nucleation energy and promoting even lithium deposition across the anode surface.
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 dendrite formation occurs leading to short circuit risks
Solution Approach 1:
A bismuth-based anti-dendrite layer is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium gel separator layer and the anode current collector layer. This intermediate layer modifies the lithium ion deposition interface, promoting uniform nucleation and preventing dendrite formation while maintaining high lithium storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bismuth-based layer provides localized modification at the anode interface where lithium deposition occurs. By concentrating the anti-dendrite functionality in this specific region rather than modifying the entire battery structure, the solution achieves reliable dendrite prevention while preserving overall battery performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional anode structure is used, then lithium ion acceptance is straightforward, but dendrite formation is encouraged due to high nucleation energy
Solution Approach 1:
The bismuth-based anti-dendrite layer serves as a mediating interface that simplifies the manufacturing process by providing a ready-made template for uniform lithium deposition. This layer eliminates the need for complex anode structures while effectively preventing dendrite formation through its inherent surface properties.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the anti-dendrite layer has strong adhesion to the anode current collector, then structural stability improves, but lithium ion deposition uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesion properties of the bismuth-based layer are optimized to provide sufficient structural stability while maintaining appropriate lithium ion deposition characteristics. The layer's composition and thickness are locally tuned to achieve the right balance between mechanical stability and deposition uniformity.
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
The design effectively prevents dendrite formation, ensuring safer battery operation with reduced risk of short circuits and enhancing lithium ion mobility, thereby improving battery performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
lithium ions migrate from battery's cathode to the battery's anode through a separator located between the cathode and anode
Implementation Method 2
The nucleation energy associated with the anode may encourage lithium ions to plate on top of other lithium that has already plated onto the anode
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
In various embodiments, an anti-dendrite anode-free solid-state battery (SSB) are presented. The 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.