Lithium Secondary Battery with In-Situ Anode Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of lithium metal secondary batteries is complex and costly due to the high reactivity and softness of lithium metal, requiring stringent dehumidification and precision in electrode formation, which complicates continuous production and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A lithium secondary battery design that includes a single-layer anode current collector with a lithium metal layer formed after initial charging and discharging, using an irreversible compensating additive in the cathode mixture to supply lithium ions and prevent occlusion, along with a lithium metal protective layer and adhesive layer for improved handling and energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used as anode active material to achieve high energy density, then battery energy density is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to high reactivity and softness of lithium metal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming a protective layer on the lithium metal anode before battery assembly. The protective layer is deposited in advance to prevent lithium metal from reacting with water and oxygen during subsequent manufacturing processes, thereby enabling easier handling and assembly while maintaining high energy density benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes inert atmosphere by conducting lithium metal electrode formation and assembly processes in environments with controlled low humidity and oxygen content. This inert environment prevents unwanted chemical reactions of lithium metal with air components, simplifying the manufacturing process while preserving the high energy density characteristics of lithium metal batteries
2Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal electrode thickness is reduced to 20 μm or less to increase energy density, then battery energy density is improved, but processability deteriorates due to extreme thinness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a protective coating layer deposited on the thin lithium metal electrode. This protective film provides mechanical strength and handling stability to the extremely thin 20 μm or less lithium metal layer, enabling continuous processing and assembly operations while maintaining the high energy density achieved through thin electrode design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining the thin lithium metal electrode with a protective layer material that provides mechanical stability. This composite structure maintains the high energy density of the thin lithium metal while the protective layer material enables proper processability and handling during manufacturing
3Reliability
If dehumidification level is increased to prevent lithium metal reaction with water, then battery reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a protective layer on the lithium metal surface before battery assembly. This pre-formed protective barrier prevents water and oxygen from reaching the lithium metal during subsequent manufacturing steps, allowing relaxation of stringent dehumidification requirements while maintaining battery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary protective layer between the lithium metal and the external environment. This intermediary layer acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact between lithium metal and moisture, thereby reducing the need for complex dehumidification systems while ensuring battery reliability
4Manufacturing precision
If lithium metal is punched with high precision to improve electrode quality, then electrode quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to mold contamination and difficulty in continuous processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by depositing a protective layer on the lithium metal surface before punching operations. This pre-applied protective coating prevents mold contamination during punching while maintaining precise electrode dimensions, enabling continuous processing without frequent mold cleaning or replacement, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while preserving electrode quality
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and enhances energy density and battery life by eliminating the need for lithium metal during assembly and utilizing irreversible additives to form a lithium metal layer on the anode current collector.
Implementation Method 1
the irreversible compensating additive desorbs lithium ions upon initial charging of the lithium secondary battery to supply the lithium ions to the single layer of an anode current collector
Implementation Method 2
A lithium metal layer, preferably a lithium metal layer having a thickness of 2 μm or more, may be formed on the anode current collector of the lithium secondary battery after the first 1 to 5 charges and discharges
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a lithium secondary battery assembled without an anode active material. Since the lithium secondary battery of the present disclosure does not contain an anode active material such as a lithium metal during the assembling process, the manufacturing process is simple and easy, and it is possible to improve processability and manufacturing costs. In addition, it has an irreversible compensating additive, thereby exhibiting excellent battery life.