Lithium Metal Interlayer Coating for Dendrite-Stable Battery Anodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lithium-ion batteries with graphite anodes have reached their theoretical capacity, limiting further performance improvements, and lithium metal batteries face safety issues due to dendrite formation, reactivity, and low Coulombic efficiency, necessitating the development of advanced lithium-free anodes with improved safety and cycle life.

Innovation Solution

A metal anode with a protective coating comprising a composite material such as lithium, sodium, or potassium oxide or fluoride is used, deposited using techniques like atomic layer deposition, which enhances lithium-ion conductivity and mechanical strength, preventing dendrite growth and reducing electrolyte consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If lithium metal is used as the anode to achieve ultrahigh capacity, then energy density is improved, but safety deteriorates due to dendrite formation and reactivity with electrolyte

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protective coating layer comprising lithium fluoride-lithium carbonate composite material is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium metal anode and the electrolyte. This coating acts as a mediator that prevents direct harmful interactions while allowing beneficial lithium ion transport, thereby resolving the contradiction between high energy density and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective coating is formed as a composite material combining lithium fluoride and lithium carbonate in specific ratios. This composite structure leverages the complementary properties of both materials to achieve optimal protection against dendrites and electrolyte reactivity while maintaining ionic conductivity for high energy density performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If lithium metal is used as the anode to achieve ultrahigh capacity, then energy density is improved, but cycle life deteriorates due to continuous parasitic reactions with electrolyte

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcycle life

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The protective coating serves as a stable intermediary layer that prevents continuous parasitic reactions between lithium metal and electrolyte. By blocking direct contact while permitting controlled ion transport, the coating preserves lithium inventory and maintains Coulombic efficiency over extended cycling, thereby extending battery cycle life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective coating is applied preliminarily before battery assembly to pre-establish a stable interface between the lithium metal anode and electrolyte. This preliminary protective action prevents initial parasitic reactions and dendrite formation, setting the stage for long-term stable cycling and extended cycle life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If lithium metal is used as the anode to achieve ultrahigh capacity, then energy density is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to complex safety measures and pin-hole free coating requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium fluoride-lithium carbonate composite coating is designed to achieve the required pin-hole free protection through controlled composition ratios. This composite approach allows for more forgiving manufacturing tolerances compared to single-material coatings, reducing the complexity and cost of achieving defect-free coatings at scale

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

By optimizing the compositional parameters of the protective coating (specific ratios of lithium fluoride to lithium carbonate), the invention achieves effective dendrite prevention and electrolyte protection at lower manufacturing complexity. The parameter optimization allows for robust coating formation with standard manufacturing techniques, reducing overall production cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution extends battery cycle life, maintains high energy density, and ensures safety by suppressing dendrite formation and reducing electrolyte consumption, achieving stable performance over 50 cycles with 80% capacity retention and high Coulombic efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

deposited using techniques like atomic layer deposition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomic layer deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS20230402613A1Materials and methods for components of lithium batteries

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 SHENZHEN INX ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods of preparing a thin layer comprising lithium. One or more interlayer materials are applied onto a substrate to form an interlayer material coated substrate. The interlayer material coated substrate is heated to an elevated temperature. One or more metal layers are applied onto the interlayer material coated substrate, wherein the metal layer comprises lithium.