Lithium-Ion Anode Porous Layer for High Energy Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery technologies face challenges in producing compact, cost-effective, high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries with stable anodes that prevent internal short-circuits and maintain reliability at high temperatures, due to issues with porosity, lithium dendrite formation, and compatibility with metallic lithium.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing anodes using a porous layer of lithium-ion conducting material with open porosity, where metallic lithium is deposited during the first charging cycle, utilizing a colloidal suspension of nanoparticles and a lithiophilic material to enhance stability and prevent dendrite growth, and a solid electrolyte with low melting point to facilitate low-temperature consolidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the porosity of electrodes is reduced to increase energy density, then the energy density per unit volume is improved, but the specific surface area decreases and resistance increases, reducing power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a dual-structure anode where the substrate provides structural support and the porous layer provides high surface area for lithium deposition. This allows different regions to serve different functions: the substrate maintains mechanical integrity while the porous layer enables high power through increased surface area, resolving the contradiction between energy density and power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by depositing a porous layer onto a substrate, creating a nested structure where the porous layer is integrated on the substrate surface. This nested configuration allows the anode to achieve both high energy density (through compact structure) and high power (through increased surface area from the porous layer), simultaneously addressing both requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If anodes operate at very low potential to achieve high energy density, then energy density is improved, but lithium dendrites form during recharging, causing short-circuit risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the porous layer as an intermediary between the substrate and the lithium deposits. This porous layer made of lithiophilic material mediates the lithium deposition process, providing a controlled interface that prevents direct contact between lithium and the substrate, thereby preventing dendrite formation while maintaining low operating potential for high energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous materials for the porous layer to create a structure that accommodates lithium deposits while maintaining structural integrity. The porous structure provides pathways for lithium ion transport and distributes stress, preventing dendrite formation and short-circuits while enabling the anode to operate at very low potentials for high energy density.
3Quantity of substance
If anodes with high energy density are used, then energy density is improved, but volume variation during charging and discharging increases, causing mechanical damage and loss of electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using the porous layer as a buffer that accommodates volume variations during charging and discharging cycles. The porous structure provides mechanical compliance, absorbing the expansion and contraction stresses before they can damage the electrode or cause loss of electrical contact, thereby maintaining mechanical stability while enabling high energy density operation.
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 enables the creation of high-energy and power-density batteries with improved mechanical stability, long service life, and reduced risk of internal short-circuits, allowing for scalable and cost-effective production of lithium-ion batteries that can operate at high temperatures without reliability issues.
Implementation Method 1
during the first charging of the battery, metallic lithium is deposited in this open porosity lattice, to transform the anodic member into an anode
Implementation Method 2
a porous layer of material conducting lithium ions
Data Source
AI summary
An anodic member, an electrochemical device having an anodic member, and a method for manufacturing an anodic member for a lithium-ion battery. The method uses nanoparticles of an electrically insulating material that conducts lithium ions, is stable in contact with metallic lithium, does not insert lithium at potentials of between 0 V and 4.3 V with respect to the potential of the lithium, and has a relatively low melting point.