Lithium Manganese Composite Oxide Coating for High-Voltage Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries with existing positive electrode active materials face limitations in achieving enhanced output characteristics beyond current capabilities, particularly in operating at charging voltages exceeding 4.3 V.

Innovation Solution

A positive electrode active material for lithium secondary batteries is developed by coating lithium manganese-containing composite oxide particles with a layer containing titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), zirconium (Zr), or a combination of these, along with carbon, to enhance output characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If lithium manganese-containing composite oxide particles are used as positive electrode active material, then the battery can operate at high charging voltages (exceeding 4.3 V), but the output characteristics are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput characteristicsVSAvoidcapacity retention
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by coating lithium manganese-containing composite oxide particles with a layer containing titanium, aluminum, zirconium, or their combinations. This composite structure combines the high voltage operating capability of the lithium manganese oxide core with the protective and performance-enhancing properties of the coating layer, thereby improving output characteristics while maintaining capacity retention at charging voltages exceeding 4.3 V

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a coated structure where the coating layer is applied only on the surface of the lithium manganese-containing composite oxide particles. This allows the core material to maintain its high voltage operating properties while the surface coating provides localized protection and enhancement, improving electron conductivity and stabilizing the particle surface to enhance output characteristics without compromising overall reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If chromium is added as essential additive component to achieve high capacity, then the operating potential reaches 5 V-class, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacityVSAvoidmaterial composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the composition ratios of titanium, aluminum, and zirconium in the coating layer, as well as adjusting the thickness of the coating layer. These parameter optimizations allow the battery to achieve high capacity (5 V-class operating potential) while controlling material composition complexity through identified optimal ranges for each component

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 proposed solution significantly improves the output characteristics of lithium secondary batteries, enabling them to operate effectively at higher charging voltages, thereby enhancing their performance and capacity retention.

Implementation Method 1

improves electron conductivity, stabilizes a particle surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

stabilizes a particle surface, thereby preventing occurrence of a harmful reaction between the positive electrode active material and an electrolyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10468672B2Positive electrode active material for lithium secondary battery
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 MITSUI MINING & SMELTING CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a lithium secondary battery using a positive electrode active material which operates at a charging voltage in a region exceeding 4.3 V, and a novel positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery which can further enhance the output characteristics. Proposed is a positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery including positive electrode active material particles obtained by equipping the entire surface or a part of the surface of lithium manganese-containing composite oxide particles (also referred to as the “core particles”) operating at a charging voltage in a region exceeding 4.3 V in a metal Li reference potential with a layer A containing at least Ti, Al, Zr, or two or more kinds of these, and C.