Lithium Metal Anode With Gate Layers for Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal batteries face safety issues due to high chemical reactivity and instability, leading to oxidation-reduction reactions and electrolyte evaporation, which complicates their use in modern portable devices requiring high energy density and reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A lithium metal anode electrode is developed, comprising a lithium metal layer, metal gate layers, and a current collector layer with holes, where the metal gate layers alloy with lithium ions to form reaction paths, enhancing safety and energy density by preventing direct contact with the lithium metal and allowing controlled oxidation-reduction reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used as anode material to achieve high energy density, then the battery energy density is improved, but the chemical stability and safety deteriorate due to high reactivity with electrolyte
Solution Approach 1:
A metal gate layer is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium metal anode and the electrolyte. This gate layer selectively allows lithium ions to pass through while blocking direct contact between the lithium metal and the electrolyte, thereby preventing harmful chemical reactions while maintaining high ion conductivity for energy storage functions
Solution Approach 2:
The anode structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: the lithium metal layer for energy storage, the metal gate layer for ion transport and protection, and the current collector layer for electrical conduction. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while collectively resolving the contradiction between high energy density and chemical stability
2Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is used to achieve high capacity, then the battery capacity is improved, but the safety deteriorates due to oxidation-reduction reactions and electrolyte evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The metal gate layer serves as a protective intermediary that prevents direct interaction between the lithium metal and the electrolyte, thereby eliminating oxidation-reduction reactions and electrolyte evaporation while allowing lithium ion transport for high capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The high reactivity of lithium metal, which causes safety issues, is converted into a benefit by using the metal gate layer to control and direct the chemical reactions. The gate layer allows selective ion passage while preventing harmful bulk reactions, transforming the reactive nature of lithium into a controlled energy storage mechanism
3Reliability
If metal gate layers are added to prevent direct contact, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal gate layer is designed with uniform composition and properties throughout, allowing it to consistently perform its protective and conductive functions. This homogeneity simplifies the design and manufacturing process while ensuring reliable safety performance across the entire battery structure
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 lithium metal anode electrode enables the formation of a battery system with high energy density and improved safety by stabilizing the metal gate layers during charging, preventing unwanted reactions and ensuring the lithium metal layer operates under normal conditions, thus addressing the safety and stability concerns of lithium metal batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the metal gate layers alloy with lithium ions to form reaction paths
Implementation Method 2
allowing controlled oxidation-reduction reactions
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A lithium metal electrode is disclosed in this invention. The lithium metal electrode includes a lithium metal layer, a plurality of gate layers and a current collector layer having a plurality of holes. The gate layers are disposed corresponding to the holes. The lithium metal layer and the gate layers are disposed correspondingly. The lithium metal layer is insulated via the gate layers and/or the current collector layer before formation. While the gate layers are alloyed with the lithium ions from the media such as the electrolyte, the alloyed gate layers may provide the ionic access for the lithium metal layer so that the lithium metal layer may feedback the lithium ions back to the chemical system of the electricity supply system. Also, at the same time, the potentials of all the gate layers may be kept equally to the potential of the lithium metal layer.