Electroplating Solution for Lithium Metal Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium metal electrodes in high-capacity lithium secondary batteries face safety issues due to lithium dendrite growth and instability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, leading to decreased charge and discharge efficiency and battery lifetime.

Innovation Solution

An electroplating solution for lithium metal is developed, comprising an ether-based solvent, lithium salt, lithium nitrogen oxide, and specific additives, which allows for controlled surface properties and smooth film formation on the electrode, preventing dendrite growth and enhancing battery safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If lithium metal is used as negative electrode material to achieve high theoretical capacity, then battery energy density is improved, but lithium dendrite growth occurs causing safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery energy densityVSAvoidbattery safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by introducing lithium nitrogen oxide and specific additives (cesium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, barium nitrate) in controlled concentrations. This modifies the electrolyte's properties to suppress dendrite formation while maintaining high energy density, directly resolving the contradiction between capacity and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining ether-based solvent, lithium salt, lithium nitrogen oxide, and multiple additive components. This composite formulation works synergistically to prevent dendrite growth while preserving the high capacity benefits of lithium metal, addressing both energy density and safety requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If SEI layer is formed by combination of electrolyte solvent and salt, then lithium metal surface protection is achieved, but irreversibility occurs causing decreased charge and discharge efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSEI layer stabilityVSAvoidcharge and discharge efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the SEI layer formation parameters by controlling the concentration of lithium nitrogen oxide (1-5% by weight) and additives in the electrolyte. This optimization creates a more reversible SEI layer that maintains protective function while reducing energy loss during charge-discharge cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The lithium nitrogen oxide and additives act as intermediaries that mediate between the electrolyte and lithium metal surface. They facilitate the formation of a stable yet reversible SEI layer, reducing direct harmful interactions while maintaining protection, thus improving both stability and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional electroplating method is used to prepare lithium metal electrode, then simple process is achieved, but rough surface properties occur leading to dendrite growth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectroplating process simplicityVSAvoidelectrode surface smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electroplating solution composition parameters by incorporating lithium nitrogen oxide and additives at specific concentrations. This modification enables the simple electroplating process to produce smooth surface properties, simultaneously maintaining ease of manufacture and improving electrode morphology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The electroplating solution with modified composition enables self-regulation of surface formation during plating. The lithium nitrogen oxide and additives facilitate automatic surface smoothing without requiring additional complex process steps, achieving both simplicity and surface quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 preparation of lithium metal electrodes with smooth surface properties and thin film thickness, preventing internal short circuits and improving battery lifetime by suppressing lithium dendrite formation and stabilizing the SEI layer.

Implementation Method 1

when lithium ions are reduced on a lithium metal surface, a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer is formed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 2

electroplating lithium metal on a current collector using the electroplating solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Data Source

PatentUS10858749B2Electroplating solution for lithium metal, and method for manufacturing lithium metal electrode by using same

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

An electroplating solution for lithium metal, and a method for preparing a lithium metal electrode using the same, and in particular, while preparing a lithium metal electrode using electroplating, a lithium metal electrode having enhanced surface properties may be prepared by electroplating using a plating solution including a lithium nitrogen oxide and a metal nitrogen oxide, and, by using such a lithium metal electrode in a battery, lifetime properties of the battery may be enhanced.