Lithium Metal Oxide Synthesis via Coordination Polymer Calcination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of lithium-containing metal oxides for positive electrodes in lithium-ion batteries is limited by the high cost of cobalt and the complexity of existing methods, which require expensive equipment and do not allow for easy recycling or control over morphology.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of coordination polymers, formed by metal elements joined by organic ligands, which are then calcined with a lithium source to produce lithium-containing oxides, allowing for the suppression of organic components and formation of desired oxides with specific morphologies, enabling recycling and reducing cobalt usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If co-precipitation method with calcination at temperatures above 700°C is used, then lithium-containing oxide can be produced, but the equipment becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature calcination (>700°C) to low-temperature treatment (80-160°C). This parameter change allows the use of simple equipment instead of complex high-temperature furnaces, while still achieving the desired lithium-containing oxide product through the coordination polymer intermediate
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a coordination polymer as an intermediary substance between the metal salt precursor and the final lithium-containing oxide. This intermediary allows the reaction to proceed at low temperatures through coordination chemistry, avoiding the need for complex high-temperature equipment
2Reliability
If traditional co-precipitation method is used, then lithium-containing oxide can be produced, but control over morphology is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the reaction conditions from high-temperature calcination to low-temperature coordination chemistry (80-160°C). This parameter change enables better morphology control because the coordination polymer formation process occurs under milder, more controllable conditions, preserving the desired morphological features
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary formation of the coordination polymer structure before the final lithium incorporation. This preliminary action establishes the desired morphology in the coordination polymer intermediate, which is then preserved in the final lithium-containing oxide product, achieving better morphological control
3Use of energy by moving object
If cobalt-based materials are used for high energy density, then battery performance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by using different metal elements in specific positions or ratios within the lithium-containing oxide structure. This allows optimization of energy density in critical regions while using cheaper metals in other positions, reducing overall cost while maintaining performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining multiple metal elements (such as nickel, manganese, cobalt, or other transition metals) with lithium in the lithium-containing oxide structure. This composite approach allows tuning of both energy density and cost by adjusting the composition ratios of different metals
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
This method enables the production of lithium-containing oxides with controlled morphologies and reduced cobalt content, suitable for use in lithium-ion batteries, with improved energy density and longevity, while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
b) a step of calcination of the mixture from step a)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a lithium-containing oxide comprising one or more metal elements, which can be used as an active material for an electrode, for example a positive electrode for a lithium battery, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) a step of bringing at least one coordination polymer into contact with a lithium source, the coordination polymer comprising the other metal element(s) interconnected by organic ligands; b) a step of calcining the mixture resulting from step a).