Lithium Phosphate Coated Carbon Anode for Battery Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current negative active materials in lithium secondary batteries lack competent charge/discharge capacities and capacity retention rates, necessitating further development.

Innovation Solution

The use of a core active material coated with a layer comprising a compound represented by Formula LixMy(PO4)z, where M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal, group 13, 14, or transition metal, combined with a carbonaceous material, to enhance electrode performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional negative active materials (metal or metal oxide) are used, then the battery structure is simple, but the charge/discharge capacities and capacity retention rates are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge/discharge capacity and capacity retention rateVSAvoidelectrode structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining a core active material (metal or metal oxide) with a coating layer containing lithium phosphate compound and carbonaceous material. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by maintaining the simple battery architecture while significantly improving charge/discharge capacity and capacity retention rate through the synergistic effects of the coating layer components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a coating layer with specific composition (lithium phosphate compound and carbonaceous material) only on the surface of the core active material. This allows the bulk material to maintain its inherent properties while the surface coating provides enhanced electrochemical performance, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a coating layer with lithium phosphate compound and carbonaceous material is applied, then charge/discharge capacity improves, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge capacity and capacity retention rateVSAvoidcoating process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the lithium phosphate compound and carbonaceous material in a solvent to create a coating solution before application. This preparation step allows for uniform distribution of components and simplifies the subsequent coating process, resolving the contradiction between improved performance and manufacturing ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a solvent as an intermediary medium to dissolve or disperse the lithium phosphate compound and carbonaceous material, creating a homogeneous coating solution. This intermediary facilitates easy application of the coating layer while ensuring uniform composition, thereby resolving the contradiction between enhanced reliability and manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration improves the discharge capacity and capacity retention rates of lithium secondary batteries, achieving excellent charge/discharge efficiency and cycle characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

when lithium ions are intercalated or deintercalated, an oxidation reaction and a reduction reaction occur, respectively, and electric energy is generated due to the oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation reaction: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReduction reaction: Reduction

Implementation Method 3

materials capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions are used in the negative electrode, and the positive electrode, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntercalation: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8697280B2Electrode active material, method of preparing electrode active material, electrode including electrode active material, and lithium secondary battery including electrode

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electrode active material, a method of preparing the electrode active material, an electrode including the electrode active material, and a lithium secondary battery including the electrode; the electrode active material comprising a core active material; and a coating layer formed on a surface of the core active material, wherein the coating layer comprises a composition including a compound represented by Formula 1 below and a carbonaceous material, or a first coating layer including a carbonaceous material and a second coating layer including the compound represented by Formula 1 below:LixMy(PO4)z, Formula 1where M is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, a group 13 element, a group 14 element, a transition metal, a rare earth element, and combinations thereof; 1≦x≦3, 0≦y≦3, and 1≦z≦3.