Lithium Phosphate Electrode Conductivity via Nanoparticle Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current secondary batteries face challenges in achieving superior battery characteristics, particularly in terms of electrical conductivity and energy density, due to limitations in the configuration and materials used in their positive electrodes.

Innovation Solution

The use of an electrically conductive substance comprising carbon-based supports and lithium phosphate compound particles with an average size of less than 35 nanometers, formed through a hydrothermal synthesis method, which enhances the electrical conductivity by supporting lithium phosphate compound particles and reducing electrical resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lithium phosphate compound particles with larger size are used in the positive electrode, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the electrical conductivity and battery characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery characteristicsVSAvoidparticle size control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the particle size of lithium phosphate compound particles to be 35 nm or less, and controlling the crystallite size to be 5 nm or less. This specific parameter control resolves the contradiction by achieving superior electrical conductivity and battery characteristics while maintaining feasibility through hydrothermal synthesis method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining lithium phosphate compound particles with carbon materials in the positive electrode. This composite structure enhances electrical conductivity and improves battery characteristics, resolving the contradiction between particle size control complexity and performance improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If the positive electrode configuration is optimized for higher energy density, then the battery capacity improves, but the electrical conductivity may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidelectrical conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes physical parameters by reducing particle size to 35 nm or less and crystallite size to 5 nm or less, which increases surface area and improves electrical conductivity while maintaining high energy density through efficient lithium ion insertion/extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes porous structures created by the fine particle size distribution and controlled crystallinity to enhance both energy density and electrical conductivity, allowing efficient ion transport while maintaining high capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional materials and configurations are used in the positive electrode, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the discharge and charge capacity retention rates deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidcharge capacity retention rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling particle size (35 nm or less) and crystallite size (5 nm or less), which significantly improves charge capacity retention rate while the hydrothermal synthesis method maintains manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating uniform fine particle distributions and controlled crystallinity throughout the positive electrode material, ensuring consistent electrochemical performance and high capacity retention across the entire battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 significantly improves the electrical conductivity and battery characteristics, including discharge and charge capacity retention rates, and reduces electrical resistance, leading to superior performance in secondary batteries.

Implementation Method 1

formed through a hydrothermal synthesis method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrothermal synthesis:

Implementation Method 2

formed through a hydrothermal synthesis method, which enhances the electrical conductivity by supporting lithium phosphate compound particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 3

The electrically conductive particles are supported by the electrically conductive supports. The electrically conductive supports each include a carbon material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20210202951A1Electrically conductive substance, positive electrode, and secondary battery
Publication Date: 2021.07.01 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US20210202951A1 patent drawing
  • US20210202951A1 patent drawing
  • US20210202951A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolytic solution. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer is provided on the positive electrode current collector and includes an electrically conductive substance. The electrically conductive substance includes electrically conductive supports and electrically conductive particles. The electrically conductive supports each include a carbon material. The electrically conductive particles are supported by the electrically conductive supports. The electrically conductive particles are primary particles that each include a lithium phosphate compound and have an average particle size of less than 35 nanometers.