Lithium-Plated Copper Foil Anode for Dendrite Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal batteries face issues with lithium dendrite formation during charging and discharging, leading to potential short circuits and thermal runaway, which reduce the stability and cycle life of the battery.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method for a lithium battery negative electrode involves electroplating a lithium deposition layer on a copper foil using an electrolyte solution containing an organic solvent and a fluorine-containing lithium salt, which forms a fluorine-containing protective film, reducing dendrite formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If pure lithium metal is used as the negative electrode, then high theoretical capacity and low reduction potential are achieved, but lithium dendrites are prone to occur during charging and discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a copper foil substrate combined with electroplated lithium to form a composite negative electrode structure. This composite material approach allows the lithium to provide high theoretical capacity while the copper foil provides structural stability and dendrite suppression, resolving the contradiction between energy density and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrolyte composition by adding fluorine-containing additives and adjusting the ratio of cyclic carbonate to chain carbonate solvents. These parameter changes in the electrolyte system promote the formation of a stable SEI film that prevents dendrite growth, thereby improving stability while maintaining the high capacity benefits of lithium
2Duration of action of moving object
If lithium dendrites occur during charging and discharging, then battery operation continues, but isolation film may be punctured causing short circuit and thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-forming a protective SEI film through optimized electrolyte composition and electroplating conditions. This pre-established protective layer counteracts the dendrite growth that would otherwise puncture the isolation film, preventing short circuits and thermal runaway before they can occur
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the electrolyte parameters (adding fluorine-containing additives, adjusting solvent ratios) and electroplating parameters (current density, temperature), the patent creates a more stable interface that resists dendrite-induced puncture, thereby extending safe operation time while eliminating harmful failure modes
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 method effectively improves the stability and cycle life of lithium batteries by reducing lithium dendrite growth and the likelihood of short circuits and thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
An electroplating process is performed to form a lithium deposition layer on the copper foil
Implementation Method 2
An electrolyte solution used in the electroplating process includes an organic solvent and fluorine-containing lithium salt
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing method of a lithium battery negative electrode includes the following. A copper foil is providing. An electroplating process is performed to form a lithium deposition layer on the copper foil. An electrolyte solution used in the electroplating process includes an organic solvent and fluorine-containing lithium salt. The organic solvent includes ester solvents, ether solvents, alcohol solvents, or combinations thereof, and the fluorine-containing lithium salt includes LiPF6, LiFSI, LiTF, LiDFOB, LiTFSI, or combinations thereof.