Lithium Salt-Coated Battery Electrode for Stable High Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face challenges in maintaining stability and output due to mechanical and chemical damage to electrode active material particles, leading to reduced conductivity and increased risk of side reactions and irreversible capacity loss.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrode for lithium secondary batteries featuring a lithium salt-containing coating and a controlled surface arithmetic average roughness (Ra ≤ 25 nm) to prevent direct contact between electrode active material and electrolyte, thereby reducing side reactions and improving structural stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the composition and structure of electrode active material are changed to improve stability, then stability is improved, but conductivity is reduced causing decrease in output

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidoutput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

A lithium salt-containing coating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the electrode active material particles and the electrolyte. This coating layer prevents direct contact and harmful reactions while maintaining lithium ion conductivity, thus improving stability without sacrificing output performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode structure is designed as a composite system combining electrode active material particles with a lithium salt-containing coating layer. This composite structure integrates the stability benefits of the coating with the electrochemical activity of the active material, resolving the contradiction between stability and conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If electrode active material particles are used for high capacity, then capacity is improved, but mechanical and chemical damage occurs leading to reduced stability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecapacityVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium salt-containing coating layer is applied beforehand to protect electrode active material particles from mechanical and chemical damage during charging/discharging cycles. This protective layer prevents particle cracking and contact deterioration, maintaining stability throughout the battery's operational life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

A thin film coating containing lithium salt is formed on the surface of electrode active material particles. This flexible thin film accommodates volume changes during lithium ion insertion/extraction while providing continuous protection against degradation, preserving both capacity and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If surface roughness is increased to improve contact, then contact between particles is improved, but side reactions increase causing electrolyte consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontactVSAvoidelectrolyte consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium salt-containing coating is applied locally on the surface of electrode active material particles, creating regions with different properties. The coating provides a controlled interface that maintains necessary contact while preventing harmful side reactions, thus reducing electrolyte consumption

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

The proposed electrode design enhances the lifespan and output characteristics of lithium secondary batteries by suppressing side reactions, reducing electrolyte consumption, and improving lithium ion conductivity, even under severe conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a lithium salt-containing coating which is formed on at least portions of surfaces of the electrode active material particles or at least a portion of a surface of the electrode active material layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier (coating): Coatings

Implementation Method 2

electrode active material particles capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntercalation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

improving lithium ion conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4376126B1Electrode for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery including the same

Publication Date: 2025.06.11 SK ON CO LTD

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AI summary

An electrode for a lithium secondary battery includes an electrode current collector, an electrode active material layer formed on at least one surface of the electrode current collector and including electrode active material particles, and a lithium salt-containing coating formed on at least portions of surfaces of the electrode active material particles or at least a portion of the surface of the electrode active material layer. The electrode for a lithium secondary battery may have a predetermined surface roughness.