Lithium Titanium Oxide Anode Minimizing Gas Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium batteries using traditional anodes face issues with gas generation at high temperatures, leading to cell expansion and reduced high-rate discharge properties and lifetime, particularly when using carbon-based conductive agents.
Innovation Solution
An anode comprising lithium titanium oxide with a binder and limited amounts (0 to 2 parts by weight) of a carbon-based conductive agent, such as carbon black or graphite, is used to minimize gas generation, enhancing the battery's high-rate discharge and long-term reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbon-based conductive agents are used in traditional anodes, then electrical conductivity is improved, but gas generation increases at high temperatures leading to cell expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes carbon-based conductive agents from the anode composition, extracting the harmful element that causes gas generation at high temperatures. The anode is formulated with lithium titanium oxide and binder only, eliminating the source of gas expansion while maintaining structural integrity and electrical conductivity through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compositional parameters of the anode by strictly limiting carbon-based conductive agents to 0-2 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of lithium titanium oxide. This parameter change fundamentally alters the thermal behavior of the anode, preventing gas generation while maintaining sufficient conductivity for high-rate discharge performance.
2Reliability
If carbon-based conductive agents are used to enhance conductivity, then electrical performance is improved, but cell expansion occurs during high-temperature storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts carbon-based conductive agents from the anode formulation, removing the component responsible for volume expansion during high-temperature storage. This extraction maintains capacity retention through optimized lithium titanium oxide composition while eliminating the harmful volume instability caused by carbon agent expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite anode material system consisting of lithium titanium oxide with specific dopants (M elements) and binder, replacing the traditional carbon-based composite. This composite formulation achieves both electrical performance and volume stability by using inorganic dopants to enhance conductivity without the thermal expansion issues of organic carbon agents.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional anode materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but lifetime is reduced due to gas generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts carbon-based conductive agents that generate gas during battery operation and storage. By removing this harmful component, the anode achieves extended lifetime through prevention of cell expansion and degradation, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of straightforward mixing and coating processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by limiting carbon-based conductive agents to minimal amounts (0-2 parts per 100 parts lithium titanium oxide). This parameter change eliminates gas generation throughout the battery's operational life, extending service duration while maintaining ease of manufacture through simplified material formulation.
Data Source
AI summary
An anode includes an anode active material including a lithium titanium oxide, a binder, and 0 to about 2 parts by weight of a carbon-based conductive agent based on 100 parts by weight of the lithium titanium oxide.