Li2O-Containing Precursor Electrodes for High-Capacity Lithium Batteries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion batteries are limited by the specific and volumetric capacities of their electrode materials, hindering their energy and power performance for large-scale applications such as electric vehicles, despite advancements in non-aqueous lithium batteries.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel positive electrode precursor materials containing Li2O-containing compounds with Mn, V, Fe, and Ti cations, which can be activated by extracting Li2O through electrochemical or chemical means, allowing for increased lithium storage capacity by reacting with lithium during charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional LiCoO2 and LiMn2O4 electrodes are used, then the battery structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the specific and volumetric capacities are limited, resulting in insufficient energy and power densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite electrode materials consisting of Li2O-containing compounds (such as Li2MnO3, LiV3O8, LiFe5O8, Li2TiO3) combined with charged electrode compounds (such as MnO2, V2O5, Fe2O3, Li1-xFePO4). This composite structure enables the electrode to achieve higher lithium storage capacity by utilizing multiple active components with complementary properties, directly resolving the contradiction between limited capacity and material complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a preliminary activation treatment to the electrode precursor materials before use in the battery. This activation process, which may involve electrochemical or chemical methods, prepares the Li2O-containing compounds to be more receptive to lithium insertion during subsequent charging cycles, thereby enhancing the overall lithium storage capacity without requiring complex structural modifications.
2Productivity
If Li2O-containing precursor materials are used to increase capacity, then electrochemical discharge capacity is enhanced, but an activation process is required which adds process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs activation treatment on the electrode precursor materials during the manufacturing process, before the battery is assembled and put into service. This preliminary activation converts the precursor materials into their active forms, ensuring that the high capacity is realized from the first charge cycle. By incorporating activation into the manufacturing workflow, the patent minimizes the impact on ease of manufacture while maximizing energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes during the activation process, such as applying specific voltage ranges, temperature conditions, or chemical treatments, to transform the Li2O-containing precursor materials into active electrode materials. These controlled parameter changes enable the activation process to be standardized and optimized, reducing its complexity and making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
3Power
If higher voltage operation is implemented to increase energy density, then power performance improves, but electrode material stability deteriorates due to higher oxidation potentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs composite electrodes where Li2O-containing compounds are paired with charged electrode compounds that have appropriate redox potentials. This composite structure enables the electrode to operate at higher voltages while maintaining stability, as the charged compound components provide structural stability and controlled electrochemical reactions at the higher potentials required for high power density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different components within the electrode perform different functions: the Li2O-containing compounds provide high capacity through lithium insertion/extraction, while the charged electrode compound components provide structural stability and controlled voltage characteristics. This functional differentiation allows the electrode to achieve high power density through higher voltage operation while maintaining overall material stability.
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 solution significantly enhances the capacity and energy delivery of lithium-ion batteries, achieving higher electrochemical discharge capacities compared to conventional LiCoO2 and LiMn2O4 electrodes, with activated electrodes showing reversible redox chemistry and improved cycling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Li2O is extracted from the above-mentioned electrode precursors to activate the electrode either directly by electrochemical methods by applying a sufficiently high potential in an electrochemical cell
Implementation Method 2
charged or partially-charged electrode compounds that can react with an integral or fractional molar quantity of lithium, based on the molecular formula of the charged material and partially charged material respectively, during the charging and discharging of the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides lithium-rich compounds as precursors for positive electrodes for lithium cells and batteries. The precursors comprise a Li2O-containing compound as one component, and a second charged or partially-charged component, selected preferably from a metal oxide, a lithium-metal-oxide, a metal phosphate or metal sulfate compound. Li2O is extracted from the above-mentioned electrode precursors to activate the electrode either by electrochemical methods or by chemical methods. The invention also extends to methods for synthesizing and activating the precursor electrodes and to cells and batteries containing such electrodes.