LMFP Cathode Coating to Prevent Manganese Dissolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing lithium manganese iron phosphate cathode materials face challenges such as high costs, complex processes, and issues with manganese dissolution and low electronic/ionic conductivity, making them unsuitable for large-scale production and affecting battery performance.

Innovation Solution

A preparation method involving the use of a lithium manganese iron phosphate substrate coated with a metal oxide or metal salt and carbon layer, formed through a dry coating process, which enhances electronic conductivity and prevents manganese dissolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If electron beam evaporation method is used to attach target coating material to lithium manganese iron phosphate, then the coating quality is improved, but the preparation cost becomes very high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating qualityVSAvoidpreparation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive electron beam evaporation method with a low-cost chemical vapor deposition method using inexpensive precursors. The coating process uses affordable chemicals deposited at lower temperatures to achieve functional coating without requiring expensive equipment or high-energy processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the deposition parameters from high-energy physical vapor deposition to low-temperature chemical vapor deposition. By controlling temperature, pressure, and chemical precursor flow, the method achieves effective coating at significantly lower costs while maintaining adequate coating quality for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If lithium manganese iron phosphate is used as cathode material, then energy density is improved, but manganese dissolution occurs leading to shorter cycle life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcycle life
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure by depositing a protective coating layer on the lithium manganese iron phosphate particles. This composite approach combines the high energy density of LMFP with the protective benefits of the coating that prevents manganese dissolution, thereby extending cycle life while maintaining high capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies a protective coating before the manganese dissolution problem can occur during battery cycling. This preliminary protective layer acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact between the manganese-containing cathode material and the electrolyte, thereby preventing dissolution before it can degrade performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Quantity of substance

If lithium manganese iron phosphate is used as cathode material, then energy density is improved, but electronic conductivity remains low making capacity difficult to utilize

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidlow conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent forms a composite structure with a conductive coating layer on the LMFP particles. This coating, deposited through chemical vapor deposition, provides enhanced electronic conductivity at the particle surface, enabling better electron transport and more effective utilization of the high-capacity LMFP material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 improves the conductivity and structural stability of lithium manganese iron phosphate, facilitating large-scale production and enhancing the performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Implementation Method 1

the dissolution of manganese will lead to a shorter cycle life and deteriorate the charge-discharge capacity and lifespan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection:

Implementation Method 2

The low conductivity of lithium manganese iron phosphate and its side reactions with the electrolyte make it difficult for the material's capacity to be fully utilized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a lithium manganese iron phosphate substrate coated with a metal oxide or metal salt and carbon layer, formed through a dry coating process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP4611063A1Lithium manganese iron phosphate substrate, cathode material, preparation method, and lithium battery
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 HUNAN YUNENG NEW ENERGY BATTERY MATERIALS CO LTD
  • EP4611063A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4611063A1 patent drawing
  • EP4611063A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A lithium manganese iron phosphate substrate, cathode material, and their preparation method, as well as a lithium battery, belonging to the field of lithium-ion battery technology. The preparation of the lithium manganese iron phosphate substrate comprises the following steps: dissolving soluble ferrous salt, soluble manganese salt, phosphoric acid, and lithium hydroxide in deionized water to react, obtaining Material A; filtering Material A, taking the filter cake and drying it to obtain Material B; Heat treating Material B in an inert gas atmosphere to obtain the lithium manganese iron phosphate substrate. By coating the surface of the carbon-free nano lithium manganese iron phosphate substrate with metal oxides or metal salts and carbon, the coating layer formed on the surface of the composite lithium manganese iron phosphate material effectively prevents the reaction between the lithium battery and the electrolyte.