LTO Anode Phosphate Coating Porous Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face issues with reduced porosity during electrode slurry preparation, leading to rapid decreases in C-rate, which is particularly problematic for high-power applications like power tools and electric vehicles, necessitating a solution to enhance power output and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

An anode for secondary batteries is developed using lithium titanium oxide (LTO) particles coated with a phosphate-based cross-linked polymer, maintaining a porous structure and increasing the specific surface area, which enhances electrolyte impregnation and charge/discharge characteristics through improved electrochemical stability and catalytic reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If electrode slurry preparation process is used to coat anode active material on current collector, then electrode structure is formed, but porosity is excessively reduced leading to rapid decrease in C-rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode structure formationVSAvoidC-rate maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies porous materials by coating LTO particles with a cross-linked polymer that forms a porous coating layer. This porous structure maintains electrode porosity despite the slurry preparation process, allowing electrolyte penetration and ion transport while preserving high C-rate performance throughout the battery's operational life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining LTO particles with a cross-linked polymer coating layer. This composite structure provides both the electrochemical activity of LTO and the structural stability and porosity control of the polymer matrix, resolving the contradiction between forming a solid electrode structure and maintaining long-term porosity for high C-rate operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If LTO particles are coated with phosphate-based cross-linked polymer, then electrochemical stability is improved and lifespan is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrochemical stability and lifespanVSAvoidcoating process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-step coating processes with a chemical approach where the phosphate-based polymer forms cross-linked bonds with the LTO surface. This chemical substitution simplifies manufacturing while achieving the desired electrochemical stability and lifespan extension through the stable Li4Ti5O12/Li3PO4 interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If porous structure is maintained in LTO particle coating, then electrolyte impregnation is enhanced and charge/discharge characteristics are improved, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge/discharge rateVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a porous coating layer with controlled porosity on the LTO particle surfaces. The cross-linked polymer provides local structural support while maintaining pores for electrolyte access, achieving both structural integrity and high charge/discharge rates through this localized porous architecture.

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 anode with a phosphate-based coating layer exhibits improved power output characteristics, extended lifespan, and enhanced charge/discharge performance, particularly at high temperatures, making it suitable for high-rate applications such as electric vehicles and power tools.

Implementation Method 1

a cross-linked polymer coating layer... a cross-linked polymer of the coating layer is a phosphate-based compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCross-linking:

Implementation Method 2

the LTO particles with the cross-linked polymer coating layer formed thereon retain a porous structure formed therebetween... an impregnation ratio of an electrolyte may be increased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

anode prepared by coating an anode active material on an anode current collector... enhanced charge and discharge characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions:

Data Source

PatentUS10109862B2Anode for secondary battery and secondary battery comprising the same

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are an anode for secondary batteries and a secondary battery including the same. The anode includes an anode mixture including an anode active material, coated on a current collector, wherein the anode active material includes lithium titanium oxide (LTO) particles provided on surfaces thereof with a cross-linked polymer coating layer, wherein the LTO particles with the cross-linked polymer coating layer formed thereon retain a porous structure formed therebetween, and a cross-linked polymer of the coating layer is a phosphate-based compound.