Micro-porous Battery Substrate for Lithium Metal Anodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-containing batteries face challenges such as poor cycle performance and safety concerns due to irreversible surface reactions, dendritic growth, and non-uniform lithium plating, which hinder their full energy density potential.
Innovation Solution
A micro-porous substrate serves as both a lithium-containing anode and current collector, with pores configured to house lithium metal and facilitate reversible lithium ion exchange via an electrolyte, potentially eliminating the need for specific anode materials and enhancing lithium diffusion rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used in batteries to achieve higher theoretical energy density, then energy density is improved, but cycle performance deteriorates due to poor stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous substrate structure where lithium metal is housed within the pores. This porous configuration allows for controlled lithium distribution and exchange, improving cycle performance while maintaining high energy density. The porous structure facilitates uniform lithium plating and prevents dendritic growth, resolving the contradiction between energy density and cycle stability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used to increase energy density, then energy capacity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to dendritic growth at the anode/current collector interface
Solution Approach 1:
The porous substrate provides a structured framework that confines lithium metal within defined pore spaces. This prevents uncontrolled dendritic growth at the anode/current collector interface while maintaining high lithium capacity. The porous structure ensures uniform lithium distribution during charging cycles, eliminating safety hazards associated with dendritic formation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used to achieve higher energy density, then energy storage is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to surface expansion and contraction from non-uniform plating
Solution Approach 1:
The porous substrate structure provides a rigid framework that accommodates lithium plating within fixed pore geometries. This constrains surface expansion and contraction by confining lithium to specific regions, ensuring uniform plating distribution. The porous structure maintains dimensional stability during charge/discharge cycles, preventing the reliability issues caused by non-uniform lithium plating.
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
This configuration improves battery performance by increasing lithium diffusion rates, leading to higher efficiency, power density, and cycle life, while addressing safety concerns through controlled lithium distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The electrolyte is disposed between the first surface of the substrate and the cathode and is configured to reversibly transport lithium ions via diffusion between the plurality of pores and the cathode
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates to a battery and a method for its manufacture. An example method includes forming a substrate having a first surface, the first surface having a plurality of pores. The pores may be configured to house lithium metal. The method includes incorporating lithium metal into at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The lithium metal may be incorporated into the pores via a pre-lithiation process, which may include electroplating of lithium metal into the porous substrate. The method also includes forming an electrolyte disposed between the first surface of the substrate and a cathode. The electrolyte is configured to reversibly transport lithium ions via diffusion between the substrate and the cathode. The method also includes forming the cathode. Some embodiments may provide the substrate to jointly serve as an anode and electrically- conductive current collector.