Mixed Niobium Oxide Composition for Fast-Charging Battery Anodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion battery technologies face limitations due to the safety concerns associated with graphite anodes, particularly at high charging rates, which can lead to lithium dendrite formation and capacity fade. Additionally, alternative materials like lithium titanate (LTO) suffer from limited electronic and ionic conductivity, resulting in reduced power performance and energy density.
Innovation Solution
The development of a mixed niobium oxide with a composition M1aM21-aM3bNb12-bO33-c-dQd, where M1, M2, and M3 are different cations, and Q is an anion, modifies the properties of WNb12O33 or MoNb12O33 by incorporating additional cations, inducing oxygen deficiency or excess, and forming mixed anion materials, thereby enhancing electronic conductivity and coulombic efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If graphite anodes are used for high charging rates, then charging speed is improved, but safety deteriorates due to lithium dendrite formation and capacity fade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of anode material composition from graphite to mixed niobium oxide (WNb12O33 or MoNb12O33), which has inherently different electrochemical properties including higher operating potential and better structural stability at high charging rates, thereby eliminating dendrite formation while maintaining fast charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategy by creating mixed niobium oxide compounds combining W or Mo with Nb in specific ratios, optimizing both electronic conductivity and structural stability to achieve high charging rates without compromising safety
2Reliability
If lithium titanate (LTO) is used to replace graphite, then safety is improved, but electronic and ionic conductivity deteriorate, resulting in limited power performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from LTO to mixed niobium oxide, which naturally possesses higher electronic conductivity due to the presence of W or Mo components and optimized crystal structure, eliminating the need for additional conductivity enhancements while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local chemical environment within the mixed niobium oxide structure by controlling the ratio of W/Mo to Nb and adjusting oxygen content, creating regions with enhanced electronic conductivity that improve overall power performance while maintaining the safety benefits of high potential operation
3Power
If LTO is nanosized to increase specific surface area, then electronic conductivity is improved, but electrode density deteriorates, resulting in lower gravimetric and volumetric energy densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental material parameter from LTO to mixed niobium oxide, which achieves high electronic conductivity through its intrinsic composition and crystal structure rather than relying on nanosization, thereby maintaining both high conductivity and high electrode density for superior energy density
4Power
If mixed niobium oxide is used to improve electronic conductivity, then power performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to composition optimization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific compositional parameters for mixed niobium oxide (WNb12O33 or MoNb12O33) with defined ratios of W or Mo to Nb, along with controlled oxygen content, which simplifies manufacturing by providing clear target compositions that achieve optimal electronic conductivity without requiring extensive optimization trials
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 modified mixed niobium oxide exhibits improved electrochemical properties, including enhanced electronic conductivity, increased delithiation specific capacity, and improved coulombic efficiency, making it suitable for use as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries with improved power performance and energy density.
Implementation Method 1
the mixed niobium oxide has the composition M1aM21-aM3bNb12-bO33-c-dQd, wherein: M1 and M2 are different; M1 is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, Y, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, B, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, P, Sb, Bi and mixtures thereof; M2 is Mo or W; M3 is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, Y, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, B, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, P, Sb, Bi, and mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 2
0 ≤ a ≤ 0.5; 0 ≤ b ≤ 2; -0.5 ≤ c ≤ 1.65; 0 ≤ d ≤ 1; one or more of b and d is >0
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to active electrode materials and to methods for the manufacture of active electrode materials. Such materials are of interest as active electrode materials in lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries. The invention provides an active electrode material comprising a mixed niobium oxide, wherein the mixed niobium oxide has the composition M1aM2i-aM3bNbi2-bO33-c-dQd, wherein: M1 and M2 are different; M1 is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, Y, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, B, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, P, Sb, Bi and mixtures thereof; M2 is Mo or W; M3 is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, Y, La, Cc, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, B, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, P, Sb, Bi, and mixtures thereof; Q is selected from F, Cl, Br, I, N, S, Se, and mixtures thereof; 0<a<0.5; 0<b<2; −0.5<c<1.65; 0<d<1.65; one or more of b and d is >0.