MSb2O4 Spinel Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion battery anodes, primarily made of graphitic carbon, suffer from low discharge voltage leading to lithium plating and significant solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, which limits their performance and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Development of an anode active material comprising MSb2O4 with a purity of greater than 93% by weight, where M is a metal such as zinc, iron, manganese, magnesium, cobalt, or nickel, which operates as a conversion electrode with a spinel crystal structure, and includes an inactive matrix of M and Li2O to buffer volume variations during cycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If graphitic carbon is used as anode material, then power density is improved due to large voltage difference, but lithium plating and SEI formation increase due to low discharge voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the discharge voltage parameter of the anode material by transitioning from graphitic carbon to MSb2O4 spinel compounds, raising the discharge voltage from approximately 20 mV to a higher range. This parameter change simultaneously reduces lithium plating and SEI formation while maintaining acceptable power density through the conversion reaction mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material design by creating spinel compounds with general formula MSb2O4, where M represents various metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Mg, Co, Ni). These composite materials combine the benefits of higher voltage operation with the conversion reaction mechanism, achieving both reduced harmful side reactions and maintained power density
2Reliability
If MSb2O4 with high purity is synthesized, then electrochemical performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multi-step synthesis process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing ball milling of reactants (metal oxide and antimony oxide) before the actual synthesis reaction. This pre-mixing step ensures uniform distribution of reactants, which facilitates complete reaction and high purity product formation during the subsequent heating process, thereby improving electrochemical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material strategy by incorporating an inactive matrix phase alongside the active MSb2O4 spinel phase. This composite structure, where the inactive matrix provides structural support and the active phase delivers electrochemical activity, enables achievement of high purity active material performance while managing the complexities of synthesis and processing
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 MSb2O4 anode material achieves a higher discharge voltage and specific capacity, reducing lithium plating and SEI formation while maintaining power density, thereby enhancing the performance and lifespan of lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
operates as a conversion electrode with a spinel crystal structure
Implementation Method 2
includes an inactive matrix of M and Li2O to buffer volume variations during cycling
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, a rechargeable battery is provided comprising an anode having an active material including MSb2O4 having a purity level of greater than 93 percent by weight, wherein M is a metal. The metal may have an oxidation state of 2+ and may include transition metals and/or alkali-earth metals. The anode active material may be synthesized using metal acetates or metal oxides. The synthesis may include heating at a first temperature to remove oxygen and water and reacting at a second temperature to form the MSb2O4 structure, which may be a spinel crystal structure.