Multi-Composite Anode Conductive Agent for Lithium Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary batteries face limitations in energy density, rapid charging, high-power discharging, and lifespan due to the use of graphite and silicon-based compounds, which require high amounts of conductive agents and binders, leading to electrical conductivity issues and volume changes that affect battery stability.
Innovation Solution
An anode containing a multi-composite conductive agent with carbon-based and metal-based conductive agents of different shapes and properties, such as Super-P, graphene, and silver nanowires, is used to minimize binder and conductive agent content, enhancing energy density and electrical conductivity, thereby improving charging, discharging, and lifespan characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If graphite and silicon-based compounds are used as anode active materials, then energy density can be increased, but electrical conductivity deteriorates and high amounts of conductive agents and binders are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a multi-composite conductive agent comprising carbon-based conductive agents (Super-P, graphene, carbon nanotubes) and metal-based conductive agents (silver nanowires, aluminum nanowires) in specific weight ratios. This composite approach combines the high conductivity of metal nanowires with the lithium ion affinity of carbon-based agents, resolving the electrical conductivity deterioration issue while maintaining energy density improvements from graphite and silicon compounds
2Reliability
If high amounts of conductive agents and binders are used to compensate for poor conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the weight ratios of different conductive agents within the multi-composite system. Specifically, it controls the ratio of carbon-based to metal-based conductive agents, and the ratio of different carbon-based agents, to achieve maximum conductivity with minimum total conductive agent content. This parameter optimization allows maintaining high electrical conductivity while minimizing the volume occupied by non-active materials, thereby preserving energy density
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional conductive agents are used, then manufacturing is simple, but rapid charging and high-power discharging characteristics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conductive agent function into multiple components with different shapes and properties: Super-P particles for base conductivity, graphene sheets for electron transfer paths, carbon nanotubes for structural connectivity, and metal nanowires for high-speed electron transport. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific functions, enabling rapid charging and high-power discharging while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional mixing and coating processes
4Stability of the object's composition
If graphite is used as anode active material, then stability is good, but reactivity with lithium ions is insufficient for rapid charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite anode structure where graphite particles are combined with highly reactive silicon compounds, and the entire composite is coated with the multi-composite conductive agent. The conductive agent system enhances lithium ion reactivity at the graphite-silicon interface while the graphite matrix provides structural stability, resolving the contradiction between stability and reactivity
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 multi-composite conductive agent efficiently configures electron transfer paths, increases lithium ion affinity, and stabilizes ion and electron supply, resulting in improved rapid charging, high-power discharging, and extended lifespan of lithium secondary batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-composite conductive agent containing a carbon-based conductive agent and a metal-based conductive agent
Implementation Method 2
increases lithium ion affinity
Data Source
AI summary
An anode containing a multi-composite conductive agent and a lithium secondary battery including the anode are proposed. The anode may include an anode active material containing a carbon-based material and a metal-based compound, a binder, and a multi-composite conductive agent containing a carbon-based conductive agent and a metal-based conductive agent having different physical properties and shapes. According to some embodiments, the anode can increase energy density and also improve electrical conductivity and electron mobility.