Multi-Metal Oxide Anode Composition for High-Capacity Li-Ion Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current secondary lithium batteries face limitations in terms of capacity, stability, and cycle life due to the use of graphite as the primary electrode material, which has a low theoretical capacity of 372 mAh/g, making them unsuitable for high-energy density and long-cycle applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of anode materials with specific metal oxide compositions such as cobalt-copper-tin oxide, silicon-tin-iron oxide, copper-manganese-silicon oxide, and nickel-copper-tin oxide, which include additional elements like Ni, Cr, Mn, Zn, Al, Ti, In, and W to enhance electrical conductivity and lithium ion diffusion rates, thereby improving capacitance and cycle life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If graphite is used as the anode material, then the battery structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the capacity is low (theoretical value 372 mAh/g)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite anode materials combining multiple metal oxides (Co3O4, CuO, SnO2, SiO2, Fe2O3, MnO2, NiO) in specific ratios to create a synergistic effect. This composite approach overcomes the low capacity limitation of single-material anodes while maintaining manufacturability through conventional mixing and sintering processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the atomic ratios of metal elements in the composite oxide material to achieve maximum capacity. By adjusting the proportions of different metal oxides and controlling sintering parameters, the anode material achieves enhanced lithium ion insertion/extraction capacity beyond graphite's theoretical limit.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional graphite anode is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the cycle life and stability are insufficient for high-energy applications
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-component metal oxide composite provides improved structural stability during charge-discharge cycles. The synergistic combination of oxides with different properties (conductivity, expansion resistance, lithium affinity) enhances overall reliability while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process involving mixing, pressing, and sintering.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite oxide structure acts as an intermediary framework that facilitates stable lithium ion transport. The multiple metal oxide phases work together to mediate between the electrolyte and the battery core, providing both chemical stability and efficient ion conduction pathways for extended cycle life.
3Device complexity
If graphite anode material is used, then the battery design is straightforward, but the energy density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite metal oxide materials (Co3O4-CuO-SnO2-SiO2-Fe2O3-MnO2-NiO) with optimized atomic ratios to achieve high energy density. This composite approach increases the theoretical capacity beyond graphite's 372 mAh/g limitation while maintaining manageable battery design complexity through standardized electrode fabrication processes.
4Reliability
If high-capacity anode materials are developed with multiple metal oxides, then the capacity and stability improve, but the material composition and manufacturing process become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific atomic ratio ranges for each metal oxide component to optimize performance while controlling complexity. By defining precise compositional parameters (e.g., Co:Cu:Sn:Si:Fe:Mn:Ni ratios) and sintering conditions, the complex multi-oxide system achieves stable, reproducible high-capacity performance.
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 proposed anode materials significantly increase the capacity and stability of secondary batteries, offering improved charge-discharge cycle life and capacitance compared to traditional graphite-based batteries, making them suitable for high-energy density applications like electric vehicles and power storage.
Implementation Method 1
enhance electrical conductivity and lithium ion diffusion rates
Implementation Method 2
enhance electrical conductivity and lithium ion diffusion rates
Implementation Method 3
secondary lithium batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged
Data Source
AI summary
An anode material for a secondary battery is provided. The anode material for the secondary battery includes a metal oxide containing four or more than four elements, or an oxide mixture containing four or more than four elements. The metal oxide includes cobalt-copper-tin oxide, silicon-tin-iron oxide, copper-manganese-silicon oxide, tin-manganese-nickel oxide, manganese-copper-nickel oxide, or nickel-copper-tin oxide. The oxide mixture includes the oxide mixture containing cobalt, copper and tin, the oxide mixture containing silicon, tin and iron, the oxide mixture containing copper, manganese and silicon, the oxide mixture containing tin, manganese and nickel, the oxide mixture containing manganese, copper and nickel, or the oxide mixture containing nickel, copper and tin.