Nanocomposite Layer for Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion batteries face issues with uneven lithium ion deposition leading to dendrite formation, which can cause short circuits and safety hazards like thermal failure and fire, due to the lack of effective solutions to improve energy density and safety.

Innovation Solution

A nanocomposite layer comprising a surface-modified carbon nanotube composite material with nanoparticles and a lithium salt polymer composite is applied to the negative electrode, enhancing lithium ion conductivity and suppressing dendrite formation through a method involving surface treatment, mixing, and baking of the nanocomposite gel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lithium-ion battery electrodes are used, then the battery can operate with standard energy density, but dendrites form on the negative electrode surface causing safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery safetyVSAvoiddendrite formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a nanocomposite layer as an intermediary between the negative electrode and electrolyte. This layer contains carbon nanotubes functionalized with positively charged groups and negatively charged nanoparticles, which act as mediators to guide uniform lithium ion deposition and prevent dendrite formation, thereby resolving the safety issue without compromising energy density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the surface properties of carbon nanotubes by introducing positively charged functional groups and controlling the size and charge of nanoparticles. These parameter changes in the nanocomposite layer create optimal conditions for uniform lithium ion deposition, preventing the harmful dendrite formation while maintaining high energy density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the negative electrode is modified to prevent dendrites, then battery safety improves, but lithium ion conductivity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery safetyVSAvoidlithium ion conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite nanocomposite layer combining carbon nanotubes with functional groups and dispersed nanoparticles. This composite structure provides both the safety function of preventing dendrites and maintains high lithium ion conductivity through the conductive carbon nanotube network and optimized nanoparticle distribution, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a nanocomposite layer with nanoparticles and surface-modified carbon nanotubes is applied, then lithium ion conductivity and safety improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery safety and performanceVSAvoidnanocomposite layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protective function into distinct components: surface-modified carbon nanotubes providing structural framework and conductivity, and dispersed nanoparticles providing additional safety and conductivity enhancement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nanocomposite layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: preventing dendrite formation, enhancing lithium ion conductivity, and improving cycling performance. By integrating these functions into a single layer, the patent reduces the need for multiple separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving comprehensive performance improvement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 nanocomposite layer effectively improves lithium ion conductivity, cycling performance under high discharge rates, and prevents dendrite formation, thereby enhancing the safety and energy density of lithium-ion batteries.

Implementation Method 1

The carbon nanotube composite material includes a surface-modified carbon nanotube with a positively charged group and a plurality of nanoparticles with a negatively charged group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

the first polymer is a piezoelectric polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230112508A1Nanocomposite layer, method of forming nanocomposite layer and battery

Publication Date: 2023.04.13 SOLIDEDGE SOLUTION INC

AI summary

A nanocomposite layer includes a carbon nanotube composite material and a lithium salt polymer composite. The carbon nanotube composite material includes a surface modified carbon nanotube with a positively charged group and a plurality of nanoparticles with a negatively charged group. The plurality of nanoparticles are attached to the surface modified carbon nanotube. The lithium salt polymer composite wraps the carbon nanotube composite material, and includes a first polymer, a second polymer, and a lithium salt.