Lithium-Ion Battery Negative Electrode With Corrosion-Blocking Ion Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable lithium batteries face challenges in improving safety and performance, particularly in all-solid-state batteries where the interface between the negative electrode and solid electrolyte can lead to corrosion and reduced lithium ion conductivity, affecting cycle-life characteristics and energy density.

Innovation Solution

A negative electrode design incorporating a copper foil current collector, a lithium ion conductive layer made of lithium-metal composite oxides, and a catalyst layer with a metal and carbon material combination, which induces reversible lithium precipitation and suppresses side reactions, enhancing lithium ion conductivity and preventing corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a negative electrode is used in all-solid-state batteries, then energy density is improved, but corrosion at the interface with solid electrolyte occurs and lithium ion conductivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidlithium ion conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A lithium ion conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the negative electrode and the solid electrolyte. This layer prevents direct contact and harmful interactions at the interface while maintaining efficient lithium ion transport, thereby preserving high lithium ion conductivity and energy density in all-solid-state batteries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The negative electrode employs a composite structure consisting of a catalyst layer (containing metal particles such as Al, Si, Sn, or their alloys) and a conductive polymer matrix. This composite design enhances both the electrochemical performance and structural stability, preventing corrosion while maintaining high energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If a negative electrode is used in all-solid-state batteries, then energy density is improved, but corrosion at the interface with solid electrolyte occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcorrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium ion conductive layer serves as a protective intermediary that physically separates the negative electrode from the solid electrolyte, preventing corrosive interactions while allowing beneficial lithium ion transport. This eliminates corrosion at the interface while preserving the high energy density benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lithium ion conductive layer creates an inert chemical environment between the reactive negative electrode and the solid electrolyte, preventing harmful chemical reactions and corrosion. This protective barrier maintains the structural integrity and performance of the battery components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If a lithium ion conductive layer is added to the negative electrode, then lithium ion conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithium ion conductivityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium ion conductive layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it enhances lithium ion conductivity, prevents corrosion at the interface, and provides structural stability. By combining these functions in a single layer, the design improves performance without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lithium ion conductive layer is formed using composite materials that inherently possess both high ionic conductivity and structural stability. This allows a single layer to achieve multiple objectives, minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing the benefits to lithium ion conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 design increases reversible capacity, suppresses corrosion, and improves cycle-life characteristics and energy density by effectively managing lithium precipitation and reducing side reactions at the interface with the solid electrolyte.

Implementation Method 1

a lithium ion conductive layer on the negative electrode catalyst layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a catalyst layer with a metal and carbon material combination, which induces reversible lithium precipitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical precipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 3

the lithium ion conductive layer may include a lithium-metal composite oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFast ion conduction: Fast Ion Conductor

Data Source

PatentUS20240105922A1Negative electrode for rechargeable lithium battery, rechargeable lithium battery, and all-solid-state rechargeable battery

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

A negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery, the negative electrode including a negative electrode current collector, a negative electrode catalyst layer on the negative electrode current collector, and a lithium ion conductive layer on the negative electrode catalyst layer.