Li-Ion Negative Electrode with Pre-Lithiated Conductive Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium ion secondary batteries face issues of decreased adhesion of the negative electrode plate and low first discharge capacity due to uneven lithium precipitation and undesired reactions, which are not effectively addressed by direct pre-lithiation of the negative electrode current collector.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a pre-lithiated conductive layer between the negative electrode active material and the current collector, with a thickness of 1 to 50 μM, composed of pre-lithiated materials like carbon black or lithium foil, to enhance adhesion and conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct pre-lithiation of the negative electrode current collector is adopted, then lithium dendrite formation is reduced, but adhesion of the negative electrode plate decreases and first discharge capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelithium dendrite preventionVSAvoidadhesion of negative electrode plate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the pre-lithiation function by introducing a separate pre-lithiation layer between the current collector and the negative electrode active material layer. This layer contains lithium powder that can be released to prevent dendrites, while the adhesive layer maintains strong bonding between components. The segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising overall electrode integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary pre-lithiation layer that mediates between the current collector and the negative electrode active material. This intermediate layer contains lithium powder that reacts with the electrolyte to form SEI and release lithium ions, preventing dendrite formation on the current collector, while the adhesive layer ensures strong mechanical bonding. The intermediary structure resolves the conflict between dendrite prevention and adhesion maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If direct pre-lithiation of the negative electrode current collector is adopted, then lithium ion distribution is improved, but first discharge capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelithium ion distributionVSAvoidfirst discharge capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-lithiation layer performs preliminary lithium ion release before the negative electrode active material is fully utilized. The lithium powder in the pre-lithiation layer reacts with the electrolyte during initial cycles to form SEI and release lithium ions, ensuring proper lithium ion distribution. This preliminary action compensates for lithium loss without consuming the active lithium in the negative electrode material, thereby preserving first discharge capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by concentrating the lithium powder specifically in the pre-lithiation layer rather than uniformly distributing it throughout the entire negative electrode. This localized placement ensures that lithium ions are released at the critical interface between the current collector and electrolyte where dendrites form, while the negative electrode active material retains its full lithium content for high discharge capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If a pre-lithiated conductive layer is introduced, then adhesion and conductivity are enhanced, but electrode structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion and conductivityVSAvoidelectrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple functions into a single pre-lithiated conductive layer that combines both conductive material and lithium powder. This integrated layer simultaneously provides electrical conductivity for electron transport and lithium ion release for dendrite prevention, while the adhesive properties ensure strong bonding. The merging approach simplifies the overall electrode structure compared to having separate layers for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-lithiated conductive layer serves multiple functions: it provides electrical conductivity through the conductive material, releases lithium ions through the lithium powder to prevent dendrites, and ensures mechanical adhesion between the current collector and negative electrode active material. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining all essential electrode functions.

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 pre-lithiated conductive layer improves the adhesion and conductivity of the negative electrode, resulting in enhanced first discharge capacity and initial cycle efficiency of the lithium ion secondary battery.

Implementation Method 1

the pre-lithiated conductive layer comprises a lithium diffusion region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

coating the conductive material slurry on the negative electrode current collector, and curing to form a pre-lithiated conductive layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12620582B2Negative electrode of lithium ion secondary battery, preparation method thereof and lithium ion secondary battery
Publication Date: 2026.05.05 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a negative electrode of lithium ion secondary battery, a preparation method thereof and a lithium ion secondary battery. The negative electrode of the lithium ion secondary battery comprises a negative electrode active material, a pre-lithiated conductive layer and a negative electrode current collector. By using the negative electrode of lithium ion secondary battery, the preparation method thereof and the lithium ion secondary battery of the present invention, technical effects of excellent electrochemical performance, especially excellent first discharge capacity and first time efficiency are achieved, and excellent negative electrode plate binding force is achieved.