Nickel Mixed Metal Hydroxide Precursor for High Tap Density Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium secondary batteries have limited volume capacity and electrical output, making them unsuitable for hybrid and electric vehicles that require rapid charging and discharging, which affects their performance and range.
Innovation Solution
Development of powdered nickel mixed metal hydroxides with a specific composition and production process that achieves high tap densities and low BET surface areas, characterized by a unique particle size distribution and spheroidal shape, enhancing the packing density and volumetric energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional precipitation processes are used to produce mixed hydroxides, then the production process is simple, but the tap density is low (below 1.5 g/cm³)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling precipitation conditions including pH (9.0-10.5), temperature (20-40°C), metal salt concentrations, and addition rates to achieve optimal particle packing and high tap density (≥1.5 g/cm³) without complex post-processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an inert or reducing atmosphere during precipitation and drying to prevent oxidation of divalent metals (Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺), maintaining their reduced state while achieving high tap density, thus avoiding additional reduction steps
2Quantity of substance
If high tap density powders are produced to increase volumetric energy density, then the volume capacity improves, but the particle size distribution becomes harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls particle size distribution (D10-D90 range) and morphology through precise parameter adjustment including metal salt ratios, pH profile, temperature, and addition rates, achieving both narrow size distribution and high tap density simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures homogeneous co-precipitation of multiple metal ions (Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu) by controlling pH and mixing conditions, producing uniform particles with consistent composition and size distribution that pack efficiently
3Ease of manufacture
If divalent metals are precipitated under aerobic conditions, then the process is simple, but the metals oxidize to trivalent state affecting battery performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent conducts precipitation and drying under inert gases (N2, Ar) or reducing atmospheres to prevent oxidation of Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, and Mn²⁺, ensuring they remain in the desired divalent state for optimal battery performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reducing agents (H2, CO, hydrocarbons) in the drying atmosphere to actively prevent oxidation, creating a reducing environment that protects divalent metals from oxidizing during the drying process
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 resulting materials exhibit significantly higher tap densities and volume capacity, enabling batteries with improved performance for hybrid and electric vehicles, supporting higher acceleration values and extended ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a) providing at least a first and a second educt solution, b) combining at least the first and the second educt solution in a reactor and generating a homogeneously mixed reaction zone with a specific mechanical power input of at least 2 watts/liter and generating a product suspension consisting of insoluble product and a mother liquor supersaturated by setting an excess of lye
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to powdered compounds of the formula NiaM1 bM2c(O)x(OH)y, a method for the production thereof, and the use thereof as precursor materials for producing lithium compounds for use in lithium secondary batteries.