Nickel Hydroxide Precursor Void Control for Lower Battery Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-nickel composite oxides used in non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries face high reaction resistance and inferior cycle characteristics, particularly when exposed to high-temperature environments, limiting their performance and application in mobile and electric vehicle batteries.

Innovation Solution

The development of a positive electrode active material precursor for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, comprising nickel composite hydroxide particles with controlled void distribution, where the cross-sectional regions have an average void area ratio of 0.5% to 5.0% and a standard deviation of less than 1.0%, facilitating uniform lithium accommodation and ion migration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If lithium-nickel composite oxide is used as positive electrode material, then cost is reduced compared to lithium-cobalt composite oxide, but cycle characteristics deteriorate and battery performance is impaired in high-temperature environments

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidcycle characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a core-shell structure where the nickel composite oxide core provides cost advantages while the protective coating layer on the surface improves cycle characteristics and thermal stability. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between cost reduction and reliability improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure combining nickel composite oxide with protective materials (such as lithium phosphate, lithium fluoride, or carbon coatings). This composite approach maintains the cost benefits of nickel-based materials while adding the functional properties needed for improved cycle life and high-temperature performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If lithium-nickel composite oxide is used as positive electrode material, then capacity is increased, but reaction resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacityVSAvoidreaction resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a porous coating layer or porous structure on the nickel composite oxide particles that provides multiple pathways for lithium ion diffusion. This porous structure reduces reaction resistance by shortening diffusion paths while maintaining high capacity through increased surface area and improved electrolyte contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention modifies surface parameters of the nickel composite oxide by controlling particle size distribution, surface area, and surface chemistry through synthesis conditions. These parameter changes reduce reaction resistance by optimizing the balance between capacity and electrochemical reactivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3719887B1Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery positive electrode active material precursor
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO LTD
  • EP3719887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3719887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3719887B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A positive electrode active material precursor for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, including a nickel composite hydroxide particle, is provided, wherein a cross section of the nickel composite hydroxide particle includes a void, and when the cross section of the nickel composite hydroxide particle is divided into a plurality of regions by boundary lines arranged in a grid such that each of the plurality of regions partitioned by the boundary lines has a size of 2 µm square, an average value of a ratio of an area of the void in an area of each of the plurality of regions partitioned by the boundary lines, is greater than or equal to 0.5% and less than or equal to 5.0%, and a standard deviation of the ratio of the area of the void in the area of each of the plurality of regions partitioned by the boundary lines, is less than or equal to 1.0.