Oligomer Additive for Lithium Battery Cathode Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary lithium batteries face issues with structural stability and safety due to the reaction of lithium transition metal oxide cathodes with electrolytes at high temperatures, leading to performance degradation and potential explosions.
Innovation Solution
An oligomer additive is developed by reacting maleimide, barbituric acid, and dibenzyl trithiocarbonate, which forms a protective layer on the cathode material, enhancing thermal stability and reactivity, and is applied to lithium batteries to maintain performance in high-temperature environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium transition metal oxide is used as the cathode material, then high energy density and high voltage are achieved, but the cathode reacts with the electrolyte solution at high temperatures causing structural degradation and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an oligomer additive as an intermediary substance between the cathode material and electrolyte solution. This additive forms a protective interface layer that prevents direct contact and reaction between the cathode and electrolyte at high temperatures, thereby maintaining structural stability while preserving the high energy density benefits of lithium transition metal oxide cathodes
Solution Approach 2:
The oligomer additive acts as a sacrificial protective layer that consumes itself to protect the cathode structure. The additive is designed to be relatively inexpensive and can be depleted or degraded over time, forming a stable protective film that prevents more expensive cathode materials from degrading
2Power
If lithium transition metal oxide cathode is used, then high voltage performance is achieved, but thermal reactivity increases leading to combustion reactions and potential explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal reactivity of the cathode material into a beneficial protective mechanism. The oligomer additive is specifically designed to undergo controlled thermal reactions that form stable, protective carbonaceous layers on the cathode surface, effectively transforming potential combustion reactions into a protective char formation that prevents further thermal degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The oligomer additive serves as a thermal buffer and intermediary layer between the high-voltage cathode material and the electrolyte. This intermediate substance absorbs and dissipates thermal energy, preventing direct thermal contact and combustion reactions while allowing the high-voltage cathode to maintain its electrical performance
3Productivity
If conventional cathode materials are used, then good electrochemical performance is achieved, but performance degrades rapidly in high temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The oligomer additive performs preliminary protective action by forming a stable interface layer on the cathode surface before high-temperature degradation can occur. This pre-formed protective layer prevents subsequent thermal and chemical degradation, extending the operational life and cycle stability of the cathode in high-temperature environments while maintaining electrochemical performance
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 oligomer additive improves the thermal stability and safety of lithium batteries, maintaining capacity and efficiency while extending cycle life without modifying existing battery designs.
Implementation Method 1
the oligomer additive has good thermal stability and thermal reactivity
Implementation Method 2
the oligomer additive has good thermal stability and thermal reactivity
Data Source
AI summary
An oligomer additive is provided. The oligomer additive is obtained by a reaction of a maleimide, a barbituric acid and a dibenzyl trithiocarbonate. A lithium battery including an anode, a cathode, a separator, an electrolyte solution and a package structure is also provided, wherein the cathode includes the oligomer additive.