Oxygen-Functionalized Conductive Material for High-Rate Li Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium secondary batteries face challenges with safety due to the risk of fire and explosion, and they have limitations in charge/discharge capacity, Coulombic efficiency, and rate characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a functional conductive material with an oxygen functional group on its surface is developed, which involves reducing and oxidizing a conductive material. This material is then used to create a positive electrode composite with improved properties, enhancing the performance of lithium secondary batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conductive materials are used in lithium secondary batteries, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but charge/discharge capacity, Coulombic efficiency, and rate characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface chemistry of carbon nanotubes through controlled oxidation. The oxidation treatment introduces oxygen-containing functional groups (such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, and carbonyl groups) on the CNT surface, which changes the electrical and chemical properties of the conductive material. This parameter modification enables improved charge/discharge capacity and Coulombic efficiency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard chemical treatment processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining oxidized carbon nanotubes with battery electrode materials. The functionalized CNTs form a hybrid conductive network that enhances electron transport and provides additional active sites for lithium ion insertion/extraction. This composite approach improves electrochemical performance without requiring complete replacement of existing manufacturing processes
2Reliability
If conventional conductive materials are used in lithium secondary batteries, then manufacturing process is simplified, but rate characteristics and Coulombic efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing the carbon nanotubes with oxygen-containing groups before incorporating them into the battery electrode. This pre-treatment creates a more reactive surface that facilitates faster lithium ion adsorption and desorption kinetics. The preliminary oxidation step, though adding a process step, uses simple chemical treatments that can be integrated into existing manufacturing lines, thereby improving Coulombic efficiency without significantly increasing overall device complexity
3Use of energy by moving object
If liquid electrolytes are used in lithium secondary batteries, then energy density is improved, but safety deteriorates due to fire and explosion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses oxidized carbon nanotubes as an intermediary material between the electrode and the electrolyte. The functionalized CNTs create a protective interface layer that enhances electron conduction while providing chemical stability. This intermediary structure facilitates efficient charge transfer without requiring liquid electrolytes, enabling the use of solid-state electrolytes that eliminate fire and explosion risks while maintaining high energy density through the enhanced conductive network
4Object-affected harmful factors
If all-solid-state batteries are used instead of lithium secondary batteries, then safety is improved, but charge/discharge capacity and rate characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the conductive material properties through oxidation treatment. The introduced oxygen functional groups increase the surface area and chemical reactivity of the carbon nanotubes, which compensates for the inherently slower ion transport in solid-state electrolytes. This parameter modification enables all-solid-state batteries to achieve high charge/discharge capacity and fast rate characteristics while maintaining the safety advantages of solid electrolytes
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 functional conductive material with an oxygen functional group improves the charge/discharge capacity, Coulombic efficiency, and rate characteristics of lithium secondary batteries, while also reducing the risk of side reactions and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
reducing the conductive material
Implementation Method 2
oxidizing the reduced conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a functional conductive material according to the present invention includes: preparing g a conductive material; reducing the conductive material; and oxidizing the reduced conductive material, in which the conductive material is sequentially reduced and oxidized so that an oxygen functional group is formed on a surface of the conductive material.