Phosphate-Based Battery Electrolyte for Stable Nickel-Rich Cathodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries face issues with reduced output and capacity due to damage to nickel-based lithium metal oxide cathode active materials and side reactions with the electrolyte, as well as instability at extreme temperatures, necessitating improved safety, lifespan, and performance characteristics.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a phosphate-based additive in the electrolyte, comprising compounds represented by specific formulas, which form a protective film on the cathode and anode surfaces, enhancing stability and capacity characteristics across various temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If nickel-based lithium metal oxide is used as cathode active material to achieve high capacity, then battery capacity is improved, but damage to cathode surface and side reactions with electrolyte occur reducing lifespan and stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidbattery lifespan and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The phosphate-based additive performs preliminary action by forming a protective film on the cathode surface before the cathode material can be damaged or undergo harmful side reactions with the electrolyte. This pre-formed protective layer prevents subsequent degradation during charging and discharging cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The phosphate-based additive acts as an intermediary between the nickel-based lithium metal oxide cathode and the electrolyte. It forms a protective interface layer that mediates the interaction, preventing direct harmful contact while allowing beneficial electrochemical reactions to proceed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional electrolyte composition is used to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is low, but safety and performance characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrolyte composition complexityVSAvoidsafety and performance characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyte uses a composite material approach by combining the conventional electrolyte base with a phosphate-based additive. This composite composition integrates the benefits of simple conventional electrolytes with the protective and performance-enhancing properties of the phosphate additive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies parameter changes by modifying the electrolyte composition through the addition of phosphate-based compounds. This changes the chemical parameters of the electrolyte system to achieve improved safety and performance characteristics while maintaining practical simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If battery operates in severe high or low temperature environment to meet application requirements, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to side reactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature environment adaptabilityVSAvoidbattery stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The phosphate-based additive provides preliminary anti-action by preemptively forming a stable protective film on the cathode surface that resists degradation from high or low temperature environments. This pre-formed protective layer counteracts the destabilizing effects of extreme temperatures before they can cause harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 phosphate-based additive improves initial capacity, low-temperature, and high-temperature performance by reducing internal resistance and maintaining stable capacity and lifespan characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

the phosphate-based additive comprises a compound represented by Formula 1 below... which form a protective film on the cathode and anode surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFilm formation: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

an electrolyte in which the electrode assembly is impregnated... a lithium secondary battery which provides uniform output and capacity even during repeated charging and discharging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4576307A1Electrolyte for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery including the same
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4576307A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4576307A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4576307A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery including an organic solvent, a lithium salt, and a phosphate-based additive including a compound represented by Formula 1. A lithium secondary battery according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a cathode, an anode opposite to the cathode, and an electrolyte including the phosphate-based additive represented by Formula 1.