Phosphorene Coated Metal Electrode for Battery Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries using metal electrodes as anodes face performance deterioration due to irreversible decomposition reactions and dendrite formation at the electrode-electrolyte interface, leading to increased resistance, reduced capacity, and shortened lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A coating layer comprising a two-dimensional semiconductor material, specifically phosphorene, is formed on the metal electrode, which converts into metal phosphide, preventing dendrite formation and inhibiting decomposition reactions, thereby enhancing the performance of electrochemical devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a metal electrode is used as an anode, then high capacity is achieved, but irreversible decomposition reactions occur and dendrite formation causes performance deterioration

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

Solution Approach 1:

A coating layer comprising two-dimensional semiconductor material (phosphorene) and metal phosphide is introduced as an intermediary between the metal electrode and electrolyte. This coating layer prevents direct contact between the metal electrode and electrolyte, thereby preventing irreversible decomposition reactions and dendrite formation while maintaining high battery capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coating layer is formed as a composite structure containing two-dimensional semiconductor material and metal phosphide. This composite material combines the benefits of both components: the two-dimensional semiconductor material provides a stable structure that prevents dendrite growth, while the metal phosphide forms through chemical alloying reaction and enhances interfacial stability with electrolyte

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a coating layer is introduced on the metal electrode surface, then dendrite formation and decomposition reactions are prevented, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery stabilityVSAvoidelectrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coating layer is formed using two-dimensional semiconductor material (phosphorene) which has a thin film structure. This thin film coating prevents dendrite formation and decomposition reactions while adding minimal structural complexity compared to bulk material coatings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The coating layer thickness and composition are controlled by adjusting the delamination process parameters and conversion conditions. By optimizing these parameters, the coating layer achieves the minimum necessary thickness to prevent dendrite formation while minimizing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If two-dimensional semiconductor material is converted into metal phosphide, then interfacial stability is enhanced, but manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface stabilityVSAvoidcoating process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The two-dimensional semiconductor material is first formed on the metal electrode surface through delamination, and then converted into metal phosphide through chemical alloying reaction. This preliminary formation of the two-dimensional material structure simplifies the subsequent conversion process and ensures uniform distribution of the phosphide phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion of two-dimensional semiconductor material into metal phosphide occurs through spontaneous chemical alloying reaction at the interface between the coating layer and metal electrode. This self-driven conversion process eliminates the need for additional heating or catalytic steps, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring uniform phosphide formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively prevents dendrite growth and decomposition at the electrode-electrolyte interface, improving the performance and stability of secondary batteries by maximizing compatibility with various electrolytes and cathodes.

Implementation Method 1

the chemical alloying reaction of a part of the two-dimensional semiconductor material in the coating layer and the metal electrode is achieved at the interface between the coating layer and the metal electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical alloying reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

forming a coating layer comprising the two-dimensional semiconductor material on the surface of a metal electrode... preventing dendrite formation and inhibiting decomposition reactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier effect: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3264503B1Electrode for electrochemical element, manufacturing method therefor, and electrochemical element comprising same
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3264503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3264503B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3264503B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a metal electrode, a method for preparing the same, and an electrochemical device comprising the same, and particularly, the present invention provides a metal electrode comprising a lithium or sodium metal electrode of which coating thickness can be controlled to a nano size, on which electrochemical active material, phosphorene in the form of two-dimensional monolayer thin film, or a multilayer thin film in which two or more layers of phosphorene are stacked is coated, a method for preparing the same, and an electrochemical device comprising the same.