Plate-Like Cathode Particles with Intersecting (003) Planes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lithium secondary batteries face limitations in capacity, durability, and rate characteristics due to the orientation of crystal planes in cobalt-based cathode active materials, where lithium ions are intercalated and deintercalated, leading to suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

The development of plate-like particles and films with a layered rock salt structure where the (003) plane is oriented intersecting the particle surface, maximizing exposure of the (104) plane for lithium ion intercalation and deintercalation, enhancing capacity, durability, and rate characteristics by optimizing the crystal plane orientation and manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the (003) plane is oriented parallel to the plate surface to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but lithium ion intercalation and deintercalation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystal plane orientation controlVSAvoidlithium ion intercalation and deintercalation rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of orienting the (003) plane parallel to the plate surface as in conventional methods, this invention inverts the orientation to make the (003) plane intersect the plate surface. This inversion exposes the (104) plane parallel to the plate surface, which has superior lithium ion intercalation and deintercalation properties, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and electrochemical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the particle thickness is increased to improve durability, then reliability is improved, but the exposure area of favorable crystal planes to electrolyte decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery durabilityVSAvoidexposure area of crystal planes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

This invention applies local quality by creating plate-like particles with asymmetric crystal plane orientation. The (104) plane is exposed parallel to the plate surface providing large area for lithium ion transport, while the (003) plane intersects the surface. This localized orientation optimization allows thick particles to maintain high surface area exposure of favorable planes, simultaneously improving both durability and electrochemical activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional crystal plane orientation is used to maintain manufacturing simplicity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but capacity and rate characteristic deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoiddischarge capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

This invention changes the critical parameter of crystal plane orientation from the conventional (003) parallel configuration to a (003) intersecting configuration. This parameter change fundamentally alters the exposure characteristics, enabling the (104) plane to be exposed parallel to the plate surface, thereby significantly improving discharge capacity and rate characteristics while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through controlled sintering processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach significantly improves the capacity, durability, and rate characteristics of lithium secondary batteries by ensuring maximum exposure of favorable crystal planes to the electrolyte, allowing for higher discharge capacity and prolonged cycle life while maintaining high rate performance.

Implementation Method 1

intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions (Li+)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntercalation: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2369664B1Plate-shaped particles for positive electrode active material of lithium secondary batteries, lithium secondary battery positive electrode active material films, manufacturing method therefor, lithium secondary battery positive electrode active material manufacturing method and lithium secondary batteries
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 NGK INSULATORS LTD
  • EP2369664B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2369664B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2369664B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a lithium secondary battery which has improved capacity, durability, and rate characteristic as compared with conventional lithium secondary batteries. A plate-like particle or a film for a lithium secondary battery cathode active material has a layered rock salt structure. The (003) plane is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction of the plate surface of the particle or film.