Metallized Polymer Current Collector With Edge Sealing for Stacked Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery technologies face challenges in efficiently managing current transmission and sealing in stacked batteries, particularly in maintaining high conductivity while preventing short circuits and electrolyte leakage, especially in z-directional and xy-directional configurations.
Innovation Solution
The use of polymeric current collectors with metallization layers and conductive materials within apertures, where the metal coating is strategically applied to facilitate z-direction conductivity while maintaining a polymer edge region for sealing, reducing xy-direction conductivity and minimizing short circuit potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal current collectors are used to ensure high conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the risk of short circuits and electrolyte leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector uses a composite structure combining metal layers (for conductivity) and polymer layers (for insulation and sealing). The metal polymer composite current collector integrates the conductive properties of metals with the insulating and sealing properties of polymers, allowing high electrical conductivity while preventing short circuits and electrolyte leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the current collector have different material compositions optimized for their specific functions. The central region contains metal layers for current transmission, while the peripheral edge region contains polymer material for sealing and insulation. This local differentiation allows the same component to provide both high conductivity and short circuit prevention.
2Reliability
If metal current collectors are used for current transmission, then electrical conductivity is improved, but additional seal materials are required to prevent electrolyte leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer layer in the current collector performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation to prevent short circuits, acts as a seal to prevent electrolyte leakage, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate seal materials, simplifying the overall battery structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated metal-polymer composite structure combines the conductive function of metals with the sealing function of polymers in a single component, reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for additional seal materials.
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 design enhances tunable resistivity and directional control for electrical conductivity, allowing for efficient current transmission and sealing within battery cells, reducing the need for additional seal materials and preventing electrolyte leakage, thereby improving the stability and performance of stacked batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a first current collector including a polymer and a metal at least partially disposed about surfaces of the polymer
Implementation Method 2
the separator and the first current collector may be laminated proximate the edge region of the first current collector
Data Source
AI summary
Batteries according to embodiments of the present technology may include a battery cell having a first current collector including a polymer and a metal at least partially disposed about surfaces of the polymer. An edge region of the first current collector may be maintained free of the metal on a first surface of the first current collector. The battery cell may include a second current collector. The battery cell may also include a separator disposed between the first current collector and the second current collector. The separator may include a polymer, and the separator and the first current collector may be laminated proximate the edge region of the first current collector along the first surface of the first current collector.