Porous Insulating Layer for Battery Electrode Thermal Runaway Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode designs face challenges in preventing thermal runaway reactions due to short circuits, as the electrolyte decomposition and gas generation at high temperatures are not adequately inhibited by conventional shutdown functions, especially when electrodes are in contact with the electrolyte during high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a porous insulating layer with a resin as the main component, integrated within the electrode mixture layer, which provides effective insulation and reduces reaction between the electrolyte and active material by forming a partition wall upon melting, thereby inhibiting thermal runaway reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separator or porous layer is provided to physically separate the electrodes, then short circuit prevention is improved, but complete prevention of thermal runaway reaction is insufficient because electrodes remain in contact with electrolyte at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The porous insulating layer is formed inside the electrode mixture layer, nesting the protective function within the electrode structure itself rather than as a separate external layer. This allows the insulating function to be integrated at the location where it is most needed - directly at the active material surface where thermal runaway initiates.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous insulating layer acts as an intermediary barrier between the active material and the electrolyte. When formed, it creates a physical separation that prevents direct contact between the electrolyte and active material at high temperatures, mediating the interaction to prevent thermal runaway while maintaining normal electrode function.
2Reliability
If a shutdown function separator is used to clog openings by melting at high temperature, then discharge between electrodes is inhibited, but decomposition reaction of electrolyte continues because electrodes remain in contact with electrolyte
Solution Approach 1:
The porous insulating layer is pre-formed within the electrode mixture layer before any thermal runaway event occurs. This preliminary protective structure is already in place to prevent electrolyte decomposition and active material exposure when high temperature occurs, rather than relying on post-failure shutdown mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous insulating layer provides localized protection specifically at the active material surface where thermal runaway originates. Rather than requiring a complete separator shutdown, the insulating function is concentrated locally where it is most effective - at the interface between active material and electrolyte.
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 porous insulating layer effectively reduces the risk of thermal runaway by creating a barrier between the electrolyte and active material, enhancing safety and control over thermal management in electrode storage elements.
Implementation Method 1
a porous insulating layer formed on the electrode mixture layer, where the porous insulating layer contains a resin as a main component, and at least a part of the porous insulating layer is present inside the electrode mixture layer
Data Source
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AI summary
A disclosed electrode includes an electrode base; an electrode mixture layer containing an active material and formed on the electrode base; and a porous insulating layer formed on the electrode mixture layer, where the porous insulating layer contains a resin as a main component, and at least a part of the porous insulating layer is present inside the electrode mixture layer.