Porous MIEC Anode-Solid Electrolyte Assembly for Stable Lithium Plating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid secondary batteries face challenges in maintaining a stable thickness and reducing internal stress due to lithium precipitation, which affects their driving characteristics and energy density.
Innovation Solution
An anode-solid electrolyte sub-assembly is designed with a mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) structure having open portions and a lithiophilic metal material coating, along with an interlayer, to facilitate smooth lithium precipitation and prevent stress buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is used as anode active material to increase energy density, then capacity increases, but internal stress and thickness change during charging/discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous MIEC structure with controlled porosity (30-70%) that provides void space to accommodate lithium precipitation during charging. The porous architecture allows the anode to expand and contract without generating excessive internal stress, thereby maintaining thickness stability while utilizing high-capacity lithium metal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials including MIEC structures combined with lithiophilic metal particles (such as Au, Ag, Al, or their alloys) and carbon-containing compounds. This composite approach enhances lithium distribution, improves electrical conductivity, and prevents dendrite formation while maintaining structural integrity during charge-discharge cycles.
2Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is used as anode active material to increase energy density, then capacity increases, but internal stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porous MIEC structure provides a three-dimensional network that distributes mechanical stress uniformly throughout the anode. The interconnected pores act as stress-relief zones, preventing stress concentration that would otherwise lead to internal damage and performance degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The MIEC structure is segmented into multiple porous domains with lithiophilic metal particles distributed throughout. This segmentation allows localized lithium precipitation in discrete regions rather than uniform stress distribution, reducing overall internal stress buildup.
3Quantity of substance
If a precipitation-type anode with protective layer is used to increase energy density, then capacity increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated MIEC structure that simultaneously provides: (1) lithium precipitation accommodation, (2) electrical conductivity, (3) ionic conductivity, and (4) mechanical support. This eliminates the need for separate protective layers and simplifies the overall anode architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The MIEC structure serves multiple purposes: it acts as the anode active material host, provides ion transport pathways, ensures electron conductivity, and offers mechanical stability. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies manufacturing processes.
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 suppresses changes in thickness and internal stress, enhancing the battery's performance and energy density while improving high-rate characteristics and cycle stability.
Implementation Method 1
a mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) structure disposed between the anode current collector and a solid electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of lithiophilic metal material particles disposed on a surface of the MIEC structure
Data Source
AI summary
An anode-solid electrolyte sub-assembly for a solid secondary battery, and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the anode-solid electrolyte sub-assembly includes an anode current collector, a mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) structure, the mixed ionic-electronic conductor structure between the anode current collector and a solid electrolyte. The mixed ionic-electronic conductor has a plurality of open portions that extend in a direction from the anode current collect towards the solid electrolyte and at least one end of an open portion of plurality of open portions is open. A plurality of lithiophilic metal material particles are disposed on the mixed ionic-electronic conductor structure, an interlayer is disposed between the mixed ionic-electronic conductor structure on which the lithiophilic metal material particles are disposed and the solid electrolyte. The interlayer includes an interlayer material comprising a carbon-containing anode compound; lithium; a mixture of a carbon-containing anode compound and at least one of a second metal or a metalloid; a composite of a carbon-containing anode compound and at least one of a second metal or a metalloid; or a combination thereof.