Positive Electrode Composition for Low-Resistance Li-Ion Cathodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium-ion battery cathode materials face challenges in maintaining low internal resistance and high cycle stability, especially under high power requirements and long-term storage conditions.

Innovation Solution

The use of a positive electrode composition comprising a combination of lithium metal oxides, including a first lithium metal oxide with formula Lix(N1-yN′y)2-xO2 and a second lithium metal oxide with formula LixWMyOz, where M is a metal with a valence state of +2 or +3, and the lithium heavy metal oxides are added to the slurry of the positive electrode to enhance conductivity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If lithium heavy metal oxides are added to the positive electrode slurry, then internal resistance is reduced and power performance is improved, but electrode complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower performanceVSAvoidelectrode complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining lithium heavy metal oxides (such as lithium tungsten oxide, lithium molybdenum oxide, or lithium tungsten molybdenum oxide) with conventional cathode materials in the positive electrode slurry. This composite approach reduces internal resistance and improves power performance while managing the complexity through controlled composition ratios and integrated material design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If lithium heavy metal oxides are added to the positive electrode slurry, then cycle stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the composition ratios, particle size distributions, and sintering temperatures of the lithium heavy metal oxide additives. These controlled parameter adjustments improve cycle stability while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes, thereby managing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If thin electrodes are used to achieve high power requirements, then discharge rates are improved, but cathode material requirements become more severe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge ratesVSAvoidcathode material requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating lithium heavy metal oxides specifically in the positive electrode slurry to enhance local conductivity and electrochemical performance. This targeted addition improves discharge rates in thin electrode configurations while managing the severe cathode material requirements through localized material optimization rather than uniform changes throughout the electrode structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 results in positive electrodes with low initial resistance and minimal resistance growth during cycling and storage, while maintaining high capacity and cycle stability, thereby improving the overall performance and longevity of lithium-ion batteries.

Implementation Method 1

By doping these elements into positive electrode active materials, lithium heavy metal oxides can be formed on the surface of the positive electrode materials and thus play a role in supporting Li diffusion and suppression of side reactions with the electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface formation: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Li diffuses over only short distances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12211992B2Positive electrode for lithium ion battery

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 UMICORE(BE)

AI summary

A positive electrode composition for a rechargeable battery, the composition comprising a first and a second powderous lithium metal oxide, the first lithium metal oxide comprising either one or more of Ni, Mn and Co, the second lithium metal oxide powder having either:the formula LixWM′yOz, M′ being a metal having a valence state of +2 or +3, with 0<y≤1, 3≤x≤4, 5≤z≤6, whereby x=(2*z)−[y*(valence state of M′)]−(valence state of W).