LixMe1αMe2βO2 Positive Electrode Material for High Energy Density Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery technologies face challenges in achieving high energy density due to limitations in the composition and structure of positive electrode active materials, leading to insufficient capacity, phase separation, and destabilization of the crystal structure during charging and discharging.
Innovation Solution
A positive electrode active material with a crystal structure of space group Fm-3m, represented by the composition formula LixMe1αMe2βO2, where Me1 includes elements like Mn, Ni, Co, and Me2 includes B, Si, or P, with specific molar ratios that optimize Li availability and conducting paths, enhancing energy density and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional positive electrode active materials are used, then the battery structure is simple, but the energy density is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple transition metal elements (Mn, Ni, Co, Fe, Al, Sn, Cu, Nb, Mo, Bi, Ti, V, Cr, Y, Zr, Zn, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Pt, Au, Ag, Ru, Ta, W, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Dy, and Er) in specific ratios within the LixMe1αMe2βO2 formula. This composite approach enables the positive electrode active material to achieve high energy density while maintaining structural stability during charging and discharging cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific compositional parameters including the Li content (x), the ratios of different transition metals (α and β), and the oxygen content to achieve maximum energy density. By precisely controlling these parameters within the LixMe1αMe2βO2 formula, the material delivers enhanced capacity and stable crystal structure without excessive complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If high Li content is used to increase capacity, then the battery capacity increases, but the crystal structure destabilizes during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully optimizes the Li content parameter (x) in the LixMe1αMe2βO2 formula to achieve the highest possible capacity while maintaining crystal structure stability. The specific compositional ratios of transition metals and oxygen are adjusted to stabilize the structure during charging and discharging, preventing degradation even at high Li contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure with multiple transition metals working synergistically provides structural stability while accommodating high Li content. The diverse metal elements contribute different properties that collectively stabilize the crystal lattice during lithium insertion and extraction, enabling high capacity without structural collapse.
3Productivity
If conventional positive electrode materials are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the Li insertion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The composite positive electrode active material with multiple transition metals creates optimized pathways for lithium ion insertion and extraction. The synergistic effect of different metal elements enhances the material's affinity for lithium and improves insertion kinetics, achieving high Li insertion efficiency while maintaining a manageable manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes compositional parameters including the ratios of transition metals and oxygen content to maximize lithium insertion efficiency. By carefully adjusting these parameters within the LixMe1αMe2βO2 formula, the material achieves rapid and efficient lithium uptake while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.
4Power
If the positive electrode material structure is simplified, then the manufacturing is easier, but the operating voltage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material structure with multiple transition metals in the LixMe1αMe2βO2 formula enables high operating voltage by leveraging the electrochemical properties of different metal elements. The synergistic combination maintains structural integrity while achieving the high voltage necessary for high-power battery applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters, particularly the ratios of transition metals and oxygen content, to maximize operating voltage. By precisely controlling these parameters, the material achieves high voltage output while maintaining a structure that is still manufacturable with existing 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 optimized composition and structure of the positive electrode active material result in higher energy density and capacity, improved Li insertion efficiency, and increased operating voltage, surpassing the performance of existing lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
Lithium-ion batteries, for example, fabricated with a positive electrode active material containing such a compound has a redox potential (vs. Li/Li+) of approximately 3.3 V
Data Source
AI summary
A positive electrode active material for a battery, the positive electrode active material comprising a compound having a crystal structure of space group Fm-3m and represented by composition formula (1): LixMe1αMe2βO2 . . . (1). In the formula, Me1 represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ni, Co, Fe, Al, Sn, Cu, Nb, Mo, Bi, Ti, V, Cr, Y, Zr, Zn, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Pt, Au, Ag, Ru, Ta, W, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Dy, and Er, Me2 represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of B, Si, and P, and the following conditions are met: 0<α; 0<β; α+β=y; 0.5≤x/y≤3.0; and 1.5≤x+y≤2.3.