Composite Positive Electrode Material Shell for Thermal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-capacity composite positive active materials face issues with side reactions with electrolyte solutions and thermal stability, which are critical for achieving high energy density in lithium batteries.

Innovation Solution

A composite positive electrode active material is designed with a first lithium transition metal oxide core, a second lithium transition metal oxide core, and a shell composed of a first metal oxide in a carbon-based material matrix, featuring different particle diameters and crystal structures to enhance conductivity and thermal stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high-capacity composite positive active materials are used to increase energy density, then the capacity and energy density are improved, but side reactions with electrolyte solution and thermal stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacityVSAvoidthermal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining lithium transition metal oxide particles (providing high capacity) with metal oxide particles (providing thermal stability) in a carbon-based conductive matrix. This composite structure enables the positive electrode active material to simultaneously achieve high capacity and excellent thermal stability, resolving the contradiction between capacity improvement and thermal stability deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If high-capacity composite positive active materials are used to increase energy density, then the capacity and energy density are improved, but side reactions with electrolyte solution worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacityVSAvoidside reactions
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a carbon-based conductive material matrix as an intermediary between the lithium transition metal oxide particles and the electrolyte solution. This intermediary layer reduces direct contact and harmful side reactions between the high-capacity active material and the electrolyte, while maintaining electrical conductivity and enabling lithium ion transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If shell structure with metal oxide and carbon-based material is added to reduce side reactions, then thermal stability and conductivity are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated shell structure that simultaneously provides thermal stability (through metal oxide), electrical conductivity (through carbon-based material), and protection against side reactions. This unified approach achieves multiple benefits while minimizing structural complexity compared to separate layered coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 composite material reduces side reactions with electrolytes, improves conductivity, and enhances thermal stability, leading to improved cycle characteristics and energy density in lithium batteries.

Implementation Method 1

a shell (30) including a first metal oxide (31) in a first carbon-based material matrix (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a composite positive electrode active material includes: a first core (10) including a first lithium transition metal oxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4693465A1Composite positive electrode active material, positive electrode comprising same, and lithium battery
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4693465A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4693465A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4693465A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a composite positive electrode active material, a positive electrode including the same, and a lithium battery, the composite positive electrode active material including: a first core (1st core) including a first lithium transition metal oxide; a second core (2nd core) including a second lithium transition metal oxide; and a shell arranged over a surface of at least one of the first core and the second core, the shell including: at least one type of first metal oxide; and a first carbon-based material, wherein the at least one type of first metal oxide is arranged in a matrix of the first carbon-based material, the at least one type of first metal oxide is represented by a formula of MaOb (0<a≤3, 0<b<4, and b is not an integer when a is 1, 2, or 3), wherein M is at least one metal selected from Groups 2 to 13, 15, and 16 of the periodic table of the elements, the first lithium transition metal oxide and the second lithium transition metal oxide have different particle diameters, the first lithium transition metal oxide has a layered crystal structure and a nickel (Ni) content of 60 mol% or more, and the second lithium transition metal oxide has an olivine-based crystal structure.