Pre-Lithiated Electrode Coating for Stable Lithium Supplementation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries face challenges in maintaining high energy density and cycling performance due to irreversible loss of active lithium ions during the formation process and capacity degradation from SEI film rupture.

Innovation Solution

An electrode material with a pre-lithiated substrate and a first inorganic lithium compound layer, including lithium oxide, nitride, carbonate, fluoride, or sulfide, forms a protective film to compensate for lithium loss and enhance stability, reducing irreversible capacity loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a lithium metal layer is directly compounded on the surface of the negative electrode plate, then lithium supplementation can be achieved, but the lithium metal layer reacts with air causing capacity loss and stability issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive lithium ionsVSAvoidchemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An inorganic compound layer is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium metal layer and the external environment. This layer acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between lithium metal and air, eliminating the harmful reaction while preserving the lithium supplementation function. The inorganic compound layer serves as a mediator that maintains both chemical stability and lithium ion conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode structure is designed as a composite material system combining lithium metal, inorganic compounds (such as oxides, nitrides, phosphides, sulfides, or fluorides), and electrode active material. This composite structure leverages the high lithium content of lithium metal while using the inorganic compounds to provide chemical stability and environmental resistance, achieving synergistic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If the electrode active material is exposed to air during the formation process, then lithium ions can be supplemented, but irreversible loss of active lithium ions occurs due to SEI film rupture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive lithium ionsVSAvoidactive lithium ions

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The inorganic compound layer is applied in advance to the lithium metal layer before the electrode is exposed to air or electrolyte during the formation process. This preliminary protective coating prevents direct interaction between lithium metal and the environment, reducing irreversible lithium ion loss during SEI film formation and subsequent cycling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If more lithium metal is added to compensate for lithium loss, then energy density can be maintained, but the reaction with air increases and capacity degradation accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcapacity degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inorganic compound layer serves as a protective intermediary that enables the safe inclusion of higher lithium metal content without accelerated degradation. By preventing direct air contact, the system can incorporate more lithium metal for higher energy density while the inorganic layer suppresses the harmful side reactions that would otherwise limit lithium metal content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 electrode material improves energy density and extends cycle life by uniformly supplementing lithium ions and forming a stable protective film, mitigating capacity degradation.

Implementation Method 1

the first inorganic lithium compound layer can form a dense, uniform, and stable protective film on the surface of the electrode plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier formation:

Implementation Method 2

During the first charge or discharge process, the pre-lithiated electrode active material may release active lithium ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon release:

Implementation Method 3

The first inorganic lithium compound layer can isolate the substrate from contact with air, enhancing the chemical stability of the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIsolation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260070794A1Electrode material and preparation method thereof, electrode plate and preparation method thereof, battery, and electric apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

An electrode material and a preparation method thereof, an electrode plate and a preparation method thereof, a battery, and an electric apparatus. The electrode material includes a substrate and a first inorganic lithium compound layer coated on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate, where the substrate includes a pre-lithiated electrode active material; and the first inorganic lithium compound layer includes at least one of lithium oxide, lithium nitride, lithium carbonate, lithium fluoride, lithium sulfide, or lithium phosphide.