Pre-Lithiated Negative Electrode Coating to Prevent Lithium Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium secondary batteries suffer from significant irreversible capacity loss due to the formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the negative electrode active material, leading to reduced initial reversibility and inefficient lithium ion utilization.

Innovation Solution

A negative electrode structure comprising a first and second active material layer with an inorganic coating layer, where lithium is present in the coating or active material, allowing for effective pre-lithiation without loss due to moisture or oxidation, using materials like LiF, Li2CO3, Al2O3, and ZrO2 coatings on lithiated graphene or silicon-based materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-lithiation is performed to improve initial reversibility, then lithium ion loss occurs due to moisture or oxidation, but the initial reversibility cannot be effectively improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial reversibilityVSAvoidlithium ion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

An inorganic coating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium-containing active material and the external environment (moisture, oxygen). This coating layer acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between lithium and harmful substances, thereby preventing lithium ion loss while maintaining the pre-lithiation function to improve initial reversibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The inorganic coating layer creates a sealed environment around the lithium-containing material, effectively isolating it from atmospheric moisture and oxygen. This physical barrier approach prevents chemical reactions that would otherwise cause lithium ion loss, allowing the pre-lithiation structure to function effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If lithium is directly exposed in the negative electrode to provide pre-lithiation, then initial reversibility improves, but the electrode structure complexity increases and manufacturing difficulty arises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial reversibilityVSAvoidelectrode structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inorganic coating layer is applied locally and selectively on the surface of the lithium-containing active material particles. This localized coating approach provides the necessary protection without requiring complex overall electrode结构设计, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving the dual function of pre-lithiation and protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The negative electrode active material is designed as a composite structure combining organic lithium-containing material with an inorganic coating layer. This composite approach integrates the pre-lithiation function with the protection function in a single material system, avoiding the need for separate protective components and reducing overall electrode structure complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of substance

If inorganic coating layer is applied to protect lithium from oxidation, then lithium ion loss is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithium ion lossVSAvoidcoating uniformity precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coating process parameters (such as coating thickness, composition ratio, and application conditions) are optimized to achieve effective protection with minimal precision requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the coating can be applied uniformly even with simple manufacturing processes, preventing lithium ion loss without demanding excessive manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 proposed electrode structure enhances initial reversibility and electrochemical performance by minimizing lithium ion loss during pre-lithiation, improving the capacity and cycle characteristics of lithium secondary batteries.

Implementation Method 1

lithium is present in at least one selected from the group consisting of the inorganic coating layer and the second negative electrode active material... without being lost due to moisture, an oxidizing action or the like

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation prevention: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

allow lithium ions to be diffused into a negative electrode active material without being lost... lithium ions to be diffused into a negative electrode active material layer during pre-lithiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12573610B2Negative electrode for lithium secondary battery, method of producing the same and lithium secondary battery including the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery, a method of producing the negative electrode, a method of producing a pre-lithiated negative electrode by pre-lithiation of the negative electrode, and a lithium secondary battery including the negative electrode. The negative electrode can increase the capacity of a battery and improve the electrochemical performance by securing the initial reversibility of the negative electrode by pre-lithiation, and allow lithium ions to be diffused into the negative electrode active material layer during pre-lithiation without being lost.