Pressure-Driven Electrode Metalation with Solid Electrolyte Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for prelithiation of battery electrodes are complex, energy-intensive, and prone to contamination, making them unsuitable for reliable and scalable production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a layer assembly comprising an electrode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a source layer with a metal, where pressure is applied to initiate a spontaneous metalation process, allowing for controlled and uniform metalation without the need for liquid electrolytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pre-lithiation techniques using liquid electrolytes are employed, then metalation of the electrode can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and energy-intensive due to drying requirements and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the liquid electrolyte component from the pre-lithiation process, replacing it with a solid electrolyte layer. This removal of the liquid electrolyte eliminates the need for complex drying processes and reduces contamination risks, while still achieving effective metalation through the solid-state reaction between the source layer and electrode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid. By using a solid electrolyte layer instead of liquid electrolyte, the process avoids the harmful effects associated with liquid handling (drying, contamination) while maintaining ionic conductivity necessary for metalation. This parameter change fundamentally simplifies the manufacturing process
2Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used for pre-lithiation, then metal ion transfer can occur, but contamination of the manufacturing line and produced parts occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of liquid electrolyte spillage and contamination into a benefit by using a solid electrolyte layer that cannot spill or contaminate the manufacturing environment. The solid state provides inherent containment while still allowing ionic transport, turning the limitation of solids into an advantage for clean manufacturing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If known solid state prelithiation methods are used, then contamination is avoided, but the process becomes highly complex and not suitable for scalable production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery structure into distinct layers (source layer, solid electrolyte layer, electrode) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately and assembled through simple lamination or stacking processes, enabling scalable production while maintaining the benefits of solid-state metalation
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 method enables reliable, scalable, and cost-effective metalation of electrodes, resulting in higher energy density and improved battery performance, while avoiding the complexities and hazards associated with liquid electrolytes.
Implementation Method 1
a first solid electrolyte layer on a first side of the electrode... metalating the electrode with the first metal by applying a pressure to the layer assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) of metalating an electrode, in particular for an energy storage device. The method comprises providing a layer assembly. The layer assembly comprises an electrode, a first solid electrolyte layer on a first side of the electrode, and a first source layer on top of the first solid electrolyte layer. The first source layer comprises a first metal. The method further comprises metalating the electrode with the first metal by applying a pressure to the layer assembly.