Printable Lithium Electrode Coating for Stable Pre-Lithiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face challenges with lithium dendrite formation, irreversible capacity loss due to passivation film formation on the anode, and safety concerns from delithiated products reacting with the electrolyte, limiting their specific capacity and cyclability.
Innovation Solution
A printable lithium composition comprising lithium metal powder, a polymer binder, and a rheology modifier is applied to substrates using various methods like printing, extruding, or coating, allowing for pre-lithiation of anodes and cathodes, which helps in forming stable electrodes for batteries and capacitors, reducing lithium consumption and enhancing capacity retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium metal powder is used to pre-lithiate the anode, then the battery capacity is improved, but lithium dendrite formation occurs causing unsafe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of lithium by using fine lithium metal powder (0.1-10 micrometers) dispersed in a polymer binder matrix, transforming it from bulk metal to a distributed particulate system that reduces dendrite formation while maintaining capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining lithium metal powder with polymer binder (PVDF, CMC, or SBR) and conductive additives, forming a stable composite structure that prevents lithium dendrite growth while providing sufficient lithium for high capacity
2Reliability
If carbon-based anode material is used, then lithium dendrite formation is avoided improving safety, but battery capacity is limited because lithium is supplied only from the cathode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both approaches by combining carbon-based anode material with additional lithium metal powder, creating a hybrid anode system that provides lithium from both the cathode and the added lithium powder, thereby increasing capacity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-lithiating the anode with lithium metal powder before battery operation, ensuring sufficient lithium is available from the anode side to match the cathode capacity, thereby enabling higher overall battery capacity without compromising safety
3Manufacturing precision
If printable lithium composition with polymer binder is used, then manufacturing precision is improved through controlled application, but device complexity increases due to additional composition components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polymer binder as an intermediary substance that facilitates the controlled application of lithium metal powder, enabling precise deposition through printing, coating, or extrusion methods while managing the complexity of handling fine lithium particles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rheological parameters of the lithium composition by adjusting polymer binder content, particle size distribution, and solvent composition, transforming the lithium powder into a printable slurry or paste that can be precisely applied while managing composition complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for depositing lithium on a substrate to form an electrode is provided. The method includes applying a printable lithium composition comprised of lithium metal powder, a polymer binder compatible with the lithium metal powder, a rheology modifier compatible with the lithium metal powder and a solvent compatible with the lithium metal powder and with the polymer binder, to a substrate.