Nonaqueous Electrolyte Cell SEI Film Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cells face challenges in maintaining high performance due to irreversible decomposition of the electrolytic solution, leading to decreased cell capacity and increased resistance, particularly when forming the SEI film using LiBOB, and excessive addition of lithium phosphate for heat management affects charge/discharge performance.

Innovation Solution

The formation of SEI films on both negative and positive electrodes is optimized by adjusting the ratios of LiBOB and fluorosulfonic acid skeletons in the negative electrode SEI film and phosphoric acid skeletons in the positive electrode SEI film, along with controlled addition of lithium phosphate and fluorosulfonic acid, to balance ion movement speed and heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LiBOB is used as a film forming agent to form SEI film on the negative electrode, then the negative electrode is stabilized and subsequent electrolytic solution decomposition is suppressed, but the decomposition of the electrolytic solution causes a decrease in cell capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenegative electrode stabilityVSAvoidcell capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adding LiBOB as a film forming agent that decomposes first during initial charging to form a stable SEI film on the negative electrode surface. This pre-formed SEI film prevents subsequent continuous decomposition of the electrolytic solution, thereby stabilizing the negative electrode while minimizing capacity loss. The SEI film acts as a protective barrier that is formed in advance before operational degradation occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Temperature

If lithium phosphate is added to suppress heat generation during overcharge, then heat management is improved, but charge/discharge performance is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generation during overchargeVSAvoidcharge/discharge performance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the amount of lithium phosphate added to the electrolytic solution. By optimizing the concentration of lithium phosphate within specific ranges, the patent achieves effective heat suppression during overcharge while minimizing the negative impact on charge/discharge performance. This quantitative optimization balances thermal management requirements with electrochemical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the SEI film is formed to stabilize the negative electrode, then the electrolytic solution decomposition is suppressed, but the irreversible reaction causes a decrease in cell capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrolytic solution stabilityVSAvoidcell capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the blessing in disguise principle by utilizing the controlled decomposition of LiBOB during initial charging. Although this decomposition is an irreversible reaction that consumes some electrolytic solution and reduces cell capacity, it produces a stable SEI film that prevents much larger amounts of electrolytic solution from decomposing during subsequent charging and discharging cycles. The initial harmful decomposition is converted into a beneficial protective layer that preserves overall cell performance and extends battery life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 approach enhances cell performance by maintaining ion movement speed, suppressing heat generation during overcharge, and improving low-temperature resistance, making the cells suitable for high-output power sources like vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a part of the nonaqueous electrolytic solution (hereinafter also simply referred to as 'electrolytic solution') is decomposed at the time of initial, charge, and a coating film called a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film may be formed on the surface of the negative electrode active material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDecomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

a coating film called a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film may be formed on the surface of the negative electrode active material. When this SEI film is formed, the negative electrode is stabilized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolid electrolyte interface formation:

Implementation Method 3

a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell includes a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material made of a lithium transition metal complex oxide, a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material made of a carbon material, and a nonaqueous electrolytic solution including a nonaqueous solvent and a supporting salt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon transport: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentUS10903499B2Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell
Publication Date: 2021.01.26 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US10903499B2 patent drawing
  • US10903499B2 patent drawing
  • US10903499B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell disclosed herein, a negative electrode SEI film 29 including a LiBOB skeleton and a fluorosulfonic acid skeleton is formed, and a positive electrode SEI film 19 including a phosphoric acid skeleton is formed. Where the component amount of the LiBOB skeleton is denoted fey IB, the component amount of the fluorosulfonic acid skeleton is demoted by IS, and the component amount of the phosphoric acid skeleton is denoted by IP, a formula of 4≤IB/IS≤10 and a formula of 5 μmol/m2≤IP≤15 μmol/m2 are satisfied. Furthermore, the total amount of lithium phosphate relative to a BET specific surface area of the negative electrode active material, is 0.6 mol/m2 to 1.0 mol/m2, and the component amount IS of the fluorosulfonic acid skeleton is 0.6 μmol/m2 to 1.0 μmol/m2.