Selective ALD Coatings on Mixed Metal Oxides for Li-Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are unable to selectively apply ultrathin coatings onto materials of different compositions, particularly on lithium ion battery electrodes, leading to poor performance in charge/discharge rates, lifetime, and conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A method of atomic layer deposition (ALD) is used to selectively coat lithiated mixed metal oxides, preferentially depositing a non-uniform ultrathin film on certain sites, such as M-oxide sites, while leaving lithium ion sites uncovered, using a non-uniform thickness distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conformal films of uniform thickness are applied to lithiated metal compositions, then complete coverage of both lithium sites and metal sites is achieved, but the coating thickness cannot be selectively controlled and lithium ion conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform coating thickness across different surface regions. Specifically, the coating is thinner on lithium ion sites (allowing ion transport) and thicker on metal sites (提供保护), achieving spatially differentiated properties that resolve the contradiction between complete coverage and selective control
2Reliability
If thicker films are applied to metal oxide sites, then protection and stability are improved, but lithium ion conductivity and charge/discharge rates deteriorate due to excessive coating thickness on lithium sites
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements local quality by spatially differentiating coating thickness: thin coating on lithium sites maintains ion conductivity and high charge/discharge rates, while thick coating on metal oxide sites provides stability and protection, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and productivity
3Reliability
If uniform thick coating is applied to all sites, then comprehensive protection is achieved, but lithium ion transport and electrode performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality principles: the coating thickness is locally optimized with thin layers on lithium ion transport paths (maintaining conductivity) and thick layers on metal oxide surfaces (提供保护), achieving both protection and high performance simultaneously
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
Improves lithium ion battery performance by enhancing charge/discharge rates and lifetime through selective coating, with optimal results achieved using 2 to 4 ALD cycles for alumina or aluminum fluoride coatings.
Implementation Method 1
A method of atomic layer deposition (ALD) is used to selectively coat lithiated mixed metal oxides
Implementation Method 2
preferentially depositing a non-uniform ultrathin film on certain sites, such as M-oxide sites, while leaving lithium ion sites uncovered
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to lithiated mixed metal compositions having ultrathin film coatings of varying thicknesses on lithium ion sites and on metal oxide sites, wherein the thickness of the ultrathin film at least partially covering the metal oxide sites is greater than the thickness of the ultrathin film at least partially covering the lithium ion sites. Also disclosed is a method for forming the compositions, comprising selectively coating one area of a multi-component substrate. Materials such as mixed metal oxides, for use in lithium battery electrodes, may be improved by a coating which preferentially deposits onto one or more elements in the mixed material but not another.