Self-Standing Electrode Composite for Li-Ion Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-standing electrodes for Li-ion batteries lack sufficient electrical conductivity due to the absence of a current collector, limiting their use in fast-charging applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating conductive metal, such as Cu or Al, into the electrode active material or carbon nanotubes to enhance electrical conductivity, using methods like aerosolization and deposition on a porous substrate to form a composite electrode structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If self-standing electrodes are formed without current collector and binder to increase specific energy density, then specific energy density is improved (about 40% higher), but electrical conductivity deteriorates (low relative to conventional electrodes with Cu or Al current collector foils)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrode structure combining carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with conductive metal particles (Cu or Al) dispersed throughout the active material matrix. This composite approach allows the electrode to achieve both high specific energy density (by eliminating separate current collector and binder) and sufficient electrical conductivity (through the conductive metal network formed by the dispersed particles within the CNT-enhanced matrix).
Solution Approach 2:
Carbon nanotubes serve as an intermediary conductive network between the active material particles and the conductive metal particles. The CNTs provide continuous electrical pathways that bridge isolated conductive metal particles, enabling effective electron transport throughout the electrode structure without requiring a traditional current collector foil.
2Reliability
If conductive metal is incorporated into electrode active material or nanotubes to enhance electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases (aerosolization, deposition processes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated manufacturing process. The aerosolization and deposition process simultaneously delivers carbon nanotubes, conductive metal particles, and active material to form the composite electrode structure in one step, eliminating the need for separate steps to apply current collectors, binders, and conductive additives that would traditionally be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs aerosolization technology to transport and deposit the electrode components. By using pneumatic carriers to deliver suspended CNTs, conductive metal particles, and active material simultaneously onto a substrate, the process achieves uniform distribution and integration of all components without complex mechanical assembly operations.
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 approach results in self-standing electrodes with improved electrical conductivity and energy density, balancing performance for both fast-charging capabilities and energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
aerosolizing or fluidizing electrode active material and conductive material... depositing nanotubes, the aerosolized or fluidized electrode active material, and the aerosolized or fluidized conductive material on a porous substrate
Implementation Method 2
depositing nanotubes, the aerosolized or fluidized electrode active material, and the aerosolized or fluidized conductive material on a porous substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to battery technology, and more specifically relate to self-standing electrodes and to methods and apparatus for making the same. In an embodiment, a self-standing electrode is provided. The self-standing electrode includes nanotubes, electrode active material, and conductive material. In another embodiment, a method of forming a self-standing electrode is provided. The method includes aerosolizing or fluidizing electrode active material and conductive material. The method further includes depositing nanotubes, the aerosolized or fluidized electrode active material, and the aerosolized or fluidized conductive material on a porous substrate to form a self-standing electrode, the self-standing electrode comprising the nanotubes, the electrode active material, and the conductive material.