SiC Nanoparticle Encapsulated by Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Anode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial lithium ion batteries using graphite anodes face limitations due to slow kinetic processes and lithium dendrite formation, which restrict their rate capability and cycle life, necessitating a cost-effective anode material with improved structural stability and electron/ion transfer.

Innovation Solution

A method for preparing SiC nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen-doped graphene, involving heating SiC nanoparticles in an ammonia atmosphere to form a tightly encapsulating structure that enhances electron and ion transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If graphite anode is used in lithium ion battery, then the battery has good structural stability, but the rate capability and cycle life are restricted due to slow kinetic processes and lithium dendrite formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle lifeVSAvoidion transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin film of nitrogen-doped graphene encapsulating SiC nanoparticles. The graphene shell acts as a flexible protective layer that facilitates rapid ion transfer while maintaining structural integrity during cycling, preventing lithium dendrite formation and improving rate capability without sacrificing cycle life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite anode material consisting of SiC nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen-doped graphene. This composite structure combines the high capacity of SiC with the excellent conductivity and flexibility of graphene, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and fast ion transfer kinetics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If graphite anode is used in lithium ion battery, then the battery has good structural stability, but the rate capability is restricted due to slow kinetic processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidrate capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The nitrogen-doped graphene shell provides a flexible, conductive pathway that enables rapid electron and ion transport while maintaining structural stability during charge-discharge cycles, thereby improving rate capability without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the graphene structure by nitrogen doping, which changes the electrical and catalytic properties of the material. The nitrogen dopants create additional charge carriers and improve Li ion diffusion kinetics, enhancing rate capability while preserving structural stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If SiC nanoparticle encapsulated by nitrogen-doped graphene is prepared by heating in ammonia atmosphere, then rapid electron transfer is achieved, but the preparation process requires controlled atmosphere and temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron transfer rateVSAvoidpreparation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ammonia atmosphere as a controlled environment for the thermal treatment of SiC nanoparticles. The ammonia provides nitrogen for doping while preventing oxidation, enabling the formation of nitrogen-doped graphene with rapid electron transfer properties through a one-step thermal process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 SiC nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen-doped graphene exhibit superior rate characteristics and cycling performance, maintaining high capacity and stability across varying current densities, outperforming traditional SiC electrode materials.

Implementation Method 1

In the method, all the air inside the horizontal high-temperature tube furnace with single temperature zone is evacuated, and then ammonia is introduced. This is for the purpose of studying the SiC nanoparticles heated at high temperatures in an environment with only ammonia. In this case, the graphene formed on the surface of the SiC nanoparticles may only be nitrogen-doped graphene

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Vapour Deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

heating the heating system while continuously introducing ammonia into the heating system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11557752B2Method for preparing anode material for lithium ion battery of SiC nanoparticle encapsulated by nitrogen-doped graphene

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 DONGGUAN UNIV OF TECH

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a method for preparing an anode material for lithium ion battery of a SiC nanoparticle encapsulated by nitrogen-doped graphene. The method includes: in an ammonia atmosphere, heating a SiC nanoparticle for a predetermined time, and cooling to obtain the SiC nanoparticle encapsulated by nitrogen-doped graphene.