Silane-Based Electrolyte Additive for Lithium Battery Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium secondary batteries face challenges with low ionic conductivity due to high viscosity in carbonate solvents and poor output characteristics, particularly in hybrid electric vehicles, which require high energy density and stability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a silane-based material, such as trimethoxysilylpropyl aniline, in an amount of 0.1 to 20 wt % in the electrolyte, combined with ether and carbonate solvents, to reduce interface resistance and enhance ionic conductivity, thereby improving output characteristics at various temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If carbonate based solvents are used as non-aqueous electrolyte, then the electrolyte can provide adequate ionic conductivity at high temperature, but the viscosity increases causing decreased ionic conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-temperature stabilityVSAvoidionic conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by introducing silane-based materials (such as trimethoxysilylpropyl aniline) in specific concentrations (0.1-20 wt%). This parameter change modifies the electrolyte's physical properties, achieving reduced viscosity and improved ionic conductivity while maintaining thermal stability through the silane material's molecular structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite electrolyte system by combining silane-based materials with traditional carbonate solvents and lithium salts. This composite approach integrates the benefits of silane materials (low viscosity, high ionic conductivity) with carbonate solvents (thermal stability), resolving the contradiction between viscosity and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If LiCoO2 is used as cathode active material, then high energy density and high-temperature characteristics are achieved, but output characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidoutput characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The silane-based material acts as an intermediary substance in the electrolyte that facilitates faster lithium ion transport between the LiCoO2 cathode and carbon anode. This intermediary role of the electrolyte additive compensates for the inherently slow ion diffusion in LiCoO2, improving output characteristics without changing the high-energy-density cathode material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If lithium secondary batteries are designed for high output in short time, then hybrid electric vehicle requirements are met, but stability and lifespan under harsh conditions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoutputVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing silane-based materials specifically in the electrolyte phase rather than modifying electrode structures. This localized modification of the electrolyte's physical and chemical properties enables improved ionic conductivity for high power output while the overall battery system maintains stability through the inherent stability of the electrode materials and the protective role of the silane electrolyte additive

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 use of silane-based materials in the electrolyte improves room- and low-temperature output characteristics and extends the lifespan of lithium secondary batteries, making them suitable for hybrid electric vehicles by reducing internal resistance and maintaining high-temperature stability.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a silane-based material, such as trimethoxysilylpropyl aniline, in an amount of 0.1 to 20 wt % in the electrolyte, combined with ether and carbonate solvents, to reduce interface resistance and enhance ionic conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The use of silane-based materials in the electrolyte improves room- and low-temperature output characteristics and extends the lifespan of lithium secondary batteries, making them suitable for hybrid electric vehicles by reducing internal resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS9595738B2Electrolyte for lithium secondary batteries and lithium secondary battery including the same
Publication Date: 2017.03.14 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • US9595738B2 patent drawing
  • US9595738B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is an electrolyte for lithium secondary batteries including a lithium salt and a non-aqueous solvent, in which a silane based material is included in an amount of 0.1 to 20 wt % based on the total weight of the electrolyte, and a lithium secondary battery including the same.