Silicon-Dominant Anode Deep Discharge for Trapped Lithium Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery configurations for silicon-dominant anodes are costly, cumbersome, and inefficient, leading to limited battery lifetime due to issues like silicon volume changes causing electrical isolation and capacity loss from trapped lithium.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method of periodic deep discharge with controlled voltage and temperature to extract lithium from silicon-dominant anodes, using a battery management system to manage discharge cycles and recover trapped lithium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional battery configuration is used for silicon-dominant anodes, then battery structure is maintained, but battery lifetime is limited due to silicon volume changes causing electrical isolation and trapped lithium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic deep discharge cycles at controlled temperatures to extract trapped lithium from silicon anodes. This periodic maintenance action reverses capacity loss and extends battery lifetime without requiring fundamental changes to the battery configuration, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If silicon-dominant anodes are used to increase capacity, then energy density is improved, but capacity loss occurs due to trapped lithium and electrical isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes operational parameters by implementing periodic deep discharge cycles at elevated temperatures (e.g., 45°C or 60°C). This parameter change enables extraction of trapped lithium that would otherwise be permanently lost, thereby improving capacity retention while maintaining the high capacity benefits of silicon-dominant anodes.
3Reliability
If deep discharge cycles are performed to extract trapped lithium, then capacity loss is reversed, but additional processing time and temperature control are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temperature elevation before the deep discharge cycle to facilitate lithium extraction. By preparing the thermal conditions in advance, the subsequent discharge process becomes more efficient at extracting trapped lithium, reducing the overall time required compared to unprepared deep discharge attempts.
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 cell capacity and cycle life by reversing capacity loss through periodic deep discharge, enhancing lithium extraction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
performing one or more deep discharge cycles to extract lithium that has become deeply embedded in the anode
Implementation Method 2
The one or more deep discharge cycles may be performed at a configured temperature to enhance extraction of the lithium from the anode
Data Source
AI summary
A method for periodic deep discharge to extract lithium in silicon-dominant anodes may include providing a cell comprising a cathode, a separator, and a silicon-dominant anode; charging and discharging the cell through a plurality of cycles; and, following the plurality of cycles, performing one or more deep discharge cycles, where each of the one or more deep discharge cycles comprises a cutoff voltage below a normal operating voltage range of the cell. The one or more deep discharge cycles may comprise a C/10 or lower or C/20 or lower discharge current. The one or more deep discharge cycles may include a cutoff voltage of 3.2 V or less, a cutoff voltage of 2.5 V or less, a cutoff voltage of 1.5 V or less, or a cutoff voltage of 1 V or less. The cell may be configured at a higher temperature during the one or more deep discharge cycles.