Silicon Anode Pre-Lithiation Using Patterned Lithium Transfer Laminate
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mass production of lithium secondary batteries faces challenges in safely and efficiently transferring lithium metal onto silicon-containing negative electrode active materials due to issues with uniformity and reactivity, leading to increased initial irreversible capacity and reduced battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A pre-lithiation method involving a transfer laminate with a patterned base layer, release layer, and lithium metal, where the base layer is pretreated to enhance transferability, allowing for controlled deposition and patterning of lithium metal onto the negative electrode active material layer, ensuring desired capacity and size without exposing reactive lithium to the atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lithium metal is transferred onto silicon-containing negative electrode active material, then initial irreversible capacity is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and safety risks increase due to reactivity and uniformity control issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer laminate as an intermediary carrier that facilitates controlled lithium metal transfer to the negative electrode. The transfer laminate includes a base layer, release layer, and lithium metal layer, acting as a mediator that enables precise placement while managing lithium's reactivity during the transfer process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-forming the transfer laminate with lithium metal deposited on the base layer before actual electrode assembly. The base layer undergoes preliminary treatment (such as plasma or corona treatment) to enhance adhesion, and the release layer is pre-applied to control lithium transfer timing and location
2Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is transferred onto negative electrode, then battery capacity is improved, but safety risks increase due to lithium reactivity and potential exposure to atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inert atmosphere environment during lithium metal transfer and electrode assembly processes. The transfer laminate structure and controlled transfer process occur in atmospheres that prevent lithium oxidation and reaction with moisture, eliminating safety hazards associated with lithium exposure to atmosphere
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer laminate acts as a protective intermediary that isolates reactive lithium metal from atmospheric exposure during handling and transfer. The base layer and release layer serve as barriers that prevent direct contact between lithium and atmosphere until controlled transfer to the negative electrode
3Reliability
If lithium metal is uniformly deposited onto negative electrode active material, then initial irreversible capacity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating specific regions of the base layer with different properties. The base layer undergoes localized treatment (such as plasma or corona treatment) in patterned areas to control where lithium metal adheres and transfers, enabling precise spatial control of lithium deposition on the negative electrode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact or conventional deposition methods with a transfer-based system. Instead of directly depositing lithium onto the electrode, the lithium is first formed on a transfer laminate and then transferred through controlled adhesion and release mechanisms, enabling more precise and uniform deposition
4Ease of manufacture
If transfer laminate with patterned base layer is used, then lithium metal transferability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lithium transfer system into distinct functional layers: base layer, release layer, and lithium metal layer. Each layer performs a specific function, and the segmented structure allows independent optimization and control of each component's properties and processing
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
This method enables safe and efficient transfer of lithium metal, reducing irreversible capacity and improving battery performance by ensuring uniform deposition and preventing exposure of reactive lithium, thus enhancing the stability and safety of the lithium secondary battery production process.
Implementation Method 1
the base layer is pretreated with plasma or corona in a pattern
Implementation Method 2
the base layer is pretreated with plasma or corona in a pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pre-lithiation method of a negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery, a negative electrode intermediate, and a lithium secondary battery including a negative electrode.