Silicon Anode Electrode With LixSn Network for Fast Solid-State Cycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrolyte-free silicon-based anode electrodes in all-solid-state batteries exhibit poor cycling at higher current densities due to limited lithiation/delithiation kinetics, leading to lithium dendrite formation and delamination from the separator.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a high ionic/electronic conductive network formed by lithium tin (LixSn) alloy particles in the anode electrode, which enhances electron/ion transport and supports faster kinetics, using silicon-lithium silicon (Si-LiySi) active material, a binder (PTFE), and a clad anode current collector with a lithium layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If electrolyte-free silicon-based anode electrodes are used, then energy density is improved, but cycling stability deteriorates at higher current densities due to limited lithiation/delithiation kinetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcycling stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite anode structure combining silicon particles (85-98.9 wt%) with lithium tin particles (1-10 wt%) and PTFE binder (0.1-5 wt%). The lithium tin component forms a conductive network that enhances ionic and electronic conductivity, enabling faster lithiation/delithiation kinetics while maintaining the high energy density benefits of silicon-based anodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If higher current densities are applied, then power output is improved, but lithium dendrite formation increases due to limited kinetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidlithium dendrite formation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium tin particles act as an intermediary conductive network between the silicon active material and the solid electrolyte. This network facilitates smoother ion and electron transport, reducing localized current density variations that lead to dendrite formation, thereby enabling safer operation at higher current densities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If higher current densities are applied, then power output is improved, but delamination from separator occurs due to limited kinetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidadhesion stability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure with lithium tin conductive network maintains structural integrity during fast charging/discharging cycles. The conductive network distributes mechanical stresses uniformly, preventing the delamination that would otherwise occur at the anode-separator interface under high current density conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 LixSn conductive network improves lithium capacity and cell cycling stability at higher current rates, ensuring fast electrode kinetics and stable battery performance.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporation of a high ionic/electronic conductive network formed by lithium tin (LixSn) alloy particles in the anode electrode, which enhances electron/ion transport

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the silicon particles are partially lithiated to form silicon-lithium silicon (Si-LiySi) particles where 0

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLithiation: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260024747A1Anode electrode for all-solid-state battery including lithium tin pseudo-solid electrolyte

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A battery cell includes C cathode electrodes, A anode electrodes, and S separators, where A, C and S are integers greater than one. The A anode electrodes include an anode active material layer arranged on an anode current collector. The anode active material layer comprises silicon particles, lithium tin (LixSn) particles where 1<x<3.5, and a binder comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The binder reacts with the lithium tin particles to form amorphous carbon and lithium fluoride prior to formation.