Silicon Composite Anode Particle Sizing for Low-Swelling Li-Ion Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium-ion batteries face challenges in achieving high cycle performance, rate performance, and low swelling rates due to issues with anode materials, particularly in terms of particle size distribution and material stability.

Innovation Solution

The development of an anode material comprising a silicon composite substrate with a specific particle size distribution (Dv50 between 2.5 μm and 15 μm) and a particle size distribution ratio (Dn10/Dv50) between 0.1 and 0.6, which includes an oxide MeOy layer and a polymer layer for enhanced performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the particle size of anode material is increased to improve capacity, then the swelling rate increases and cycle performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidcycle performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the particle size parameters (Dv50 between 2.5-15 μm and Dn10/Dv50 ratio between 0.1-0.6) of the silicon composite substrate. This optimization balances the capacity-swell rate-tradeoff by adjusting the particle size distribution to achieve both high capacity and low swelling rate simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by creating a multi-layer structure on the silicon composite substrate including an oxide layer (MeOy where Me is Al, Ti, or Si) and a polymer layer. This composite structure reduces swelling and improves cycle performance while maintaining high capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If the particle size distribution is widened to increase capacity, then the rate performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidrate performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the particle size distribution parameters by controlling Dv50 (median diameter) between 2.5-15 μm and Dn10/Dv50 ratio between 0.1-0.6. This parameter optimization ensures that the particle size distribution is neither too narrow nor too wide, balancing capacity with rate performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the swelling rate is reduced to improve cycle life, then the capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidbattery capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by forming an oxide layer (MeOy where Me is Al, Ti, or Si) and a polymer layer on the silicon composite substrate. This composite structure effectively reduces swelling rate while maintaining high capacity, resolving the contradiction between service life and capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12341184B2Anode material, electrochemical device and electronic device comprising the same

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 NINGDE AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

An anode material includes a silicon composite substrate, wherein the Dv50 of the silicon composite substrate is from 2.5 μm to 15 μm, and the particle size distribution of the silicon composite substrate meets 0.1≤Dn10/Dv50≤0.6. The anode material has good cycle performance, and the battery prepared with the anode material has good rate performance and lower swelling rate.