Silicon Oxide-Graphene Composite for Li-Ion Electrode Side Reactions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lithium ion batteries face challenges in suppressing side reactions between electrode active materials and electrolytes, adhesion between electrode active materials and coatings, and conductivity, leading to reduced performance and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A composite material comprising silicon oxide (SiO2 or SiOx with 0<x<2) embedded in a graphene matrix, prepared through thermal treatment of a reaction gas containing a carbon source, enhances electrochemical performance by improving adhesion and conductivity while reducing side reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a coating material is applied to improve adhesion between electrode active material and coating, then adhesion is improved, but side reaction suppression and electrode conductivity are not sufficiently improved

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadhesionVSAvoidside reaction suppression

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining silicon oxide particles with graphene to form a coating layer. This composite structure provides both strong adhesion through the graphene matrix and effective side reaction suppression through the silicon oxide component, while maintaining electrode conductivity through the conductive graphene network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the coating material from conventional single-material coatings to a composite system with specific ratios of silicon oxide and graphene. This parameter change enables simultaneous improvement of adhesion, side reaction suppression, and conductivity properties that cannot be achieved with single materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a coating material is applied to suppress side reaction between electrode active material and electrolyte, then side reaction suppression is improved, but adhesion and electrode conductivity are not sufficiently improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside reaction suppressionVSAvoidadhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The silicon oxide-graphene composite coating provides side reaction suppression through silicon oxide while maintaining strong adhesion and conductivity through the graphene component. The synergistic effect of the composite material resolves the contradiction between protection and mechanical bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The coating structure provides different local functions: silicon oxide regions provide side reaction suppression, while graphene regions provide adhesion and conductivity. This local differentiation of material properties within the composite coating allows simultaneous optimization of multiple contradictory requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a coating material is applied to improve electrode conductivity, then conductivity is improved, but adhesion and side reaction suppression are not sufficiently improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode conductivityVSAvoidadhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The graphene component provides excellent conductivity, while the silicon oxide component provides adhesion and side reaction suppression. The composite structure allows each material to contribute its superior property without compromising the others, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and adhesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional coating materials are used, then manufacturing is simple, but performance in adhesion, side reaction suppression, and conductivity is not satisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating applicationVSAvoidelectrochemical performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system that can be applied through conventional coating methods while achieving superior electrochemical performance. The composite nature allows processing similar to traditional coatings but with enhanced functional properties from the synergistic material combination.

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 composite material significantly enhances the specific capacity and rate characteristics of lithium batteries, leading to improved charge-discharge efficiency and extended lifespan by minimizing side reactions and optimizing electrode conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a reaction gas including a carbon source gas and a silicon oxide of the formula SiOx wherein 0<x<2; thermally treating the reaction gas-contacted silicon oxide to prepare the composite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Vapour Deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS11837714B2Composite, electrochemical active material composite using the composite, electrode including the composite or electrochemical active material composite, lithium battery including the electrode, field emission device including the composite, biosensor including the composite, semiconductor device including the composite, and thermoelectric device including the composite

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A composite including: at least one selected from a silicon oxide of the formula SiO2 and a silicon oxide of the formula SiOx wherein 0<x<2; and graphene, wherein the silicon oxide is disposed in a graphene matrix.