Lithium-Doped Silicon Oxide Anode Coating for Solid-State Battery Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid-state batteries face limited performance capabilities due to undesired reactivity of electroactive particles with other battery components and impedance issues caused by limited contact or void spaces between solid-state electroactive and electrolyte particles.

Innovation Solution

Lithium-doped silicon oxide particles with a solid electrolyte coating are used as an anode active material, where the coating is made from materials like Li3PS4 or Li7−mX, where 0≤m≤1 and X is chlorine, bromine, or iodine, to improve compatibility and contact between particles, reducing reactivity and impedance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solid-state electroactive particles are used in solid-state batteries, then thermal stability and shelf life are improved, but undesired reactivity with battery components and impedance issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidundesired reactivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A solid electrolyte coating layer is applied as an intermediary between the lithium-doped silicon oxide particles and the solid-state electrolyte. This coating layer acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact and undesired chemical reactions between the electroactive particles and electrolyte, while still allowing ionic transport to occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material structure where lithium-doped silicon oxide particles are coated with solid electrolyte material. This creates a core-shell composite structure that combines the high capacity of silicon oxide with the protective and conductive properties of the solid electrolyte coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If solid-state electroactive particles are used, then thermal stability is improved, but impedance increases due to limited contact and void spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidimpedance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The solid electrolyte coating serves as an intermediary that fills void spaces between particles and improves interfacial contact. This coating eliminates dead zones and ensures continuous ionic pathways, reducing impedance while maintaining the thermal stability benefits of solid-state batteries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solid electrolyte coating forms a thin film around the electroactive particles, creating flexible ionic pathways that adapt to particle arrangement and maintain good contact under various conditions, thereby reducing impedance without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If solid electrolyte coating is applied to improve contact and reduce reactivity, then electrochemical performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrochemical performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solid electrolyte coating is applied in advance to the lithium-doped silicon oxide particles before electrode assembly. This preliminary coating ensures that particles are pre-protected and pre-functionalized with ionic conductivity, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by combining multiple functions into a single preparatory step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes the coating thickness and composition parameters to achieve the desired balance between performance improvement and manufacturing complexity. By controlling the coating parameters within specific ranges, the process remains manageable while delivering significant electrochemical performance enhancements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solid electrolyte coating enhances the stability and performance of lithium-doped silicon oxide particles, improving ionic and physical contact, which leads to better electrochemical performance and reduced reactivity, thereby overcoming the limitations of solid-state batteries.

Implementation Method 1

The electrolyte may be suitable for conducting lithium ions between the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the solid-state electrolyte layer physically separates the electrodes so that a distinct separator is not required

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical separation: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20230128413A1Solid electrolyte coating of lithium-doped silicon oxide particles as anode active material

Publication Date: 2023.04.27 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

An anode material includes a plurality of negative solid-state electroactive particles. Each of the plurality of negative solid-state electroactive particles may include a lithium-doped silicon oxide and a solid electrolyte coating at least substantially continuously disposed over substantially all of the surface of the lithium-doped silicon oxide.