Solid Adsorbent Lithium-ion Cell Gas Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion cells experience performance degradation due to internal gas generation, leading to increased pressure and swelling, which can result in contamination when conventional pressure release methods are used, limiting the cell's future use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a solid adsorbent, such as a molecular sieve, zeolite, or metal-organic framework, into the lithium-ion cell cavity after formation gas release to adsorb post-formation gases like hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide, thereby reducing pressure and preventing swelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a pressure release port or vent is opened to release formation gas, then internal pressure is reduced, but the outside environment may contaminate the cell
Solution Approach 1:
A solid adsorbent material is introduced as an intermediary substance within the sealed cell cavity. This adsorbent captures and holds formation gases through adsorption, serving as a mediator that manages gas pressure without requiring opening the cell to the external environment, thereby preventing contamination while reducing internal pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes porous solid adsorbent materials with high surface area and adsorption capacity. These porous materials are placed inside the sealed cell cavity to absorb formation gases generated during cycling, enabling pressure management while maintaining cell seal integrity and preventing external contamination
2Stress or pressure
If the cell is opened to release formation gas, then gas pressure is reduced, but resealing the cell becomes complex and may compromise integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The solid adsorbent is installed in the cell cavity before final sealing, during the manufacturing process. This preliminary placement allows the cell to be sealed in a controlled manufacturing environment, eliminating the need for complex post-formation gas release operations and ensuring seal integrity is maintained throughout the cell lifecycle
3Stress or pressure
If conventional pressure release methods are used, then immediate pressure relief is achieved, but future cell use is limited due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The solid adsorbent acts as an internal mediator that manages formation gases throughout the cell's operational life. By continuously adsorbing gases generated during cycling and storage, it maintains pressure control and prevents contamination, thereby preserving cell reliability and performance over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The solid adsorbent provides continuous gas adsorption capability throughout the cell's operational lifespan. Unlike one-time pressure release methods, the adsorbent continuously manages gas accumulation during cycling and storage, ensuring ongoing pressure control and maintaining cell performance without interruption or degradation
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 adsorbent effectively absorbs post-formation gases, reducing swelling and improving cycle life by maintaining capacity retention over the cell's lifespan without contaminating the cell environment.
Implementation Method 1
sealing the cavity with the solid adsorbent therein such that post-formation gas is adsorbed by the solid adsorbent in the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
According to one or more embodiments, a method of producing a lithium-ion cell includes constructing a cell defining a cavity housing an electrode assembly including a cathode, an anode, a separator, and an electrolyte, forming the cell to generate formation gas in the cavity, and releasing the formation gas from the cavity. The method further includes placing a solid adsorbent in the cavity adjacent the electrode assembly after the releasing, and sealing the cavity with the solid adsorbent therein such that post-formation gas is adsorbed by the solid adsorbent in the cavity.