Solid Battery Anode Regeneration via Thermal Softening and Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid batteries with alkali metal or alkaline earth metal anodes tend to develop dendrites during charge reactions, leading to increased interface resistance and overvoltage due to unevenness at the anode-electrolyte interface, which degrades battery performance and energy density.
Innovation Solution
A method involving heating the anode to a temperature at which it softens, then compressing it to smooth the interface with the solid electrolyte layer, reducing interface resistance and overvoltage by increasing contact area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If metal containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal is used in the anode, then high energy density is achieved, but dendrites are generated and the anode deforms causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the anode from rigid to soft by controlling its temperature and material properties. The anode is designed to become soft at specific temperatures, allowing it to adapt its shape and maintain contact with the electrolyte layer, thereby preventing dendrite-related performance degradation while maintaining high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the anode by making it soft and adaptable. The anode can change its shape in response to dendrite growth and maintain intimate contact with the electrolyte layer, transforming from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptive structure that self-regulates during charge-discharge cycles
2Duration of action of moving object
If the anode deforms due to dendrite growth, then charge reaction continues, but interface resistance increases and overvoltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes temperature-induced softening of the anode to dynamically adjust its physical parameters. When the anode softens at specific temperatures, it can flow and adapt to maintain optimal contact with the electrolyte layer, thereby reducing interface resistance and overvoltage while allowing continuous charge reaction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of dendrite growth and anode deformation into a beneficial adaptive mechanism. The deformation caused by dendrites triggers the anode to soften and reconfigure, which actually improves contact with the electrolyte layer and reduces interface resistance, turning a harmful phenomenon into a self-healing mechanism
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
This approach effectively reduces overvoltage and improves battery performance by enhancing the contact between the anode and solid electrolyte, thereby maintaining high energy density and preventing electrolyte layer damage from dendrite growth.
Implementation Method 1
heating the anode to a temperature at which the anode softens
Implementation Method 2
heating the anode to a temperature at which the anode softens
Implementation Method 3
compressing the softened anode, in a direction intersecting a face of the anode which contacts with the solid electrolyte layer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a solid battery which can reduce overvoltage and a regeneration method thereof. The solid battery comprises: an anode capable of absorbing and releasing an alkali metal ion or alkaline earth metal ion; a solid electrolyte layer containing a solid electrolyte having ion conductivity and disposed in a manner to contact the anode; a cathode capable of releasing and absorbing the alkali metal ion or alkaline earth metal ion which moves between the anode and cathode; a heating device to heat the anode to a temperature at which it softens; and a fastening device capable of applying force to closely contact the solid electrolyte layer with the anode. The regeneration method comprises the steps of heating the anode to a temperature at which it softens, and compressing the softened anode, in a direction intersecting a face of the anode which contacts with the solid electrolyte layer.