Solid-State Battery Anode Composition for Uniform Lithium Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing all solid-state batteries face challenges in achieving improved ionic conductivity and high rate capability due to insufficient or improper use of Nb2O5 in the anode catalyst layer, leading to non-uniform lithium deposition and irreversible capacity issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating Nb2O5 in the anode catalyst layer at specific weight percentages (1 wt% to 30 wt%) and a capacity ratio (N/P) of 0.1 to 0.5, along with carbon-based materials and metal particles, enhances the anode's ionic conductivity and lithium deposition efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Nb2O5 is added to the anode catalyst layer, then ionic conductivity is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidlithium deposition uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the content of Nb2O5 in the anode catalyst layer within a specific range (1-30 wt%, preferably 3-15 wt%) to achieve the desired balance between ionic conductivity and manufacturing precision. By controlling the concentration parameter of Nb2O5, the patent improves lithium ion conductivity while preventing excessive deposition that would compromise manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite anode catalyst layer by combining Nb2O5 with carbon-based materials (such as acetylene black, carbon nanotubes, or graphene) in specific weight ratios. This composite structure leverages the high ionic conductivity of Nb2O5 while the carbon materials provide structural stability and uniform distribution, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved conductivity and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If Nb2O5 content is increased to improve ionic conductivity, then battery performance improves, but irreversible capacity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidirreversible capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent precisely controls the Nb2O5 content within the optimal range of 3-15 wt% to maximize ionic conductivity while minimizing irreversible capacity. This parameter optimization ensures that sufficient Nb2O5 is present to enhance lithium ion transport, but not so much that it causes excessive irreversible capacity loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

By formulating a composite catalyst layer with Nb2O5 and carbon-based materials in optimized proportions, the patent achieves high ionic conductivity through Nb2O5 while the carbon materials contribute to reversible capacity and reduce overall irreversible capacity. The synergistic effect of the composite structure resolves the contradiction between conductivity improvement and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If Nb2O5 is used to enhance lithium deposition efficiency, then rate capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverate capabilityVSAvoidanode catalyst layer composition
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the complexity management by focusing on optimizing a single key parameter - the Nb2O5 content within a well-defined range (3-15 wt%). Rather than managing multiple complex variables, the patent establishes clear compositional boundaries that achieve high rate capability while keeping the formulation relatively simple and manufacturable.

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 optimized use of Nb2O5 and other materials in the anode catalyst layer improves ionic conductivity and high rate capability, ensuring uniform lithium deposition and reducing irreversible capacity, thereby enhancing the battery's performance.

Implementation Method 1

the solid electrolyte may serve as a passage for the movement of lithium ions during charge and discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a lithium deposition layer formed between the current collector and the anode catalyst layer during an initial charging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical deposition: Electrodeposition

Implementation Method 3

The cathode active material may be an active material that is capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntercalation: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4611055A1All-solid-state battery
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4611055A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4611055A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4611055A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an all solid-state battery, which comprises a cathode including a cathode active material layer containing a cathode active material, an anode including an anode catalyst layer containing an anode catalyst and Nb2O5 and an electrolyte, wherein the anode catalyst layer contains Nb2O5 at a content of 1 wt% to 30 wt% on the basis of a total of, 100 weight% of the anode catalyst layer and the ratio (N/P) of a capacity of the anode catalyst layer to that of the cathode is between 0.1 (inclusive) and 0.5 (exclusive).