Solid-State Battery Non-Inert Gas SEI Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lithium-ion batteries face limitations in energy density, charging rate, material costs, and safety hazards, particularly flammability, necessitating the development of improved solid-state batteries with enhanced performance characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming solid-state batteries using a non-inert gas, such as oxygen-containing gases, to displace ambient gases within the battery, which helps in creating a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and utilizing electrosprayed polymeric materials to suppress dendritic growth, thereby improving interfacial ionic conductivities and extending cycle life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is used in lithium-ion batteries, then ionic conductivity is maintained, but safety hazards such as flammability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, fundamentally altering the parameter of electrolyte phase. This transformation eliminates flammability while maintaining ionic conductivity through the solid-state electrolyte material, directly resolving the safety contradiction.
2Reliability
If solid-state electrolyte is used, then safety is improved, but interfacial resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer as an intermediary between the solid-state electrolyte and the electrode. This SEI layer acts as a mediator that reduces interfacial resistance and facilitates ion transport, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety improvement and resistance increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the interfacial properties by forming a SEI layer with specific electrical and ionic conductivity parameters. This parameter change at the interface allows the solid-state battery to maintain low resistance while preserving the safety benefits of solid electrolyte.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional lithium-ion battery materials are used, then manufacturing is simple, but energy density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials including solid electrolyte, polymeric materials, and various electrode materials (such as silicon-anode composites). These composite structures enable higher energy density while remaining compatible with existing manufacturing processes, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and energy density.
4Ease of manufacture
If dendritic growth is not suppressed, then manufacturing is easier, but cycle life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using electrosprayed polymeric materials and solid electrolyte interface formation to prevent dendritic growth before it can occur during battery operation. This preventive measure extends cycle life without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin polymeric films sprayed onto the electrolyte or electrode surfaces to physically suppress dendritic growth. These flexible thin films provide a barrier that prevents dendrite formation while being compatible with standard manufacturing techniques.
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 results in batteries with higher energy and power density, longer cycle life, enhanced safety, and improved low-temperature performance, while minimizing safety hazards like flammability.
Implementation Method 1
providing a first non-inert gas to the housing to displace ambient gas within the housing
Implementation Method 2
utilizing electrosprayed polymeric materials to suppress dendritic growth
Implementation Method 3
providing a solid-state electrolyte in contact with the first electrode and within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of forming an electrochemical cell using a non-inert gas are disclosed. Exemplary methods include providing a non-inert gas before and/or after at least one charge and/or discharge cycle. The non-inert gas can facilitate formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Further examples of the disclosure relate to methods of forming an electrochemical cell or portion thereof by electrospraying a solution including polymeric material. Such methods potentially eliminate a step of compressing the cell at a pressure beyond 100 MPa and prolong the cycle life while preventing a fire hazard.