Solid-State Battery Electrode Composition for Higher Active Material Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state metal-ion batteries have limited electrical capacity due to a high volume fraction of electrolyte required for continuous ion pathways, restricting the active material content to 70% or less, which limits battery energy density and capacity.
Innovation Solution
An electrode active material composition for solid-state metal-ion batteries comprising an intimate mixture of an active material, a metal ion salt, and a compound of formula FeOX, where the content of these components is 70 to 100 vol % of the active material composition, allowing for higher metal ion insertion and extraction capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high volume fraction of electrolyte (minimum 30 vol %) is used to form continuous ion pathways, then metal-ion conductivity is improved, but the volume fraction of active material is limited to 70% or less, reducing electrical capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrolyte and active material into a single integrated component. The solid electrolyte contains dispersed active material particles throughout its matrix, allowing the same material to simultaneously provide ion conduction pathways and electrochemical activity. This merging eliminates the need for separate electrolyte and active material phases, resolving the volume fraction conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid electrolyte composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides continuous ion conduction pathways, hosts dispersed active material particles, and enables electrochemical reactions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to fulfill roles that traditionally required separate components, thereby increasing the effective volume fraction of active material while maintaining ion conductivity.
2Quantity of substance
If the volume fraction of active material is increased beyond 70%, then electrical capacity and energy density are improved, but continuous ion pathways cannot be formed, reducing metal-ion conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrolyte and active material into one integrated component where active material particles are dispersed within the solid electrolyte matrix. This combination allows the active material to constitute a much higher volume fraction (exceeding 70%) while the electrolyte matrix continuously surrounds and connects these particles, maintaining ion conductivity pathways throughout the electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure exhibits local quality differentiation: the solid electrolyte matrix provides continuous ion conduction pathways in the interstitial spaces, while dispersed regions contain high concentrations of active material particles. This spatial differentiation allows different zones to optimize for either ion transport or electrochemical activity, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and active material content.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrode structure with separate electrolyte and active material layers is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but energy density is limited due to low active material content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditionally separate electrolyte and active material layers into a single integrated solid electrolyte composition with dispersed active material particles. This merging simplifies the overall electrode structure by eliminating the need for distinct layers and interfaces, while simultaneously increasing energy density by maximizing the volume fraction of active material within the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid electrolyte composition functions as a composite material with the electrolyte matrix providing ion conduction pathways and dispersed active material particles providing electrochemical activity. This composite structure achieves both manufacturing simplicity (as a single integrated component) and high energy density (through optimized distribution of functional phases).
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 composition enables higher energy density and electrical capacity in solid-state metal-ion batteries by utilizing iron oxyhalides and metal ion salts to enhance metal-ion conductivity and serve as both electrolyte and active material, increasing the volume fraction of material capable of inserting and de-inserting metal ions.
Implementation Method 1
a minimum vol % fraction of the electrolyte within the total active material layer must be approximately 30 vol % and higher vol fractions may be used. As a result, an upper limit of vol % fraction of the active material is 70% or less and therefore, the electrical capacity of the battery is limited by the amount of active material present.
Implementation Method 2
an active material capable of insertion and extraction of a metal ion
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode for a solid-state metal ion battery having an active material composition containing an intimate mixture of a metal-ion active material, a metal ion salt and an iron oxyhalide compound of formula (I) is provided.FeOX (I)wherein X is F, Cl, Br or L. A content of the metal-ion active material, metal ion salt and compound of formula (I) is from 70 to 100 vol % of the active material composition.