Stable Metal Anodes via Functionalized Hosts for Battery Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable metal batteries, particularly those with lithium, sodium, and zinc anodes, face instability due to inhomogeneous metal nucleation and the formation of an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), leading to poor performance under high-current or low-temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical cell design featuring an active anode metal electrochemically deposited on a host material functionalized with electrochemically active groups, forming a stable solid electrolyte interphase layer with a thickness of 50-200 nm, comprising a metal salt derived from the decomposition of these groups, which enhances stability and dendrite prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If metal anodes are used to achieve high energy density, then energy density is improved, but the electrochemical interface stability deteriorates leading to dendrite growth and unstable SEI formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an artificial protective layer as an intermediary between the metal anode and electrolyte. This layer mediates the interaction by providing a stable interface that prevents direct contact between the reactive metal and electrolyte, thereby eliminating dendrite growth and unstable SEI formation while maintaining high energy density benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining metal anodes with protective coatings or engineered interfaces. These composite structures integrate the high energy density characteristics of metal anodes with the stability of protective materials, resolving the contradiction between energy density and interface stability
2Productivity
If high current density is applied to increase charging speed, then charging speed is improved, but in homogeneous Li nucleation deteriorates leading to dendrite formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modifications to the anode surface through artificial protective layers with specific local properties. These layers create favorable local conditions for homogeneous nucleation even under high current density, enabling fast charging without dendrite formation by controlling the local electrochemical environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies interface parameters through engineered protective layers that change the electrochemical properties at the metal-electrolyte interface. These parameter changes include modifying surface energy, ionic conductivity, and mechanical properties to promote homogeneous nucleation during high-rate charging
3Adaptability or versatility
If low temperature operation is implemented to expand operating range, then operating range is improved, but SEI stability deteriorates exacerbating interface problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming stable artificial protective layers on the metal anode before operation. These pre-formed layers provide thermal and electrochemical stability across a wide temperature range, preventing SEI degradation at low temperatures while enabling expanded operating ranges
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 solution provides a stable electrochemical cell that maintains performance for 200-600 plating/stripping cycles across a wide temperature range, achieving high coulombic efficiency and capacity retention, even at low temperatures and high current densities.
Implementation Method 1
a solid electrolyte interphase layer... comprising a first metal salt, wherein the first metal salt is a first reaction product of an electrochemical decomposition of at least a portion of the one or more electrochemically active groups
Implementation Method 2
an active anode metal electrochemically deposited on a host material functionalized with one or more electrochemically active groups
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electrochemical cell comprising: an active anode metal electrochemically deposited on a host material functionalized with one or more electrochemically active groups, wherein the active anode metal comprises an electrochemically active surface; b) an electrolyte; and c) a solid electrolyte interphase layer disposed on the electrochemically active surface of the active anode metal and comprising a first metal salt, wherein the first metal salt is a first reaction product of an electrochemical decomposition of at least a portion of one or more electrochemically active groups; wherein a metal cation in the first metal salt and the active anode metal comprise the same metal; and wherein the electrochemical cell is substantially stable for 200-600 plating/stripping cycles at a temperature from about −60° C. to about 45° C.