Lithium Ion Storage Layer Anode for Uniform Lithium Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion batteries face challenges such as dendrite formation, large volume changes, and safety concerns due to the use of lithium metal anodes, which affect energy density, cycling stability, and safety.
Innovation Solution
A secondary cell design featuring an anode with a lithium ion storage layer deposited on a substrate, which allows for homogeneous lithium metal deposition and eliminates the need for lithium metal foil, thereby reducing dendrite formation and volume changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used as anode to increase energy density, then specific capacity and redox potential are improved, but safety and manufacturing complexity worsen due to violent reaction with water and need for strict dry room conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A solid electrolyte layer is introduced as an intermediary between the lithium metal anode and the cathode. This solid electrolyte acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between lithium metal and water-containing environments, thereby eliminating safety hazards while preserving the high specific capacity benefits of lithium metal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates an inert environment by using a solid electrolyte that inherently prevents water contact with lithium metal. This eliminates the need for external dry room conditions and special handling procedures, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining safety.
2Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal is used as anode to increase energy density, then specific capacity is improved, but device complexity worsens due to need for strict waste management and equipment modification
Solution Approach 1:
The solid electrolyte serves as a mediator that inherently manages waste and prevents contamination. By integrating this protective layer directly into the battery structure, complex external waste management systems and specialized equipment modifications are eliminated.
3Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal deposition is performed during cycling to increase capacity, then energy density is improved, but cycling stability worsens due to large volume changes
Solution Approach 1:
A porous structure is introduced to accommodate lithium metal deposition during cycling. The porous architecture provides sufficient void space to absorb volume changes during lithiation and delithiation cycles, preventing structural degradation while maintaining high energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The anode is designed as a composite structure combining lithium metal with a porous matrix material. This composite architecture allows the lithium metal to provide high capacity while the porous matrix accommodates volume changes, ensuring cycling stability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal plating is performed to increase capacity, then energy density is improved, but reliability worsens due to dendrite formation and short-circuit risk
Solution Approach 1:
The porous structure serves as a physical template that guides uniform lithium metal deposition. The high surface area of the porous structure distributes current density evenly, preventing localized dendrite formation while maintaining high capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous structure creates locally optimized deposition sites throughout the anode. By providing numerous nucleation sites distributed throughout the porous matrix, lithium metal deposits uniformly across the entire structure rather than forming concentrated dendrites at specific locations.
5Reliability
If porous structure is used to confine lithium plating and reduce dendrites, then cycling stability is improved, but weight increases reducing energy density advantage
Solution Approach 1:
A lightweight porous structure is designed with optimized pore size and distribution to confine lithium plating. The porous material is selected to provide sufficient structural support and surface area for uniform deposition while minimizing mass to preserve energy density advantages.
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 enhances the safety and cycling stability of the secondary cell by preventing dendrite growth and minimizing volume changes, while also improving energy density and reducing the risk of short-circuits and fires.
Implementation Method 1
the cations are extracted from the cathode material and then diffuse from the cathode material through the electrolyte and intercalate into the anode material during charging
Implementation Method 2
lithium metal deposition and dissolution is associated with large volume changes which can reduce the cycling stability of the cell
Implementation Method 3
the cations are extracted from the cathode material and then diffuse from the cathode material through the electrolyte and intercalate into the anode material during charging
Implementation Method 4
the cations are extracted from the cathode material and then diffuse from the cathode material through the electrolyte and intercalate into the anode material during charging. During discharge, this process is reversed
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, and optionally a separator, characterized in that the anode comprises a substrate and a lithium ion storage layer comprising particles, wherein the lithium ion storage layer is deposited on the substrate; a method for its manufacturing; and a vehicle comprising such secondary cell.