Solid Electrolyte Separator for TNO Anode Gassing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional titanium niobium oxide (TNO) based lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes experience gassing due to electrolyte reduction at the interphase layer, which is not effectively mitigated by existing additives or coatings, especially under unusual voltage and temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lithium-ion battery design featuring a solid electrolyte separator that is impermeable to non-solid electrolytes, separating the anode with titanium niobium oxide particles from the cathode's non-solid electrolyte to prevent reduction and subsequent gassing, using polymer or inorganic solid electrolytes to form an ionically conductive and liquid-impermeable barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If liquid electrolyte is used in TNO-based lithium-ion batteries, then ionic conductivity and electrochemical performance are improved, but gassing occurs due to electrolyte reduction at the interphase layer
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into distinct zones: a cathode compartment containing the liquid electrolyte and a TNO anode compartment containing solid electrolyte particles. The solid electrolyte acts as a separator membrane that divides the liquid electrolyte from direct contact with TNO particles, preventing gassing while maintaining ionic conductivity through the solid electrolyte phase.
Solution Approach 2:
Solid electrolyte particles serve as an intermediary substance between the liquid electrolyte and TNO particles. These solid electrolyte particles form an interphase layer that mediates ion transport while preventing direct contact between the liquid electrolyte and TNO surface, thereby eliminating the reduction reaction that causes gassing.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If electrolyte additives or coatings are applied to reduce gassing, then gassing is partially mitigated, but cell performance decreases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid in the anode compartment. By using solid electrolyte particles instead of liquid electrolyte in contact with TNO, the system eliminates gassing without requiring performance-compromising additives or coatings, as the solid electrolyte inherently prevents reduction reactions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If solid electrolyte separator is introduced to prevent gassing, then gassing is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid electrolyte particles serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as the active electrode material for lithium insertion/extraction, function as the electrolyte medium for ion transport, and serve as the separator that prevents liquid electrolyte contact with TNO. This multi-functionality eliminates gassing without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 solid electrolyte separator effectively isolates the non-solid electrolyte from the anode, reducing or eliminating gassing and enhancing battery performance, particularly in high-temperature environments, without the need for costly additives or coatings.
Implementation Method 1
The solid electrolyte separator is in direct contact with and between the anode and cathode, and is configured to prevent reduction of the non-solid electrolyte by isolating the non-solid electrolyte from the TNO particles
Implementation Method 2
an ionically conductive and liquid-impermeable solid electrolyte separator
Data Source
AI summary
According to one or more embodiments, a lithium-ion battery includes an anode including titanium niobium oxide (TNO) particles and solid electrolyte particles configured to form an interphase layer therebetween, a cathode including an active material, electronic conductor, and a non-solid electrolyte; and an ionically conductive and liquid-impermeable solid electrolyte separator. The solid electrolyte separator is in direct contact with and between the anode and cathode, and is configured to prevent reduction of the non-solid electrolyte by isolating the non-solid electrolyte from the TNO particles.