Ultrasonic Lithium Metal Anode Charging to Reduce Dendrites

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid state batteries with lithium metal anodes face challenges such as dendrite formation during charging, which leads to unsafe failures and short-circuits, and the integration of sonication devices is hindered by concerns over energy density and potential electrolyte fracture.

Innovation Solution

Applying ultrasonic vibration to the metal negative electrode during charging, using a piezoelectric actuator to impart vibrational energy, which mimics elevated temperatures and improves electrode interface smoothness, reducing dendrite formation and enhancing charging efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ultrasonic vibration is applied to the metal negative electrode during charging, then dendrite formation is reduced and charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the addition of piezoelectric actuators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric actuator is integrated directly into the battery structure, merging the ultrasonic vibration function with the battery components. This combination reduces the need for separate external vibration devices and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to reduce dendrite formation during charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric actuator serves multiple functions: it provides ultrasonic vibration to prevent dendrite formation, and can potentially serve as part of the battery's structural framework or electrode support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while improving battery safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a sonication device is integrated with the battery, then charging efficiency is improved, but energy density is reduced due to the additional device volume and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sonication device is merged with the battery structure, with piezoelectric actuators integrated into the electrode assembly or battery housing. This integration allows the same components to serve dual purposes: maintaining battery structure and providing ultrasonic vibration for improved charging efficiency, thereby minimizing the impact on energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric actuators are implemented as thin films or flexible elements that can be deposited directly onto electrode surfaces or battery components. This thin-film approach minimizes the volume and weight of the sonication device, reducing its impact on overall battery energy density while still providing effective ultrasonic vibration for enhanced charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If high and uniform pressure is applied to the battery, then dendrite formation is reduced, but the pressure application device becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery safetyVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a bulky pressure application device to maintain high uniform pressure, the patent employs ultrasonic mechanical vibration applied during charging. This vibration method achieves similar dendrite prevention effects without requiring heavy external pressure equipment, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining battery safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical pressure application system with an ultrasonic vibration system. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy pressure devices while achieving the same goal of preventing dendrite formation through a different physical mechanism (ultrasonic vibration rather than static pressure), thereby reducing overall device weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method allows for safe and efficient charging of lithium metal anodes, improving battery lifetime and safety by reducing Li dendrite formation and maintaining energy density, while enabling charging at lower temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

using a piezoelectric actuator to impart vibrational energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

vibrating the metal negative electrode (e.g., a Li metal negative electrode) ultrasonically... the metal is observed to behave like a metal at an elevated temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20240039055A1Metal negative electrode ultrasonic charging

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 QUANTUMSPACE BATTERY INC

AI summary

Provided herein arc systems and methods for using an ultrasonic vibration generator to apply vibrational energy to a metal negative electrode of a rechargeable battery. In some examples, the application of vibrational energy to the metal negative electrode occurs during a charging event.