Wetting Agent Electrolyte for Large Format Lithium Ion Cell Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing processes for large format lithium-ion batteries are time-consuming and not cost-effective due to the slow filling of electrolyte into electrochemical cells, limiting the production of high-capacity batteries needed for applications like electric vehicles and green energy storage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a wetting agent, such as fluoropolymers or fluorosurfactants, into the electrolyte to facilitate faster and more homogeneous filling of large format electrochemical cells under vacuum conditions, reducing filling time and enabling the production of larger cells with smaller electrode distances and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electrolyte filling methods are used, then the filling process is simple, but the filling time is too long for large format cells
Solution Approach 1:
A wetting agent is introduced as an intermediary substance added to the electrolyte composition. This wetting agent reduces surface tension and improves electrolyte penetration into the porous electrode structures, enabling faster and more complete filling of large format cells without requiring complex multi-step processes
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical composition parameter of the electrolyte is modified by adding a wetting agent at concentrations of 0.01-5 wt%. This parameter change alters the physical properties of the electrolyte (surface tension, wetting characteristics) to achieve faster filling speeds while maintaining electrical conductivity
2Manufacturing precision
If electrolyte is filled without wetting agents, then the process is cost-effective, but the distribution of electrolyte is inhomogeneous with gas bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The wetting agent acts as a mediator that facilitates uniform electrolyte distribution throughout the cell structure. It reduces surface tension effects that cause gas bubble formation and ensures complete penetration into porous electrodes, eliminating inhomogeneities without requiring additional processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the electrolyte composition to include wetting agents at optimized concentrations (0.01-5 wt%), the physical parameters of the electrolyte are modified to achieve complete wetting of electrode surfaces, preventing gas bubble entrapment and ensuring homogeneous distribution
3Quantity of substance
If large format cells are manufactured, then the battery capacity increases, but the filling process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wetting agent enables efficient filling of large format cells by improving electrolyte penetration characteristics. This allows the manufacturing of high-capacity batteries with large electrode areas while maintaining fast filling speeds, resolving the contradiction between cell size and production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte composition is optimized with wetting agents to achieve rapid penetration into large format cell structures. This parameter modification allows scalable manufacturing of high-capacity batteries without proportionally increasing filling time, thereby maintaining production efficiency
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 use of wetting agents in the electrolyte significantly reduces filling time, ensures homogeneous distribution, and allows for the manufacture of larger, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries suitable for mass production, with improved electrode wetting and reduced foam formation.
Implementation Method 1
the electrolyte comprises at least one conductive salt comprising lithium ions, at least one solvent and at least one wetting agent selected from the group comprising fluoropolymers or fluorsurfactants
Implementation Method 2
Using the wetting agent in the electrolyte allows faster filling of the electrochemical cell. Using the wetting agent in the electrolyte enables filling of large format electrochemical cells
Implementation Method 3
filling the electrolyte between the anode and the cathode is performed under vacuum at a pressure of 10 to 500 mbar abs.
Implementation Method 4
filling the electrolyte between the anode and the cathode is performed under vacuum at a pressure of 10 to 500 mbar abs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electrolyte for an electrochemical cell and an electrochemical cell comprising such an electrolyte. The electrolyte comprises at least one conductive salt comprising lithium ions, at least one solvent and at least one wetting agent. The electrochemical cell comprises at least one anode, at least one cathode and at least one separator arranged between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode. The electrolyte may be filled between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode.