Zeolite Additives in Li-Ion Cells for HF and Moisture Trapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion secondary batteries degrade due to exposure to moisture, hydrogen fluoride, and dissolved transition-metal ions, leading to capacity loss and efficiency reduction, which limits their lifespan and increases disposal and recycling costs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating zeolites with specific Si/Al ratios as trapping agents in the electrodes, separator, or electrolyte of lithium-ion secondary batteries to absorb moisture, hydrogen fluoride, and transition-metal ions, maintaining electrolyte integrity and enhancing battery performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If lithium-ion secondary batteries are used to provide high energy density and rechargeability, then the battery capacity and cycle life are improved, but the battery degrades due to exposure to moisture, hydrogen fluoride, and dissolved transition-metal ions, leading to capacity loss and efficiency reduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery cycle lifeVSAvoidbattery performance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an inorganic additive (such as alumina, silica, or magnesium oxide) as an intermediary substance in the electrolyte that mediates between the harmful species (moisture, HF, transition-metal ions) and the battery components. This additive selectively binds to harmful species through adsorption or complexation, preventing them from degrading the electrodes and electrolyte, thereby maintaining battery performance stability while preserving cycle life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts harmful species (moisture, hydrogen fluoride, dissolved transition-metal ions) into beneficial trapped complexes by using inorganic additives that selectively bind these species. The harmful moisture and HF are converted into stable adsorbed species on the inorganic additive surface, while dissolved transition-metal ions are converted into trapped complexes, thereby eliminating their harmful effects and maintaining battery reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If the battery operates for prolonged periods, then the discharge capacity is maintained, but the battery experiences degradation due to accumulated exposure to harmful species, leading to irreversible capacity loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge capacityVSAvoidirreversible capacity loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating inorganic additives into the electrolyte before battery operation begins. These additives proactively trap harmful species (moisture, HF, transition-metal ions) as they form, preventing accumulated degradation over time. The inorganic additive acts as a preemptive protective mechanism that maintains discharge capacity by continuously binding harmful species throughout the battery's operational life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If traditional electrolyte compositions are used to achieve high capacity, then the energy density is improved, but the electrolyte becomes susceptible to degradation by harmful species, limiting battery lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidbattery lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite electrolyte system by combining traditional liquid electrolyte components (lithium salt, organic solvents) with inorganic additive particles (alumina, silica, magnesium oxide). This composite structure maintains the high ionic conductivity and energy density of traditional electrolytes while the inorganic phase provides selective trapping of harmful species, thereby extending battery lifespan without sacrificing energy density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 zeolites effectively prolong the calendar and cycle lifetime of lithium-ion secondary batteries by selectively absorbing harmful species, maintaining discharge capacity and coulombic efficiency, thereby reducing environmental impact and costs.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12476326B2Inorganic materials for use in a lithium-ion secondary battery

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 PACIFIC IND DEVELOPMENT CORP

AI summary

A cell for use in an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery that includes a positive electrode with an active material that acts as a cathode and a current collector; a negative electrode with an active material that acts as an anode and a current collector; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive and negative electrodes. At least one of the cathode, the anode, the electrolyte, and the separator includes an inorganic additive in the form of one or more zeolites having a Si:AI ratio ranging from 2-50 that absorbs one or more of moisture, free transition metal ions, or hydrogen fluoride that become present in the cell. One or more of the cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery. The inorganic additive may also be incorporated as a coating applied to the internal wall of the housing.