Zeolite Interlayer in Li-Ion Cells for Transition Metal Trapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium-ion battery cells face challenges due to transition metal dissolution during lithium ion insertion and extraction, which is exacerbated by the hydrophilic nature of zeolites used to trap these metals, leading to increased moisture and electrical conductivity issues.

Innovation Solution

A method of forming a battery cell involves dispersing zeolite particles in a non-aqueous solvent to create a zeolite dispersion, which is then applied between the porous separator and the cathode or anode electrodes, forming a zeolite particle layer without the use of a polymeric binder. This approach helps trap transition metal ions and manage moisture effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If zeolites are incorporated into the battery structure to trap transition metals, then transition metal dissolution is reduced, but moisture uptake increases and electrical conductivity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition metal dissolution resistanceVSAvoidmoisture uptake and electrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a hydrophobic coating to the zeolite particles, creating a localized hydrophobic layer on the surface of each particle. This allows the zeolite to maintain its transition metal trapping capability through ion exchange in its pores while the external hydrophobic coating prevents moisture uptake from the electrolyte, thus resolving the contradiction between metal dissolution resistance and moisture sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining zeolite particles with a hydrophobic coating material. This composite material retains the ion exchange properties of zeolite for trapping transition metals while the hydrophobic coating component provides moisture resistance and maintains low electrical conductivity, thus resolving the contradiction through material composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If zeolites are used with large surface area to trap transition metals, then transition metal dissolution is reduced, but water uptake increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition metal dissolution resistanceVSAvoidwater uptake

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrophobic coating is applied locally to the external surface of zeolite particles, allowing the internal pore structure to maintain its large surface area for transition metal trapping while the external coating creates a moisture-barrier layer that prevents water from accessing the hydrophilic zeolite framework, thus resolving the contradiction between metal trapping efficiency and water uptake

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If zeolites are incorporated using binder materials or powder coating, then transition metal trapping is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition metal trapping capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the polymeric binder component from the coating formulation, using only a non-aqueous solvent to disperse the hydrophobic-coated zeolite particles. This extraction of the binder simplifies the coating process and eliminates complications associated with binder compatibility, curing, and residue, thus resolving the contradiction between trapping capability and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the formulation parameters by using a non-aqueous solvent instead of water-based slurries typically required for powder coating. This parameter change enables direct dispersion of zeolite particles without binders, simplifies the coating process, and ensures compatibility with the lithium-ion battery environment, thus resolving the contradiction between trapping effectiveness and process simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 proposed solution effectively traps transition metal ions and reduces moisture ingress, enhancing the stability and performance of lithium-ion battery cells by preventing transition metal dissolution and maintaining low electrical conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

trap the dissolved transition metal in the battery electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

the zeolites readily uptake significant amounts of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250132400A1Non-aqueous secondary lithium-ion battery cell with a transition metal trapping metal oxide

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A method of forming a battery cell, a secondary lithium ion battery cell, and a secondary lithium ion battery cell for a vehicle. The secondary lithium ion battery cell including a cathode electrode including a lithium and a transition metal, an anode electrode, a porous separator sandwiched between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode, an electrolyte permeated in the porous separator and contacting the cathode electrode and anode electrode, and a zeolite particle layer between the porous separator and at least one of the cathode electrode and the anode electrode.