Surface Modification Agents Increase Safety, Security of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Led by inventors Zonghai Chen, Khalil Amine, and Ilias Belharouak, a team of Argonne researchers has formulated a process that enhances the safety and security of lithium-ion batteries. The process, which modifies the surface of the active material used in the battery, prevents a catalytic reaction that generates hydrogen gas, which can lead to potential explosions and substantial power fade.

 The surface modification agent can take several forms: it can consist of a silane, an organometallic compound, or a mixture of two or more such compounds. Once modified, the active materials can be used in the manufacture of negative or positive electrodes.

 In addition, the modification process can take several forms. For example, an electrode’s surface may be modified by adding the agent to a non-aqueous electrolyte used during the battery’s manufacturing process. The modification agent can be applied to an electrode or active material in solution or during the gaseous phase. As another option, slurries of the active agent may be prepared and the surface modification agent added, with the slurry used to cast an electrode that is then dried.

• Increased safety and life of a lithium-ion battery 
• Includes methods and molecules as additives that enable electrode modification

Coatings for electrodes used in batteries for

• Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
• Portable electronic devices
• Medical devices
• Space, aeronautical, and defense-related devices