BYD's Strategy for Enhancing Lithium-Ion Battery Efficiency
BYD's lithium-ion battery development challenges span from material-level optimization to system-wide performance. Their work addresses key constraints in energy density (currently limited to 200-300 Wh/kg), cycle life stability, and manufacturing complexity—particularly in the precise control of electrode composition and structure during high-volume production.
The fundamental challenge lies in balancing electrochemical performance with practical manufacturing constraints while maintaining cell stability across thousands of cycles.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including novel dispersant chemistry for electrode fabrication, structured cathode materials with nested cores, controlled lithium supplementation mechanisms, and optimized LFP-ternary material ratios. These and other approaches focus on delivering measurable improvements in battery performance while maintaining manufacturability at scale.
1. Lithium Battery with Pressure-Activated Lithium-Supplementing Pole Piece and Protective Deformation Layer
Shenzhen BYD Lithium Battery Co., Ltd., SHENZHEN BYD LITHIUM BATTERY CO LTD, 2024
Lithium battery with lithium supplementation during cycling to improve energy density and cycle life. The battery has a lithium-supplementing pole piece with a protective layer that deforms under pressure to expose the lithium-containing active layer to the electrode. This allows lithium replenishment when needed during cycling without increasing the initial NP ratio. The protective layer prevents premature lithium reaction during manufacturing. The lithium supplementation fills vacancies in the electrodes to utilize more capacity and reduce lithium ion loss compared to fixed NP ratio batteries.
2. Lithium-Ion Battery with Internal Liquid Injection and Cavity Isolation Mechanism
BYD COMPANY LTD, 2024
Lithium-ion battery design with internal liquid injection and isolation features for high capacity and safety. The battery has multiple accommodation cavities separated by separators. Each cavity contains a connected set of pole shanks forming the battery core. The separators have injection holes connecting adjacent cavities. A block mechanism closes the holes to isolate the cavities. During manufacturing, the mechanism is open for injection. Afterwards, it closes to isolate the cavities. This allows injecting electrolyte into all cavities simultaneously. The mechanism can switch between open and closed positions. This enables injection, then closure to block direct connections between cavities. This prevents electrolyte leakage or mixing. The mechanism can also be a magnetic substance.
3. Adaptive Frequency Self-Heating System for Lithium-Ion Batteries with Phase Difference Monitoring
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2024
Self-heating method, device, and system for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles that avoids battery polarization effects during heating. The method involves adaptively adjusting the heating frequency based on the phase difference between battery current and voltage signals. If the phase difference is less than a threshold, the heating frequency is increased to avoid lithium plating. If the phase difference doesn't change after frequency increase, it indicates a malfunction and stops heating. This allows effective heating without degradation compared to fixed frequency heating.
4. Single-Crystalline Ternary Cathode Material with Gradient Nickel Content and Uniform Particle Structure
BYD COMPANY LTD, 2024
Ternary cathode material for lithium-ion batteries with improved performance compared to conventional ternary cathode materials with secondary spherical structure. The new material is a single-crystalline ternary cathode material with a unique particle structure that has a central area with higher nickel content surrounded by a surface layer with lower nickel content. This composition and structure provides higher capacity and rate performance compared to traditional ternary cathode materials. It also has advantages like improved cycle life, reduced side reactions, and lower expansion due to the smooth surface and uniform composition. The single-crystalline particle structure is prepared by co-precipitation and solid-state sintering techniques.
5. Lithium-Ion Battery with Nanostructured Positive Electrode Comprising Nested Core Architecture
Shenzhen BYD Lithium Battery Co., Ltd., SHENZHEN BYD LITHIUM BATTERY CO LTD, 2024
Lithium-ion battery with improved cycle life and reduced expansion by using a unique nanostructured positive electrode material with multiple nested cores. The material has a first core with multiple nested second cores, each with an optional cladding layer. The nested core structure prevents particle reorientation during rolling that can hinder lithium ion movement and expansion. The nested cores also provide more surface area for intercalation while reducing stress concentration during cycling compared to monolithic particles.
6. Lithium Ion Battery with Positive Electrode Comprising Specific LFP to Nickel-Rich Cathode Material Ratio
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2024
A lithium ion battery with improved capacity and cycle life by optimizing the ratio of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) to ternary materials like nickel-rich cathode materials in the positive electrode. It also involves using the ternary materials to consume excess lithium ions formed during charging to help form a protective SEI film on the graphite negative electrode. The ratio of LFP to ternary capacity should be between 0.49 and 1.15, and the total LFP capacity should be at least 135 mAh/g. This balance prevents excessive lithium loss from the LFP while allowing the ternary material to contribute. It also improves cycle life by reducing dissolution of LFP elements like Fe and Mn. The ternary material residual alkali, electrolyte injection coefficient, and residual hydrogen
7. Pole Piece with Semiconductor-Controlled Lithium Replenishment Layer for Lithium-Ion Batteries
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2024
Pole piece design for lithium-ion batteries that allows controlled replenishment of lithium ions during battery cycling to improve capacity retention. The pole piece has a current collector, a semiconductor layer, and a lithium replenishment layer sandwiched between them. The semiconductor layer can be turned on or off to selectively allow electron transfer between the current collector and replenishment layer. When the semiconductor layer is off, it blocks electron exchange and prevents lithium loss from the replenishment layer. When the semiconductor layer is on, it allows electron transfer between the current collector and replenishment layer to replenish lithium ions during battery cycling. This controlled replenishment improves capacity retention compared to one-time lithium supplementing methods.
8. Lithium Iron Manganese Phosphate Composite with Strontium-Doped Core and Zirconium-Doped Shell
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2024
Lithium iron manganese phosphate composite material for lithium-ion batteries with improved low-temperature and rate performance, reduced manganese dissolution, and enhanced structural stability. The composite consists of an inner core doped with strontium and an outer shell doped with zirconium. The strontium-doped inner core allows higher manganese content for higher voltage and capacity, while the zirconium-doped shell reduces manganese leaching and improves compaction density. The strontium and zirconium doping helps prevent cracking during cell assembly, reducing manganese dissolution and improving battery cycling.
9. Lithium Battery Anode with Doped Carbon Matrix and Coated Transition Metal Particles
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
A lithium battery anode with a protective layer that prevents lithium dendrite growth and improves battery safety. The protective layer contains a carbon matrix doped with cobalt and nitrogen, as well as coated transition metal particles. The doped carbon matrix improves lithium ion deposition uniformity, while the coated particles provide additional lithium-philic sites. This prevents dendrites from growing through the anode and shorting the battery.
10. Ternary Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Material with Sheet-Structured Primary Particles and Agglomerated Secondary Particles
Huizhou BYD Industrial Co., Ltd., HUIZHOU BYD INDUSTRIAL CO LTD, 2023
Ternary lithium-ion battery anode material with improved cycling and safety over traditional agglomerated ternary materials. The new ternary precursor is made by agglomerating primary particles with a sheet structure. The sheet primary particles have lengths of 10-100nm and thicknesses of 10-20nm. The agglomerated secondary particles have diameters of 10-50 μm. This sheet primary particle structure reduces cracking and gaps between particles compared to agglomerated spherical particles. The sheet primary particles are prepared by a method involving dispersing precursor salts in water, adjusting pH, and evaporating the water. The resulting ternary precursor is used to make the ternary lithium-ion battery anode material.
11. Polymer Separator with Hydrophilic Blocking Layer and Porous Coating for Lithium-Ion Batteries
BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
Polymer separator for lithium-ion batteries that prevents polymer solution penetration into the separator during coating and improves battery performance. The separator has a porous substrate, a hydrophilic blocking layer between it and the polymer coating, and porous polymer coating with node structures. The hydrophilic blocking layer prevents polymer solution invasion. It allows the porous substrate to absorb electrolyte and transmit ions while reducing shrinkage and swelling. The porous polymer coating improves adsorption and reduces bulk impedance.
12. Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolyte with Vinylene Carbonate and 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate Additives
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
Lithium-ion battery electrolyte composition and battery with improved cycle performance at both normal and high temperatures. The electrolyte contains a blend of two film-forming additives, vinylene carbonate (VC) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). This combination provides enhanced cycle stability and reduces polarization at both normal and elevated temperatures compared to using VC alone. The battery with this electrolyte has improved normal temperature cycling, low temperature cycling, high temperature cycling, and storage stability compared to conventional electrolytes.
13. Conductive Agent Comprising Carbon Black, Dual-Length Carbon Nanotubes, and Graphene for Lithium Ion Battery Electrodes
BYD Company Limited, Shanghai Fudi Industrial Co., Ltd., BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
A conductive agent for lithium ion battery electrodes that improves conductivity and performance compared to traditional carbon black. The agent is a mix of conductive carbon black, two types of carbon nanotubes, and graphene. The nanotubes have different tube lengths. This combination provides better electrical connection between the electrode active material and current collector compared to just using carbon black. The shorter nanotubes form line-to-line connections while the longer nanotubes provide point-to-point connections. The graphene helps further. The mass ratios of the components are in a specific range.
14. Ionic Liquid Polymer Electrode Binder with Imidazole Cations for Lithium Batteries
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
Electrode binder for lithium batteries with improved binding and ionic conductivity, preventing swelling and slurry separation. The binder is an ionic liquid polymer with imidazole cations on the main chain. The binder is prepared by dissolving the polymer in water for ion exchange, then drying. The water removes impurities and prevents solvent dissolution. The binder is used in lithium battery electrodes to bind the active material to the current collector without swelling or slurry separation.
15. Lithium-Ion Battery with Independent Lithium Supplementing Electrode for N/P Ratio Management
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
Lithium ion battery with controllable design and long service life for electric vehicles. The battery has a unique configuration with an independent lithium supplementing electrode that can be precisely controlled to compensate for lithium loss during cycling. This allows optimizing the battery's N/P ratio and lithium supplementing amount for improved capacity and cycle life compared to traditional lithium supplementing methods. The independent lithium electrode is either an additional lithium supplementing electrode or a lithium film on the negative electrode. This provides a controllable and optimized lithium supplementing amount without affecting the N/P ratio as much as other methods.
16. Positive Electrode Material with Controlled Particle Size Distribution and Coating for Lithium-Ion Batteries
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
Positive electrode material, preparation method, and battery for lithium-ion batteries with improved performance, cycle life, and reduced gas generation. The positive electrode material consists of secondary composite particles made of primary particles. The key is controlling the particle size distribution to meet certain relations. The secondary particle diameter, primary particle diameter, specific surface area, and number of primary particles per secondary particle should satisfy specific relations. This balances factors like lithium diffusion, capacity, impedance, gas generation, and side reactions. Coating the positive electrode further improves battery performance.
17. Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material with Core-Shell Structure Comprising Lithium Oxide Core, Sulfur Intermediate Layer, and Carbon-Sulfur Outer Shell
BYD CO LTD, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
Cathode material for lithium-ion batteries with improved cycling stability and reduced sulfur dissolution. The material has a core-shell structure with a central area of lithium oxide surrounded by an intermediate layer of elemental sulfur and an outer shell containing elemental sulfur and carbon. The core-shell structure prevents sulfur dissolution by trapping it in pores and blocking electrolyte access. The carbon further blocks electrolyte and improves conductivity. The pore size and compaction density allow volume energy density increase. The core-shell structure is formed by a two-step process: co-precipitating a lithium oxide precursor, then melting sulfur into the precursor surface and carbonizing the outer shell.
18. Lithium Ion Battery Cathode with Array-Structured Coating on Active Particles
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
Lithium ion battery cathode material with improved stability and performance by coating the active particles with an array structure. The coating particles are smaller than the active particles and are arranged in an array around the active particles. This provides a structured coating that bonds tightly to the active particles without the need for large amounts of binder. The array structure prevents particle shedding and improves cathode stability during cycling compared to conventional coatings.
19. Positive Electrode for Lithium-Ion Batteries with Conductive Agent Network Comprising Carbon Nanotubes, Carbon Black, and Graphite
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
A positive electrode design for lithium-ion batteries that provides improved electrochemical performance by optimizing the balance between electronic and ionic conductivity in the positive electrode. The positive electrode layer contains a lithium iron phosphate active material and a combination of conductive agents like carbon nanotubes, carbon black, and conductive graphite. The conductive agent loading and particle size are chosen to meet specific conditions that enable formation of a conductive network with both good electronic and ionic conductivity. The conditions include porosity, carbon black, graphite, and nanotube loading, and particle sizes. This optimized conductive network improves the lithium ion battery's electrochemical performance compared to conventional positive electrode designs.
20. Lithium-Ion Battery Positive Electrode Sheet with Specified Ratios of Lithium Iron Phosphate and Carbon Black for Conductivity and Diffusion Balance
BYD Company Limited, BYD COMPANY LTD, 2023
A positive electrode sheet for lithium-ion batteries that improves performance by optimizing the balance of conductivity and electrolyte diffusion in the positive electrode material layer. The sheet contains lithium iron phosphate as the positive active material, carbon black as the conductive agent, and follows specific ratios and conditions. The weight percentage of carbon black, conductive agent weight relative to active material, electrode tortuosity, and porosity are related in a range to balance electronic conductivity and electrolyte diffusion. This optimizes the positive electrode's dynamic performance and reduces impedance.
Get Full Report
Access our comprehensive collection of patents related to this technology