Self Healing Electrodes for Electric Vehicle Batteries
Lithium-ion battery electrodes experience microstructural degradation during cycling, with crack propagation reaching 5-10 µm in depth after 500 cycles and capacity losses of up to 20%. These mechanical failures originate from repeated volume changes during lithiation/delithiation processes, while environmental factors and thermal stress accelerate degradation pathways that reduce both conductivity and active material utilization.
The challenge lies in developing electrode structures that can autonomously detect and repair microscale damage while maintaining electrochemical performance throughout the battery's operational life.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including microcapsule-based healing mechanisms triggered by environmental stimuli, composite polymer-inorganic oxide protective coatings, cross-linked polymer networks that buffer particle expansion, and biomimetic repair materials integrated with current collectors. These and other approaches demonstrate how self-healing electrode technologies can extend battery lifespan and improve safety profiles in electric vehicle applications.
1. Battery Preparation Device with Biomimetic Repair Materials and Composite Current Collector Assembly
CHINA FAW CO LTD, 2025
A battery preparation device and method that enhances thermal safety and high temperature tolerance of lithium-ion batteries through the use of biomimetic repair materials and specialized current collector components. The device integrates biomimetic repair materials, high-temperature-resistant materials, thermal safety protection materials, and polymer materials into a single current collector assembly. This biomimetic repair material enables the creation of a composite current collector with enhanced thermal safety properties, while the high-temperature-resistant materials and polymer components maintain the battery's thermal stability during operation. The assembly is then used to prepare lithium-ion batteries with improved thermal safety and high temperature tolerance, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and battery degradation.
2. Battery Cell with Detachable Rotational Sealing Structure and Integrated Injection Channels for Controlled Electrolyte Replenishment
CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2025
Battery cell, battery, and electrical device that enables controlled electrolyte replenishment through a novel sealing mechanism. The cell incorporates a detachable sealing structure with integrated injection channels that can be opened and closed through rotation, allowing precise control over electrolyte replenishment during manufacturing and service. The sealing structure features a specially designed flow passage that enables regular electrolyte replenishment while maintaining battery performance and safety.
3. Battery Electrode System with Microcapsule-Based Self-Healing Mechanism Triggered by Environmental Stimuli
CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY, 2024
Self-healing battery electrodes system that autonomously repairs electrode damage through microcapsule-based healing mechanisms. The system comprises microcapsules containing healing agents that release upon detecting electrode cracks, restoring structural integrity through self-repair. The healing process is triggered by environmental stimuli such as temperature, light, and electrical signals. This system enables lithium-ion batteries to maintain their performance and lifespan through intrinsic self-repair capabilities, reducing the need for external maintenance and replacement.
4. Electric Vehicle Battery System with Automatic Impact-Triggered Module Short-Circuiting Mechanism
SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, SAIC MOTOR CORPORATION LTD, 2024
Self-protecting electric vehicle battery system that automatically short-circuits damaged battery modules during impacts. The system comprises multiple detection units positioned at the bottom of each battery module and inside the battery case, and short-circuit devices strategically positioned outside each battery module. When a module is damaged due to impact, the system generates a specific signal that triggers the short-circuiting of the damaged module while maintaining power supply to the undamaged modules.
5. Conductive Polymer-Metal Complex Coated Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Electrode Surface Modification in Lithium-Ion Batteries
TIANJIN RUNGUANGHENG TECH DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, 2023
Conductive polymer/metal oxide electrode surface modification material and preparation method for lithium-ion batteries. The material comprises metal oxide nanoparticles coated with a polymer-metal complex layer that accounts for 0.1% to 20% of the total mass. The metal oxide nanoparticles are specifically chosen from Al2O3, ZrO2, MgO, or TiO2. The polymer-metal complex layer is formed through the complexation of a polymer containing electron-donating groups with metal ions. This layer enhances the electrode's conductivity while maintaining its structural integrity. The preparation method involves the controlled deposition of the polymer-metal complex layer onto the metal oxide surface, ensuring precise control over the layer thickness and composition.
6. Organic Coating Layer for Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes with Self-Healing via Acrylate-Silicone-Lithium Polymerization
ZHUHAI COSMX BATTERY CO LTD, 2021
Organic coating layer for lithium-ion battery electrodes that enables self-healing properties through enhanced lithium conductivity and mechanical resilience. The coating layer is prepared through a polymerization process involving acrylate monomers, silicone precursors, and lithium salts, with specific conditions tailored to achieve superior conductivity and mechanical properties. The coating layer is then applied to the electrode surface, forming a durable and flexible barrier that protects the electrode from degradation during charge/discharge cycles. The coating layer's unique properties enable rapid self-repair at room temperature and thermal conditions, significantly improving battery performance and safety.
7. Self-Healing Binder with Cross-Linked Water-Soluble Polymers for Lithium-Sulfur Battery Electrodes
SUN YAT-SEN UNIVERSITY, 2021
Multifunctional self-healing binder for lithium-sulfur battery positive electrodes that combines enhanced mechanical strength, toughness, and polysulfide inhibition properties. The binder, comprising a cross-linked network of water-soluble polymers, provides superior interface stability and charge/discharge performance in sulfur cathodes. The binder's hydrolysis in water enables uniform dispersion between sulfur active material and conductive agent, while its self-healing mechanism addresses the shuttle effect through polysulfide capture. This multifunctional binder enables lithium-sulfur battery performance improvements by addressing critical challenges such as volume expansion, polysulfide dissolution, and interface degradation.
8. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Positive Electrode with Self-Healing Disulfide/Polysulfide Bond Adhesive
CHANGZHOU UNIVERSITY, 2020
Self-repairing lithium-sulfur battery positive pole piece for lithium-ion batteries that incorporates a novel self-healing adhesive. The adhesive contains disulfide/polysulfide bonds that can heal themselves upon exposure to sulfuric acid, enabling rapid repair of damaged electrode structures during charging and discharging cycles. This self-repair mechanism is integrated into the adhesive formulation, allowing the battery positive pole piece to maintain its structural integrity while maintaining charge/discharge performance.
9. Battery Pole Piece with Integrated Water-Based Healing Agent and Fiber Reinforcement
TIANJIN XIANZHONG NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Tianjin Xianzhong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., 2019
Battery pole piece with self-repairing effect that enhances lithium-ion battery lifespan through enhanced water management. The pole piece incorporates a specific water-based healing agent, conductive agent, and fiber strengthening agent into its slurry formulation. This integrated solution enables the pole piece to self-repair through enhanced water absorption and ion exchange, significantly improving its cycle life compared to conventional battery pole pieces.
10. Binder Comprising Catechin and Polyethylene Glycol with Self-Crosslinking Network Formation for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
UNIV SUN YAT SEN, 2018
A binder for lithium-sulfur batteries that enhances electrode stability through self-crosslinking reactions between natural polyphenols and water-soluble polymers. The binder, comprising catechin and polyethylene glycol, forms a stable network upon thermal treatment, providing superior adhesion properties compared to conventional binders like polyvinylidene fluoride. This binder enables the production of lithium-sulfur batteries with enhanced cycling performance and improved sulfur utilization.
11. Lithium-Ion Battery Positive Electrode Composite with Modified LiNiCoMnO2 via Two-Step Compound Preparation
ZHEJIANG TIANNENG ENERGY TECH, 2018
A lithium-ion battery positive electrode composite material for lithium-ion batteries that achieves enhanced electrochemical performance, superior cycle life, and improved capacity retention through a novel composite material preparation method. The method involves a two-step process where a LiNiCoMnMnO2 cathode material is modified with a specific compound to enhance its electrochemical properties while maintaining high capacity retention. The compound is prepared through a simple and scalable process that can be integrated into industrial-scale production, enabling the creation of high-performance Li-ion battery electrodes with improved cycle life and capacity retention compared to traditional materials.
12. Battery Pack with Integrated Current Interrupting Device Responsive to Internal Gas Pressure and Temperature Changes
BYD CO LTD, 2017
Battery pack design that enables automatic disconnection of the power cell circuit when battery safety is compromised. The pack contains a current interrupting device that communicates with the battery's internal gas environment. When the device detects abnormal conditions such as overcharging, it rapidly disconnects the cell circuit through a mechanical mechanism, preventing potential battery damage. The device is integrated into the battery casing and can be triggered by changes in temperature or gas pressure within the cell. This design enables automatic protection of the battery pack without relying on software-based monitoring, providing a critical safety feature for high-performance electric vehicle applications.
13. Polyaniline-Dopamine Hydrogel with Controlled Cross-Linking for Electrical Conductivity and Biocompatibility
JIANGNAN UNIVERSITY, 2017
Polyaniline-based hydrogel with self-repairing properties, enabling both electrical conductivity and biocompatibility. The hydrogel is prepared through a controlled cross-linking process involving dopamine-modified polyaniline, methacrylic anhydride, and N,N-methylene bisacrylamide. This cross-linked structure enables the hydrogel to exhibit electrical conductivity while maintaining its biocompatibility, making it suitable for applications requiring both electrical functionality and tissue repair capabilities.
14. Battery Pole Piece with Self-Healing Formulation Incorporating Controlled Degradation Mechanism
TIANJIN XIANZHONG NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2017
Battery pole piece with self-healing capability to enhance lithium-ion battery performance. The pole piece incorporates a novel formulation that enables self-repair through controlled degradation of the active material. This is achieved through a specific weight percentage of a particular binder and conductive agent in the battery slurry, which triggers the degradation process when exposed to specific environmental conditions. The self-healing mechanism prevents premature degradation and maintains the structural integrity of the pole piece, thereby significantly improving the battery's cycle life.
15. Layered Cathode Material with Polymer-Based Coating and Integrated Metal Oxide Nanostructures
HUNAN SHANSHAN NEW ENERGY CO LTD, 2016
Self-healing layered cathode material for lithium-ion batteries that improves stability and electrochemical performance through a novel polymer-based coating. The coating, comprising a polymer film with integrated metal oxide nanostructures, creates a homogeneous diffusion path for Li+ ions while maintaining mechanical integrity through cross-linking reactions. This self-healing mechanism enables enhanced structural stability and electrochemical properties, particularly in high-temperature applications. The coating also facilitates efficient Li+ migration through the polymer matrix, thereby enhancing overall battery performance.
16. Self-Repairing Polymer Synthesized from Dibasic Acid and Divinyl Triamine for Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes
UNIV SHANGHAI SCIENCE & TECH, 2015
A self-repairing polymer material for lithium-ion battery cathode applications that replaces conventional adhesive materials. The material is synthesized through a controlled reaction between dibasic acid and divinyl triamine, with specific ratios of acid to triamine. The resulting polymer exhibits self-healing properties at room temperature, capable of repairing cracks and maintaining structural integrity through repeated cycles of fracture restoration. This material offers improved performance compared to conventional adhesive materials, particularly in high-temperature applications.
Get Full Report
Access our comprehensive collection of 16 documents related to this technology
Identify Key Areas of Innovation in 2025
