27 patents in this list

Updated:

In the pursuit of efficient and durable electric vehicle batteries, ultra-thin coatings on electrode particles have emerged as a crucial development. These coatings, applied through atomic layer deposition (ALD), enhance battery performance by stabilizing the electrodes and preventing degradation. As electric vehicles demand higher energy densities and longer lifespans, the precision and effectiveness of these coatings become increasingly significant.

However, achieving uniform and optimal ALD coatings on electrode particles presents a set of challenges. The process requires meticulous control over layer thickness and composition to ensure compatibility with various electrode materials. Additionally, the need to maintain coating integrity under operational stresses adds another layer of complexity, demanding innovative approaches to ALD application.

This page consolidates insights from several research studies and patents, highlighting techniques for precise ALD coating application on battery electrodes. By exploring methods for determining optimal thickness, enhancing coating uniformity, and integrating protective layers, these solutions aim to improve battery performance, reliability, and lifespan in real-world applications.

1. Atomic Layer Deposition of Double-Layer Film on Positive Electrode for Sulfide Solid-State Batteries

Hunan Enjie Frontier New Material Technology Co., Ltd., 2024

Coating method for improving the performance of sulfide solid-state lithium-ion batteries by coating the positive electrode material with a double-layer film using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The method involves sequentially depositing a fast ion conductor layer followed by a sulfide electrolyte layer on the positive electrode particles in one step using ALD. The ALD process provides uniform and controllable coating thickness and composition. This double-layer coating improves the stability and performance of the sulfide solid-state battery by reducing interfacial resistance, preventing side reactions, and improving electrolyte wettability compared to uncoated electrodes.

CN113394383B-patent-drawing

2. Particle Coating Rate Analysis via Coffee Ring Formation for Atomic Layer Deposition Thickness Quantification

LG CHEM LTD, 2024

Analyzing particle coating rate for optimizing atomic layer deposition (ALD) coating of electrode materials like lithium-ion battery cathodes. The method involves forming multiple coffee rings on the particle dispersion after ALD to quantify the coating thickness. By calculating the area of the coffee rings and comparing to the particle area, the coating percentage can be determined. This allows optimizing ALD conditions for sufficient coating without excessive thickness that could impede ion transport.

3. Method for Atomic Layer Deposition of Composite Anode Material with Artificial SEI Film

SVOLT ENERGY TECH CO LTD, SVOLT ENERGY TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LTD, 2023

Method to improve lithium-ion battery performance by preparing a composite anode material containing an artificial SEI film using atomic layer deposition. The method involves depositing an ultra-thin, uniform, and compact artificial SEI film on the surface of the anode material. This prevents excessive lithium ion consumption and gas generation during battery formation, improves cycle life, and eliminates the need for pre-charging. The artificial SEI film has controlled thickness, composition, and properties for enhanced electrochemical stability, ionic conductivity, and electronic insulation compared to natural SEI.

4. Surface-Coated Lithium Nickel Manganese Oxide via Atomic Layer Deposition Using Trimethylaluminum and Ozone

KUNMING UNIV OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KUNMING UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2023

Preparing surface-coated lithium nickel manganese oxide for lithium ion batteries with improved performance. The coating method involves atomic layer deposition (ALD) using trimethylaluminum and ozone in an inert atmosphere. The ALD process involves sequential adsorption of trimethylaluminum followed by ozone onto the lithium nickel manganese oxide anode material. This forms a thin inert functional coating on the surface. The coating thickness is around 10-30 nm. The coated lithium nickel manganese oxide has enhanced properties compared to uncoated material.

CN116259744A-patent-drawing

5. Method for Determining Optimal Atomic Layer Deposition Thickness on Cathode Particles via Particle Adhesion Measurement

LG CHEM LTD, 2023

Determining the optimal thickness for coating cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries to improve performance without excessive thickness that increases resistance. The method involves stepwise atomic layer deposition (ALD) on cathode particles, measuring particle-to-particle adhesion between ALD-coated and uncoated particles, stopping ALD when adhesion no longer changes, and using that ALD count as the optimal thickness for cathode coating.

KR20230069596A-patent-drawing

6. Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode with Sequential Atomic Layer Deposition Coatings

NCD CO, 2023

Improving the performance and lifespan of lithium-ion batteries by forming atomic layer deposition (ALD) coatings on the cathode active material to enhance ion conductivity and prevent surface degradation. The ALD coatings are formed in a step-by-step process using precursors that are alternately supplied and reacted on the cathode surface. One ALD precursor contains lithium while the other doesn't. This sequential deposition of thin films improves the battery's output and prevents surface corrosion compared to conventional bulk coatings.

KR20230054948A-patent-drawing

7. Graphite Electrode with Atomic Layer Deposition of Lithium Borate-Lithium Carbonate Film

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, UNIV MICHIGAN REGENTS, 2023

Reducing metallic lithium precipitation on graphite electrodes during charging of lithium ion batteries to improve cycling life and fast charging capability. The method involves depositing a thin film of lithium borate-lithium carbonate (LBCO) material onto the graphite electrode using atomic layer deposition (ALD). This film modifies the electrode surface to reduce lithium ion transport resistance, SEI impedance, and lithium precipitation overpotential. The conformal ALD coating provides a solid electrolyte interface phase that stabilizes lithium plating and prevents dendrite growth.

8. Method for Forming Protective Oxide Layer on Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes via Atomic Layer Deposition

LG CHEM LTD, LG CHEMICAL LTD, 2023

A method to manufacture lithium-ion battery cathodes that prevents degradation and extends lifespan by forming a protective oxide layer on the cathode active material. The method involves applying a cathode slurry, drying it, rolling it, and forming a thin oxide layer by atomic layer deposition. This provides a protective oxide layer on the active material surface and pores to prevent side reactions and degradation during cycling. The oxide layer thickness satisfies a specific formula.

9. Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes Coated with Atomic Layer Deposition of Zirconium, Titanium, and Tungsten Films

ENVISION POWER TECH JIANGSU CO LTD, ENVISION POWER TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, YUANJING RUITAI POWER TECH SHANGHAI CO LTD, 2022

Improving the performance and utilization of low-nickel, low-cobalt lithium-ion battery cathodes by coating them with thin films of compounds like zirconium, titanium, and tungsten using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The ALD process allows depositing monolayers of these elements on the cathode surface to improve conductivity, protect against degradation, and enhance charge transfer compared to conventional surface coatings. The ALD coating provides consistent, uniform thickness and high coverage on the cathode surface.

10. Lithium-Rich Cathode Material with Double Atomic Layer Deposition Coating

BEIJING INDUSTRIAL UNIV, BEIJING INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY, 2022

A method to improve the performance of lithium-rich cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries by depositing a double coating on the surface using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The ALD process allows precise, controllable, and uniform layer-by-layer coatings. The double coating reduces side reactions and improves capacity retention compared to traditional methods. The steps involve: 1) Cleaning the lithium-rich cathode material surface. 2) Depositing an inner coating using an ALD precursor like aluminum triisopropoxide (Al(OiPr)3) and water. 3) Depositing an outer coating using an ALD precursor like titanium isopropoxide (Ti(OiPr)4) and water. This double ALD coating on the lithium-rich cathode

CN114613993A-patent-drawing

11. Atomic Layer Deposition Method for Precise Nano-Film Coating and Doping of Electrode Materials

JIANGHAN UNIVERSITY, ROUDIAN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, ROUDIAN WUHAN TECH CO LTD, 2022

A precise and uniform method for modifying electrode materials for batteries to improve their performance. The method involves using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to precisely coat and dope the electrode materials with controlled thickness and dopant concentration. This is achieved by reacting a modified precursor with an ion transfer substance to generate the first electrode material, then surface modifying it through ALD, followed by heat treatment at temperatures of 200-400°C for 1-8 hours. This results in nano-film coating doping with coating thickness precision of 0.1nm and atom doping precision of 0.1 at.%. The uniformly coated and doped electrode materials have improved stability, conductivity, and capacity compared to bulk doping and surface modification methods.

CN113921776A-patent-drawing

12. Lithium Secondary Battery Positive Electrode with ALD Metal Oxide Coating and Boron-Containing Layer

LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD, 2021

Positive electrode for lithium secondary batteries that reduces resistance increase during cycling and prevents side reactions with the electrolyte. The electrode has a thin metal oxide coating on top of the active material. The coating is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the active material layer. The active material contains lithium composite transition metal oxide particles with a boron-containing coating that prevents direct contact with the electrolyte. The ALD coating provides a thin, uniform barrier to prevent side reactions while reducing resistance.

13. Atomic Layer Deposition Method for Coating High-Nickel Cathode Materials with Desiccant-Enhanced Precursor Injection

LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD, 2021

A method to improve the surface stability and reduce resistance of high-nickel cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The method involves coating a thin, uniform layer on the surface of high-nickel cathode materials using atomic layer deposition (ALD). This coating improves surface stability, reduces resistance, and suppresses side reactions between the cathode and electrolyte. The coating is formed by adding a desiccant and the cathode material to an ALD reactor, then injecting a coating precursor and performing ALD cycles to grow the coating layer on the cathode surface. This provides a stable, coated high-nickel cathode material with improved performance compared to uncoated high-nickel cathodes.

14. Atomic Layer Deposition of Oxide Films on Cathode Particles Using Centrifugal Fluidized System

HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, HUST WUXI RES INSTITUTE, HUST-WUXI RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2021

A method to improve the stability and lifespan of lithium-ion battery cathodes by coating a thin oxide film on the surface of cathode particles using atomic layer deposition (ALD). This involves using a centrifugal fluidized ALD system to uniformly coat the cathode powder with an oxide layer. The ALD process provides controlled, atomic-scale deposition of thin films like oxides to enhance stability of the cathode materials during charging and discharging.

15. Atomic Layer Deposition Method for Coating Oxide or Nitride Layers on High-Nickel Positive Electrode Materials

ZHUHAI COSMX BATTERY CO LTD, 2021

A method to improve the storage stability and reduce the water absorption of high-nickel positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries by using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to coat oxide or nitride layers on the surface and pores of the positive electrode material. The ALD process involves sequential introduction of coating precursors and cleaning steps to build layer-by-layer coatings that mitigate the reaction of the electrode material with moisture and carbon dioxide in the air. This reduces the impact of environmental humidity on the electrode performance and storage stability compared to conventional coatings.

CN112531147A-patent-drawing

16. Lithium-Ion Battery Positive Electrode Sheets with Atomic Layer Deposition Coating

ZHUHAI COSMX BATTERY CO LTD, 2021

Reducing moisture absorption and carbon dioxide reactivity of lithium-ion battery positive electrode sheets to improve storage and cycling performance. The improvement is achieved by atomic layer deposition (ALD) coating on the positive electrode surface and pores. The ALD process involves cycling between introducing a first coating material source, cleaning, introducing a second coating material source, and cleaning. This builds up a layer-by-layer coating of oxide or nitride that reduces moisture and carbon dioxide interactions with the positive electrode.

CN112467121A-patent-drawing

17. Apparatus and Method for In-Situ Atomic Layer Deposition on Rolled Electrode Laminates

LG CHEM LTD, LG CHEMICAL LTD, 2020

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) coating method and apparatus for electrodes of secondary batteries that enables in-situ ALD coating on rolled electrode materials without unwinding or rewinding. The method involves preparing a rolled electrode laminate with a porous film, installing it in a sealed chamber, and repeatedly supplying and removing source/purge gases inside the chamber to form a coating layer on the electrode surface. This allows ALD coating directly on rolled electrodes to improve stability and capacity of Li-ion batteries.

18. Method for Forming Metal Oxide and Boron-Containing Coatings on Positive Electrode Using Atomic Layer Deposition

LG CHEM LTD, LG CHEMICAL LTD, 2020

A method to manufacture a positive electrode for lithium secondary batteries that has reduced resistance increase during charging/discharging cycles and prevents side reactions with the electrolyte. The method involves forming a metal oxide coating on the positive electrode mixture layer using atomic layer deposition. The coating contains metal oxides like Ni, Co, and Mn, and also a boron-containing coating on the active material particles. This prevents direct contact between the active material and electrolyte while avoiding lithium trapping. The thin and uniform metal oxide coating prevents excessive resistance increase and side reactions with the electrolyte.

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19. Lithium Ion Battery Anode with Metal Oxide Coating via Atomic Layer Deposition

ENCHUANG POWER EQUIPMENT CO LTD, ENCHUANG POWER EQUIPMENT NANJING CO LTD, 2020

Coating a lithium ion battery anode with a thin, uniform layer of metal oxide using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to improve battery performance. The coating process involves first preparing a lithium ion battery anode using a high-nickel ternary material. Then, the coating is applied using ALD to form a thin, uniform layer on the anode surface. This coating improves cycle stability and capacity stability compared to uncoated anodes. The ALD coating prevents water absorption and lithium residue on the anode surface, which can degrade battery performance.

20. Atomic Layer Deposition Apparatus for Uniform Thin Film Coating on Battery Components

Huazhong University of Science and Technology, HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2020

Improving stability of lithium ion batteries by coating thin films on battery components like anode, cathode, and separator using atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment. The ALD process involves cyclically winding the battery components through a device with multiple rollers and a reaction chamber. Precursor gases are fed into the chamber and heated to initiate thin film deposition at specific speeds. This allows uniform coating of oxide films on large-area battery components using simple, rapid, and controlled ALD processes. The thin oxide coatings improve battery stability and longevity.

21. Atomic Layer Deposition Method for Coating Ternary Cathode Materials with Precursors

22. Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes with Atomic Layer Deposition-Formed Nanocrystalline Coating

23. Electrode-Level Atomic Layer Deposition Coating Method for Lithium Ion Batteries

24. Electrode Material Coating via Atomic Layer Deposition Using Alternating Precursor Exposure

25. Atomic Layer Deposition Coating on Lithium Ion Battery Positive Electrode Active Materials

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