Storedot Ltd.

Hani Farran

Daniel Aronov

Nitzan Shadmi

Sergey Remizov

David Jacob

Doron Burshtain

Leora Shapiro

Boris Brudnik

Eran Sella

Ohad Goldbart

Nir Kedem

Carmit Ophir

Niles A Fleischer

Core-shell particles, composite anode material, anodes made therefrom, lithium ion cells and methods are provided, which enable production of fast charging lithium ion batteries. The composite anode material has core-shell particles which are configured to receive and release lithium ions at their cores and to have shells that are configured to allow for core expansion upon lithiation. The cores of the core-shell particles are connected to the respective shells by conductive material such as carbon fibers, which may form a network throughout the anode material and possibly interconnect cores of many core-shell particles to enhance the electrical conductivity of the anode. Ionic conductive material and possibly mechanical elements may be incorporated in the core-shell particles to enhance ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness toward expansion and contraction of the cores during lithiation and de-lithiation.

Composite anode material made of ionic-conducting electrically insulating material

Methods, anode material particles, mixtures, anodes and lithium-ion batteries are provided, having passivated silicon-based particles that enable processing in oxidizing environments such as water-based slurries. Methods comprise forming a mixture of silicon particles with nanoparticles (NPs) and a carbon-based binders and/or surfactants, wherein the NPs comprise at least one of: metalloid oxide NPs, metalloid salt NPs and carbon NPs, reducing the mixture to yield a reduced mixture comprising coated silicon particles with a coating providing a passivation layer (possibly amorphous), and consolidating the reduced mixture to form an anode. It is suggested that the NPs provide nucleation sites for the passivation layer on the surface of the silicon particles&#x2014;enabling significant anode-formation process simplifications such as using water-based slurries&#x2014;enabled by disclosed methods and anode active material particles.

Passivated silicon-based anode material particles

Electrolytes, anodes, lithium ion cells and methods are provided for preventing lithium metallization in lithium ion batteries to enhance their safety. Electrolytes comprise up to 20% ionic liquid additives which form a mobile solid electrolyte interface during charging of the cell and prevent lithium metallization and electrolyte decomposition on the anode while maintaining the lithium ion mobility at a level which enables fast charging of the batteries. Anodes are typically metalloid-based, for example include silicon, germanium, tin and/or aluminum. A surface layer on the anode bonds, at least some of the ionic liquid additive to form an immobilized layer that provides further protection at the interface between the anode and the electrolyte, prevents metallization of lithium on the former and decomposition of the latter.

Partly immobilized ionic liquid electrolyte additives for lithium ion batteries

Improved anodes and cells are provided, which enable fast charging rates with enhanced safety due to much reduced probability of metallization of lithium on the anode, preventing dendrite growth and related risks of fire or explosion. Anodes and/or electrolytes have buffering zones for partly reducing and gradually introducing lithium ions into the anode for lithiation, to prevent lithium ion accumulation at the anode electrolyte interface and consequent metallization and dendrite growth. Various anode active materials and combinations, modifications through nanoparticles and a range of coatings which implement the improved anodes are provided.

Anode material particles with porous carbon-based shells

Polymer coatings and anode material pre-lithiation

Methods of making anode active materials include milling graphite particles with carbohydrate particles to yield graphite-carbohydrate particles, milling the particles with anode material and carbonizing to form composite anode material particles. The anode active materials thus producted are provided with an at least partially porous carbon-graphite coating with both electronic and ionic conductivity.

Growing community of inventors

Givataim, Israel

Hani Farran