A system for processing a prelithiated electrode is provided. The system includes: a process chamber comprising: a chamber body disposed around an interior volume; a first support shaft in the interior volume, the first support shaft configured to support a first roll of prelithiated electrode; and a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the first roll of prelithiated electrode positioned on the first support shaft; and a cooling source fluidly coupled with the interior volume, the cooling source configured to cool the interior volume.
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system, device and method related to thin film lithium energy storage devices, which typically employ a lithium deposition process. The system is a flexible substrate processing system including a pickup hub, the pickup hub configured to rotate and assist in conveying a flexible substrate through an interior volume of a calendering unit, the calendering unit comprising a first calender roller and a second calender roller, the first calender roller and the second calender roller configured to rotate, apply pressure, and allow the flexible substrate to pass between the first calender roller and the second calender roller. The system further includes a first flexible die, the first flexible die configured to attach to the first calender roller.
B30B 3/04 - Presses characterised by the use of rotary pressing members, e.g. rollers, rings, discs co-operating with one another, e.g. with co-operating cones
B30B 3/00 - Presses characterised by the use of rotary pressing members, e.g. rollers, rings, discs
B30B 11/18 - Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses or tabletting presses using profiled rollers
H01M 4/02 - Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
3.
LITHIUM METAL PASSIVATION TO REDUCE LOCAL TEMPERATURE RISE DURING PRE‑LITHIATION
Described herein are techniques for transferring a film stack from a substrate onto a copper foil to form a substrate, and an apparatus for transferring the same. In one embodiment, a method for transferring a film from a substrate, including depositing a passivation layer over a surface of the film, the passivation layer comprising one or more of a dielectric material, a metal material, and an organic material; and applying a surface of the passivation layer to a surface of an anode.
C23C 8/06 - Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfacesChemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals using gases
C23C 14/00 - Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material
Anode film stacks incorporating a constriction susceptible interlayer or a plating and stripping enhancement layer are provided. The anode film stack enables production of alkali-metal anodes or alkali metal alloy anodes with uniform Li plating and stripping performance, which can be used in an energy storage devices, for example, a battery or a capacitor. Methods and systems for forming the anode film stack are also provided.
H01M 10/0585 - Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only flat construction elements, i.e. flat positive electrodes, flat negative electrodes and flat separators
H01M 4/02 - Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
Anode film stacks incorporating a constriction susceptible interlayer or a plating and stripping enhancement layer are provided. The anode film stack enables production of alkali-metal anodes or alkali metal alloy anodes with uniform Li plating and stripping performance, which can be used in an energy storage devices, for example, a battery or a capacitor. Methods and systems for forming the anode film stack are also provided.
C23C 28/00 - Coating for obtaining at least two superposed coatings either by methods not provided for in a single one of main groups , or by combinations of methods provided for in subclasses and
CALIBRATION ASSEMBLY FOR A LITHIUM DEPOSITION PROCESS, LITHIUM DEPOSITION APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF DETERMINING A LITHIUM DEPOSITION RATE IN A LITHIUM DEPOSITION PROCESS
A calibration assembly for a lithium deposition process is described. The calibration assembly includes a carrier, and a piezoelectric resonator coupled to the carrier. The calibration assembly is configured for being processed in the lithium deposition process. The lithium deposition process includes a passivation. The piezoelectric resonator is configured for being electrically connected to a driver for determining a resonant frequency of the piezoelectric resonator. The resonant frequency is indicative of a thickness of a lithium film deposited on the piezoelectric resonator in the lithium deposition process. A change of the resonant frequency over time is indicative of the passivation of the lithium film.
A material deposition apparatus for depositing an evaporated material onto a substrate is provided. The material deposition apparatus includes a processing drum having a cooler configured to control a substrate temperature during processing of a substrate on the processing drum; a roller guiding the substrate towards the processing drum; a first heater assembly positioned to heat the substrate in a free-span area between the roller and the processing drum; a second heater assembly positioned to heat the substrate while being supported on the processing drum; at least one deposition source provided along a substrate transport path downstream of the second heater assembly; a substrate speed sensor providing a speed signal correlating with a substrate transportation speed; and a controller having an input for the speed signal configured to control at least the first heater assembly.
A vapor deposition apparatus is provided. The vapor deposition apparatus includes a tank for providing a liquefied material, a first unit having an alterable first volume, the first unit including a first actuator and including a first line to be in fluid communication with the tank. Further, the vapor deposition apparatus includes a second unit having an alterable second volume, the second unit including a second actuator and including a second line to be in fluid communication with the tank. The vapor deposition apparatus includes an evaporation arrangement, the evaporation arrangement being in fluid communication with the first unit and the second unit. The first actuator and the second actuator are configured to alternatingly provide a force to the alterable first volume and the alterable second volume for providing the liquefied material to the evaporation arrangement.
G01F 11/28 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement
H01M 4/02 - Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
Methods and systems for transferring an alkali metal film, for example, a lithium film or a sodium film, from a flexible carrier substrate, for example, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate onto a metallic-containing substrate, for example, a copper foil, is provided. The methods and systems utilize atmospheric plasma in combination within a roll-to-roll process to facilitate the transfer of the alkali metal film while etching away residue from a release layer or reaction layer formed during high-temperature deposition of the lithium film. The resulting pristine lithium surface can then be passivated. The methods and systems are especially useful for applications in lithium-ion batteries and other energy storage devices.
An apparatus for transportation of a thin film substrate under vacuum conditions is described. The apparatus for transportation includes a rotatable roller with a substrate facing surface including a first substrate facing surface portion, wherein the substrate facing surface includes one or more gas outlets, wherein the one or more gas outlets are configured for releasing a gas flow and the roller includes a deposition region and at least one non-deposition region. The apparatus further includes a gas distribution for providing the gas flow through the one or more gas outlets into an interspace between the thin film substrate and the first substrate facing surface portion, and a sealing belt conveyor system including one or more sealing belts provided at the at least one non-deposition region.
Metrology systems and processing methods for continuous lithium ion battery (LIB) anode pre-lithiation and solid metal anode protection are provided. In some embodiments, the metrology system integrates at least one complementary non-contact sensor to measure at least one of surface composition, coating thickness, and nanoscale roughness. The metrology system and processing methods can be used to address anode edge quality. The metrology system and methods can facilitate high quality and high yield closed loop anode pre-lithiation and anode protection layer deposition, alloy-type anode pre-lithiation stage control improves LIB coulombic efficiency, and anode coating with pinhole free and electrochemically active protection layers resist dendrite formation.
G01B 7/06 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness for measuring thickness
G01B 11/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring roughness or irregularity of surfaces
G01N 21/84 - Systems specially adapted for particular applications
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
A temperature-controlled shield for an evaporation source is described. The temperature-controlled shield is configured to provide a pre-heating zone or a post-cooling zone.
A method and apparatus for fabricating electrodes used in energy storage devices are provided. In some implementations a surface of the electrode is activated for (a) a pre-treatment process to remove loosely held particles from the electrode surface; (b) a pre-treatment process to activate the surface of the electrode material for improved bonding or wetting for subsequently deposited materials; (c) a post-treatment of the pre-lithiation layer to improve subsequent bonding with additionally deposited layer, for example, passivation layers; and/or (d) a post-treatment of the pre-lithiation layer to improve/accelerate absorption of the lithium into the underlying electrode material.
B05D 3/04 - Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be appliedAfter-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials by exposure to gases
B05D 3/14 - Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be appliedAfter-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials by electrical means
B05D 5/12 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures to obtain a coating with specific electrical properties
H01M 4/1395 - Processes of manufacture of electrodes based on metals, Si or alloys
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
Methods and systems for the production and delivery of lithium metal of high purity are provided herein. In one or more embodiments, method for flowing liquid lithium to a processing chamber is provided and includes flowing liquid lithium from a lithium refill container to a liquid lithium delivery module, where the liquid lithium delivery module is fluidly coupled to the lithium refill container, and flowing the liquid lithium from the liquid lithium delivery module to the processing chamber. The liquid lithium delivery module contains a lithium storage region operable to store liquid lithium and containing a fluid supply line fluidly coupling an outlet port of a liquid lithium storage tank, and a flow meter positioned downstream from the lithium storage region along the fluid supply line and operable to monitor the flow of the liquid lithium through the fluid supply line.
B67D 7/02 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
B65D 88/74 - Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible layer stack, and to a flexible layer stack. Implementations of the present disclosure particularly relate to a method and apparatus for coating flexible substrates with a low melting temperature metal or metal alloy. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes delivering a transfer liquid to a quenching surface of a rotating casting drum. The method further includes forming a material layer stack over the rotating casting drum by delivering a molten metal or molten metal alloy toward the quenching surface of the rotating casting drum. The method further includes transferring the material layer stack from the rotating casting drum to a continuous flexible substrate, wherein the quenching surface of the rotating casting drum is cooled to a temperature at which the layers of the material layer stack solidify.
B22D 11/06 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
B22D 11/00 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
B22D 11/14 - Plants for continuous casting, e.g. for upwardly drawing the strand
Metal electrodes, more specifically lithium-containing anodes, high performance electrochemical devices, such as secondary batteries, including the aforementioned lithium-containing electrodes, and methods for fabricating the same are provided. In one or more embodiments, an anode electrode structure is provided and includes a current collector comprising copper, a lithium metal film formed on the current collector, a copper film formed on the lithium metal film, and a protective film formed on the copper film. The protective film is a lithium-ion conducting film can include lithium-ion conducting ceramic, a lithium-ion conducting glass, or ion conducting liquid crystal.
Methods and systems for the measurement of molten metal and metal alloy levels within a crucible are provided. The system includes a crucible, a probe having an electrode disposed at a lowermost probe position, and a processing system configured to receive a signal from the electrode to evaluate whether the electrode is in contact with the liquid metal. The system can include a plurality of probes, with each probe having an electrode positioned at a different height within the crucible interior. A multi-probe system can inform a system user on molten metal levels at various sectors within the crucible interior.
G01F 23/24 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of resistance of resistors due to contact with conductor fluid
18.
WEB COATING COOLING DRUM WITH TURBULATORS FOR HIGH FLUX METALLIC LITHIUM DEPOSITION
The present disclosure relates to vapor deposition systems and methods. In one embodiment, a drum for vapor deposition is provided. The drum includes a shell having gas slits and a cooling drum. The cooling drum includes an exterior region, an interior region, a first fluid channel partially defined by the exterior region and the interior region, and a first inlet. The first fluid channel forms a helical channel around a central axis of the cooling drum. The first inlet is in fluid communication with a first outlet by the first fluid channel.
An evaporation apparatus is described, particularly for evaporating a reactive material such as lithium. The evaporation apparatus includes an evaporation crucible for evaporating a liquid material, a material conduit for supplying the liquid material to the evaporation crucible, and a valve configured to close the material conduit by solidifying a part of the liquid material in the material conduit with a cooling device. The valve may include a cooling gas supply for a cooling gas, and the cooling device may be configured to cool the liquid material with the cooling gas. Further described are a vapor deposition apparatus for coating a substrate as well as an evaporation method.
In one implementation, an integrated processing tool for the deposition and processing of lithium metal in energy storage devices. The integrated processing tool may be a web tool. The integrated processing tool may comprises a reel-to-reel system for transporting a continuous sheet of material through the following chambers: a chamber for depositing a thin film of lithium metal on the continuous sheet of material and a chamber for depositing a protective film on the surface of the thin film of lithium metal. The chamber for depositing a thin film of lithium metal may include a PVD system, such as an electron-beam evaporator, a thin film transfer system, or a slot-die deposition system. The chamber for depositing a protective film on the lithium metal film may include a chamber for depositing an interleaf film or a chamber for depositing a lithium-ion conducting polymer on the lithium metal film.
H01M 4/36 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
H01M 4/587 - Carbonaceous material, e.g. graphite-intercalation compounds or CFx for inserting or intercalating light metals
H01M 4/62 - Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
H01M 4/13 - Electrodes for accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte, e.g. for lithium-accumulatorsProcesses of manufacture thereof
C23C 14/56 - Apparatus specially adapted for continuous coatingArrangements for maintaining the vacuum, e.g. vacuum locks
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 15/09 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
B32B 15/082 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising vinyl resinsLayered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising acrylic resins
B32B 7/06 - Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
B32B 15/04 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 15/085 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
B32B 15/088 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyamides
A method of manufacturing an anode structure (10) for a lithium battery is described. The method includes a first deposition of lithium on a first flexible support (21) to provide a lithium anode-first sublayer (12-1) with a first lithium surface (31); a second deposition of lithium on a second flexible support (22) to provide a lithium anode-second sublayer (12-2) with a second lithium surface (32); and combining the lithium anode-first sublayer (12-1) and the lithium anode-second sublayer (12-2) by pressing the first lithium surface and the second lithium surface together to form a lithium metal anode layer (12). Further described are a lithium battery layer stack with an anode structure manufactured according to the described method, and a vacuum deposition system for manufacturing an anode structure as described herein.
C23C 16/44 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to battery technology, and more specifically, methods and systems for preparing lithium anodes. In one or more embodiments, a method for producing a lithium intercalated anode includes introducing a sacrificial substrate containing lithium films and an anode substrate containing graphite into a processing region within a chamber. The method also includes combining the sacrificial and anode substrates overlapping one another around a rewinder roller, rotating the rewinder roller to wind the sacrificial and anode substrates together to produce a rolled anode-sacrificial substrate bundle during a winding process. The method also includes heating the sacrificial substrate, the anode substrate, and/or the rolled anode-sacrificial substrate bundle while rotating the rewinder roller and applying a force to the rolled anode-sacrificial substrate bundle via an idle roller during the winding process.
A roll exchange chamber for exchanging a substrate roll is described. The roll exchange chamber includes a rotatable base construction being rotatable around a central axis. The base construction comprises a first roll holder for holding a first substrate roll, a second roll holder for holding a second substrate roll, and a wall for providing a first compartment and a second compartment in the roll exchange chamber. The wall is arranged between the first roll holder and the second roll holder. Further, a roll-to-roll processing system with a roll exchange chamber as well as a method of continuously providing a flexible substrate in a roll-to-roll processing system are described.
The present disclosure generally relate to separators, high performance electrochemical devices, such as, batteries and capacitors, including the aforementioned separators, and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, a separator for a battery is provided. The separator comprises a substrate capable of conducting ions and at least one dielectric layer capable of conducting ions. The at least one dielectric layer at least partially covers the substrate and has a thickness of 1 nanometer to 2,000 nanometers.
H01M 50/451 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material having a layered structure comprising layers of only organic material and layers containing inorganic material
H01M 50/489 - Separators, membranes, diaphragms or spacing elements inside the cells, characterised by their physical properties, e.g. swelling degree, hydrophilicity or shut down properties
A method and apparatus for forming metal electrode structures, more specifically lithium-containing anodes, high performance electrochemical devices, such as primary and secondary electrochemical devices, including the aforementioned lithium-containing electrodes. In one implementation, the method comprises forming a lithium metal film on a current collector. The current collector comprises copper and/or stainless steel. The method further comprises forming a protective film stack on the lithium metal film, comprising forming a first protective film on the lithium metal film. The first protective film is selected from a bismuth chalcogenide film, a copper chalcogenide film, a tin chalcogenide film, a gallium chalcogenide film, a germanium chalcogenide film, an indium chalcogenide film, a silver chalcogenide film, a dielectric film, a lithium fluoride film, or a combination thereof.
Methods and systems for the production and delivery of lithium metal of high purity are provided herein. In one or more embodiments, method for flowing liquid lithium to a processing chamber is provided and includes flowing liquid lithium from a lithium refill container to a liquid lithium delivery module, where the liquid lithium delivery module is fluidly coupled to the lithium refill container, and flowing the liquid lithium from the liquid lithium delivery module to the processing chamber. The liquid lithium delivery module contains a lithium storage region operable to store liquid lithium and containing a fluid supply line fluidly coupling an outlet port of a liquid lithium storage tank, and a flow meter positioned downstream from the lithium storage region along the fluid supply line and operable to monitor the flow of the liquid lithium through the fluid supply line.
B67D 7/02 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
B65D 88/74 - Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
A vacuum chamber for vacuum processing is provided. The vacuum chamber includes at least one device comprising at least one treated surface, the at least one treated surface being provided by ultra-short pulse laser surface treatment. The at least one treated surface is positioned and shaped so as to provide thermal energy to and/or absorb thermal energy from a component, the component being positioned in a relative position to the at least one treated surface.
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to electrode coatings and methods of coating electrodes. In an embodiment, a method of depositing a structure on a lithium ion battery (LIB) anode is provided. The method includes accelerating particles in a working gas through a convergent-divergent nozzle to a process velocity that is from a critical velocity of the particles to an erosion velocity of the LIB anode, the particles comprising a metal and/or a Group III-VI element; heating or cooling the particles in the working gas at a softening temperature; ejecting the particles in the working gas from a nozzle outlet of the convergent-divergent nozzle, the particles ejected at the process velocity, wherein at least a portion of the particles are in solid phase when ejected from the convergent-divergent nozzle; and depositing a first structure on the LIB anode, the first structure comprising the metal and/or the Group III-VI element.
Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to separators, high performance electrochemical devices, such as, batteries and capacitors, including the aforementioned separators, systems and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, a separator is provided. The separator comprises a polymer substrate, capable of conducting ions, having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The separator further comprises a first ceramic-containing layer, capable of conducting ions, formed on the first surface. The first ceramic-containing layer has a thickness in a range from about 1,000 nanometers to about 5,000 nanometers. The separator further comprises a second ceramic-containing layer, capable of conducting ions, formed on the second surface. The second ceramic-containing layer is a binder-free ceramic-containing layer and has a thickness in a range from about 1 nanometer to about 1,000 nanometers.
H01M 50/451 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material having a layered structure comprising layers of only organic material and layers containing inorganic material
H01M 50/489 - Separators, membranes, diaphragms or spacing elements inside the cells, characterised by their physical properties, e.g. swelling degree, hydrophilicity or shut down properties
H01M 50/403 - Manufacturing processes of separators, membranes or diaphragms
H01M 50/409 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material
Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to separators, high performance electrochemical devices, such as, batteries and capacitors, including the aforementioned separators, systems and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, a separator is provided. The separator comprises a polymer substrate, capable of conducting ions, having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The separator further comprises a first ceramic-containing layer, capable of conducting ions, formed on the first surface. The first ceramic-containing layer has a thickness in a range from about 1,000 nanometers to about 5,000 nanometers. The separator further comprises a second ceramic-containing layer, capable of conducting ions, formed on the second surface. The second ceramic-containing layer is a binder-free ceramic-containing layer and has a thickness in a range from about 1 nanometer to about 1,000 nanometers.
H01M 50/451 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material having a layered structure comprising layers of only organic material and layers containing inorganic material
H01M 50/489 - Separators, membranes, diaphragms or spacing elements inside the cells, characterised by their physical properties, e.g. swelling degree, hydrophilicity or shut down properties
H01M 50/403 - Manufacturing processes of separators, membranes or diaphragms
H01M 50/409 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for in-line measurement of alkali metal-containing structures or alkali ion-containing structures of, e.g., electrodes. In an embodiment, a system for processing an electrode is provided. The system includes a first processing chamber for forming an electrode comprising an alkali metal-containing structure. The system further includes a metrology station coupled to and in-line with the first processing chamber, the metrology station comprising: a source of radiation for delivering radiation to the alkali metal-containing structure, and an optical detector for receiving an emission of radiation emitted from the alkali metal-containing structure, and a processor configured to determine a characteristic of the alkali metal-containing structure of the electrode based on the emission of radiation.
G01N 21/63 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
G01N 21/84 - Systems specially adapted for particular applications
32.
PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING A FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE AND METHOD OF MEASURING AT LEAST ONE OF A PROPERTY OF A FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE AND A PROPERTY OF ONE OR MORE COATINGS ON THE FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE
A processing system for processing a flexible substrate is described. The processing system includes a vacuum chamber having a wall with an opening for the flexible substrate, a substrate support for supporting the flexible substrate during transportation of the flexible substrate through the opening, and a measurement assembly for measuring at least one of a property of the flexible substrate and a property of one or more coatings on the flexible substrate. The measurement assembly and the substrate support are attached to the wall.
Methods and apparatuses for processing lithium batteries with a laser source having a wide process window, high efficiency, and low cost are provided. The laser source is adapted to achieve high average power and a high frequency of picosecond pulses. The laser source can produce a line-shaped beam either in a fixed position or in scanning mode. The system can be operated in a dry room or vacuum environment. The system can include a debris removal mechanism, for example, inert gas flow, to the processing site to remove debris produced during the patterning process.
Lithium ion batteries, methods of making the same, and equipment for making the same are provided. In one or more embodiments, an integrated processing system operable to form a pre-lithiated electrode includes a reel-to-reel system operable to transport a continuous sheet of material through processing chambers and a pre-lithiation module defining a processing region and is adapted to process the continuous sheet of material. The pre-lithiation module contains a lithium metal target operable to contact and supplying lithium to the continuous sheet of material, a press coupled with the lithium metal target and operable to move the lithium metal target into contact with the continuous sheet of material, one or more ultrasonic transducers positioned in the processing region and operable to apply ultrasonic energy to the lithium metal target, and one or more heat sources positioned in the processing region and operable to heat the lithium metal target.
Methods for forming anode structures are provided and include transferring a flexible substrate a first deposition chamber arranged downstream from a first spool chamber, the first deposition chamber containing a first coating drum capable of guiding the flexible substrate past a first plurality of deposition units, and guiding the flexible substrate past the first plurality of deposition units while depositing a lithium metal film on the flexible substrate via the first plurality of deposition units. The method also includes transferring the flexible substrate from the first deposition chamber to a second deposition chamber, the second deposition chamber containing a second coating drum capable of guiding the flexible substrate past a second deposition unit containing a crucible capable of depositing ceramic on the lithium metal film, and guiding the flexible substrate past the crucible while depositing a ceramic protective film on the lithium metal film via the evaporation crucible.
A method and apparatus for thermal evaporation are provided. The thermal evaporator includes a flat crucible design, which provides an increased surface area for evaporation of the material to be deposited relative to conventional designs. The increased surface area for evaporation means that the more vapor of the evaporated material can be produced, which increases pressure inside the evaporator body leading to increased flow of the evaporated material out of the nozzles. The flat crucible can be attached to an evaporator body of the thermal evaporator. The flat crucible can be integrated within the evaporator body. The evaporator body can include a plurality of longitudinal grooves, which increase the surface area of the evaporator body. The thermal evaporator can include a plurality of baffles which divide the thermal evaporator into separate compartments.
Metal electrodes, more specifically lithium-containing anodes, high performance electrochemical devices, such as secondary batteries, including the aforementioned lithium-containing electrodes, and methods for fabricating the same are provided. In one or more embodiments, an anode electrode structure is provided and includes a current collector comprising copper, a lithium metal film formed on the current collector, a copper film formed on the lithium metal film, and a protective film formed on the copper film. The protective film is a lithium-ion conducting film can include lithium-ion conducting ceramic, a lithium-ion conducting glass, or ion conducting liquid crystal.
An evaporation system for providing a gas for a reactive deposition process, reactive deposition apparatuses, and methods of reactive deposition are provided. The evaporation system in includes a multi-zone diffuser assembly for single or double-sided continuous roll-to-roll or batch coating of web substrates. The diffuser assembly is sized to accommodate at least a portion of a coating drum. The diffuser assembly includes a plurality of interchangeable solid plates and diffuser plates for delivering an evaporated material toward a web substrate. The diffuser plates are fluidly coupled with an evaporation source.
Implementations described herein generally relate to metal electrodes, more specifically lithium-containing anodes, high performance electrochemical devices, such as secondary batteries, including the aforementioned lithium-containing electrodes, and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, an anode electrode structure is provided. The anode electrode structure comprises a current collector comprising copper. The anode electrode structure further comprises a lithium metal film formed on the current collector. The anode electrode structure further comprises a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film stack formed on the lithium metal film. The SEI film stack comprises a chalcogenide film formed on the lithium metal film. In one implementation, the SEI film stack further comprises a lithium oxide film formed on the chalcogenide film. In one implementation, the SEI film stack further comprises a lithium carbonate film formed on the lithium oxide film.
Methods for etching alkali metal compounds are disclosed. Some embodiments of the disclosure expose an alkali metal compound to an alcohol to form a volatile metal alkoxide. Some embodiments of the disclosure expose an alkali metal compound to a β-diketone to form a volatile alkali metal β-diketonate compound. Some embodiments of the disclosure are performed in-situ after a deposition process. Some embodiments of the disclosure provide methods which selectively etch alkali metal compounds.
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to flexible substrate fabrication. In particular, embodiments described herein relate to methods for flexible substrate fabrication which can be used to improve the life of lithium-ion batteries. In one or more embodiments, a method of fabricating alloy anodes includes forming an alloy anode using a planar flow melt spinning process including solidifying a molten material over a quenching surface of a rotating casting drum and performing a pre-lithiation surface treatment on the alloy anode.
Methods and systems for the delivery of molten metals and metal alloys at a fixed volume are provided. The system includes an evaporation system having a fluid inlet port and a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system includes an ampoule operable to hold a source material. The ampoule includes a fluid outlet port and a gas inlet port. The fluid delivery system further includes a fluid delivery line operable to deliver the source material to the evaporation system. The fluid delivery line includes a first end fluidly coupled with the fluid outlet port and a second end fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet port. The fluid delivery line further includes a first isolation valve disposed along the fluid delivery line and a second isolation valve disposed along the fluid delivery line which define a fixed volume of the fluid delivery line.
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to flexible substrate fabrication. In particular, embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and methods for flexible substrate fabrication using nip rollers to improve tension uniformity. In one embodiment, a roller assembly includes a primary roller for transporting a flexible substrate, wherein the primary roller has a first end and a second end, wherein the flexible substrate has a coating disposed hereon, and wherein one or more edge regions are not covered by the coating. The roller assembly further includes a first nip roller disposed at the first end of the primary roller that contacts a first edge region of the one or more edge regions, and a second nip roller disposed at the second end of the primary roller that contacts a second edge region of the one or more edge regions.
A roller for transporting a flexible substrate is described. The roller includes a first coolant supply for cooling a first part of the roller and a second coolant supply for cooling a second part and a third part of the roller. The first part is provided between the second part and the third part. Additionally, a vacuum processing apparatus including a roller and a method of cooling a roller are described.
C23C 14/56 - Apparatus specially adapted for continuous coatingArrangements for maintaining the vacuum, e.g. vacuum locks
C23C 16/458 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating characterised by the method used for supporting substrates in the reaction chamber
C23C 16/46 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating characterised by the method used for heating the substrate
45.
ROLLER FOR TRANSPORTING A FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE, VACUUM PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND METHODS THEREFOR
A roller for transporting a flexible substrate is described. The roller includes a main body having a plurality of gas supply slits provided in an outer surface of the main body. The plurality of gas supply slits extends in a direction of a central rotation axis of the roller. Further, the roller includes a sleeve provided circumferentially around and in contact with the main body. The sleeve has a plurality of gas outlets extending in a radial direction (R) and being provided above the plurality of gas supply slits.
A roller for transporting a flexible substrate is described. The roller includes a main body having a plurality of gas supply slits provided in an outer surface of the main body. The plurality of gas supply slits extends in a direction of a central rotation axis of the roller. Further, the roller includes a sleeve provided circumferentially around and in contact with the main body. The sleeve has a plurality of gas outlets being provided above the plurality of gas supply slits. Further, the sleeve includes a metal layer embedded within isolating material.
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for transporting a web through a web processing apparatus. In one aspect, a web tension adjustment unit for guiding a web. The web tension adjustment unit includes a first guide roller. The first guide roller includes an adjustment unit. The web tension adjustment unit further includes one or more first non-contact sensors positioned to measure displacement data of the web at a first location. The web tension adjustment unit further includes a system controller for controlling the adjustment unit based on the measured displacement data.
B65H 23/188 - Registering, tensioning, smoothing, or guiding webs longitudinally by controlling or regulating the web-advancing mechanism, e.g. mechanism acting on the running web in connection with running-web
B65H 23/038 - Controlling transverse register of web by rollers
A material deposition apparatus for depositing an evaporated material onto a substrate is provided. The material deposition apparatus includes a processing drum having a cooler configured to control a substrate temperature during processing of a substrate on the processing drum; a roller guiding the substrate towards the processing drum; a first heater assembly positioned to heat the substrate in a free-span area between the roller and the processing drum; a second heater assembly positioned to heat the substrate while being supported on the processing drum; at least one deposition source provided along a substrate transport path downstream of the second heater assembly; a substrate speed sensor providing a speed signal correlating with a substrate transportation speed; and a controller having an input for the speed signal configured to control at least the first heater assembly.
Polyimide binders and their polyamic precursors to be used for forming electrode structures are provided. The designed polyamic binder precursors are water-soluble, and the resulting polyimide binders are mechanically strong, electrochemically and thermally stable. The properties of polyimide binders have led to significant improvement in electrode compatibility towards new manufactural processes.
A method, system, and evaporation source for reactive deposition is provided. The system includes a deposition surface operable for depositing a material onto a substrate provided on the deposition surface. The system further includes an evaporation source positioned for depositing the material onto the substrate. The evaporation source includes a crucible. The crucible includes a base and at least one sidewall extending upward from the base and defining an interior region of the crucible. The evaporation source further includes a cooling mechanism. The cooling mechanism includes a cylindrical cooling jacket surrounding an outer surface of the at least one sidewall while leaving a bottom surface of the base exposed, wherein a cooling gap is defined between the outer surface of the at least one sidewall of the crucible and an inner surface of a sidewall of the cylindrical cooling jacket.
A method and apparatus for fabricating electrodes used in energy storage devices are provided. In some implementations a surface of the electrode is activated for (a) a pre-treatment process to remove loosely held particles from the electrode surface; (b) a pre-treatment process to activate the surface of the electrode material for improved bonding or wetting for subsequently deposited materials; (c) a post-treatment of the pre-lithiation layer to improve subsequent bonding with additionally deposited layer, for example, passivation layers; and/or (d) a post-treatment of the pre-lithiation layer to improve/accelerate absorption of the lithium into the underlying electrode material.
H01M 4/1395 - Processes of manufacture of electrodes based on metals, Si or alloys
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
B05D 3/04 - Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be appliedAfter-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials by exposure to gases
B05D 3/14 - Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be appliedAfter-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials by electrical means
B05D 5/12 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures to obtain a coating with specific electrical properties
53.
Apparatus for providing a liquefied material, dosage system and method for dosing a liquefied material
A vapor deposition apparatus is provided. The vapor deposition apparatus includes a tank for providing a liquefied material, a first unit having an alterable first volume, the first unit including a first actuator and including a first line to be in fluid communication with the tank. Further, the vapor deposition apparatus includes a second unit having an alterable second volume, the second unit including a second actuator and including a second line to be in fluid communication with the tank. The vapor deposition apparatus includes an evaporation arrangement, the evaporation arrangement being in fluid communication with the first unit and the second unit. The first actuator and the second actuator are configured to alternatingly provide a force to the alterable first volume and the alterable second volume for providing the liquefied material to the evaporation arrangement.
G01F 11/28 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement
Metrology systems and processing methods for continuous lithium ion battery (LIB) anode pre-lithiation and solid metal anode protection are provided. In some embodiments, the metrology system integrates at least one complementary non-contact sensor to measure at least one of surface composition, coating thickness, and nanoscale roughness. The metrology system and processing methods can be used to address anode edge quality. The metrology system and methods can facilitate high quality and high yield closed loop anode pre-lithiation and anode protection layer deposition, alloy-type anode pre-lithiation stage control improves LIB coulombic efficiency, and anode coating with pinhole free and electrochemically active protection layers resist dendrite formation.
G01B 7/06 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness for measuring thickness
G01B 11/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring roughness or irregularity of surfaces
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
A method of manufacturing an anode structure (10) for a lithium battery is described. The method includes a first deposition of lithium on a first flexible support (21) to provide a lithium anode-first sublayer (12-1) with a first lithium surface (31); a second deposition of lithium on a second flexible support (22) to provide a lithium anode-second sublayer (12-2) with a second lithium surface (32); and combining the lithium anode-first sublayer (12-1) and the lithium anode-second sublayer (12-2) by pressing the first lithium surface and the second lithium surface together to form a lithium metal anode layer (12). Further described are a lithium battery layer stack with an anode structure manufactured according to the described method, and a vacuum deposition system for manufacturing an anode structure as described herein.
C23C 16/44 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating
Exemplary processing methods may include translating a lithium film beneath a first showerhead. The methods may include introducing an oxidizer gas through the first showerhead onto the lithium film. The methods may include forming an oxide monolayer on the lithium film. The oxide monolayer may be or include the oxidizer gas adsorbed on the lithium film. The methods may include translating the lithium film beneath a second showerhead after forming the oxide monolayer. The methods may include introducing a carbon source gas through the first showerhead onto the lithium film. The methods may also include converting the oxide monolayer into a carbonate passivation layer through reaction of the oxide monolayer with the carbon source gas.
C23C 16/455 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating characterised by the method used for introducing gases into the reaction chamber or for modifying gas flows in the reaction chamber
C23C 16/50 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating using electric discharges
A method and system for forming lithium anode devices are provided. In one embodiment, the methods and systems form pre-lithiated Group-IV alloy-type nanoparticles (NP's), for example, Li—Z where Z is Ge, Si, or Sn. In another embodiment, the methods and systems synthesize Group-IV nanoparticles and alloy the Group-IV nanoparticles with lithium. The Group-IV nanoparticles can be made on demand and premixed with anode materials or coated on anode materials. In yet another embodiment, the methods and systems form lithium metal-free silver carbon (“Ag—C”) nanocomposites (NC's). In yet another embodiment, a method utilizing silver (PVD) and carbon (PECVD) co-deposition to make anode coatings that can regulate lithium nucleation energy to minimize dendrite formation is provided.
Exemplary methods of removing lithium-containing deposits may include heating a surface of a lithium-containing deposit. The surface may include oxygen or nitrogen, and the lithium-containing deposit may be disposed on a surface of a processing chamber. The methods may include contacting the surface of the lithium-containing deposit with a hydrogen-containing precursor. The contacting may hydrogenate the surface of the lithium-containing deposit. The methods may include contacting the lithium-containing deposit with a nitrogen-containing precursor to form volatile byproducts. The methods may include exhausting the volatile byproducts of the lithium-containing deposit from the processing chamber.
C23C 16/44 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for coating flexible substrates are provided. A coating system includes an unwinding module housing a feed reel capable of providing a continuous sheet of flexible material, a winding module housing a take-up reel capable of storing the continuous sheet of flexible material, and a processing module arranged downstream from the unwinding module. The processing module includes a plurality of sub-chambers arranged in sequence, each configured to perform one or more processing operations to the continuous sheet of flexible material. The processing module includes a coating drum capable of guiding the continuous sheet of flexible material past the plurality of sub-chambers along a travel direction. The sub-chambers are radially disposed about the coating drum and at least one of the sub-chambers includes a deposition module. The deposition module includes a pair of electron beam sources positioned side-by-side along a transverse direction perpendicular to the travel direction.
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible layer stack, and to a flexible layer stack. Implementations of the present disclosure particularly relate to a method and apparatus for coating flexible substrates with a low melting temperature metal or metal alloy. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes delivering a transfer liquid to a quenching surface of a rotating casting drum. The method further includes forming a material layer stack over the rotating casting drum by delivering a molten metal or molten metal alloy toward the quenching surface of the rotating casting drum. The method further includes transferring the material layer stack from the rotating casting drum to a continuous flexible substrate, wherein the quenching surface of the rotating casting drum is cooled to a temperature at which the layers of the material layer stack solidify.
B22D 11/06 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
B22D 11/00 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
B22D 11/14 - Plants for continuous casting, e.g. for upwardly drawing the strand
A device for sealing a vacuum chamber is described, the vacuum chamber providing a first volume. The device includes an intermediate volume providing a fluid communication between the first volume and a second volume, a first seal for sealing a first conduit associated with the first volume and sealing the first volume from the intermediate volume, a second seal for sealing a second conduit associated with the second volume and sealing the second volume from the intermediate volume, and a third conduit providing a first fluid path to the intermediate volume.
Methods and systems for the production and delivery of lithium metal of high purity are provided herein. In one or more embodiments, a liquid lithium delivery system contains a liquid lithium delivery module fluidly coupled to a lithium refill container. The liquid lithium delivery module contains a lithium storage region operable to store liquid lithium and containing a fluid supply line fluidly coupling an outlet port of a liquid lithium storage tank, and a flow meter positioned downstream from the lithium storage region along the fluid supply line and operable to monitor the flow of the liquid lithium through the fluid supply line.
B67D 7/02 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
B65D 88/74 - Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible layer stack, and to a flexible layer stack. Implementations of the present disclosure particularly relate to a method and apparatus for coating flexible substrates with a low melting temperature metal or metal alloy. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes delivering a transfer liquid to a quenching surface of a rotating casting drum. The method further includes forming a material layer stack over the rotating casting drum by delivering a molten metal or molten metal alloy toward the quenching surface of the rotating casting drum. The method further includes transferring the material layer stack from the rotating casting drum to a continuous flexible substrate, wherein the quenching surface of the rotating casting drum is cooled to a temperature at which the layers of the material layer stack solidify.
B22D 11/06 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
B22D 11/00 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
B22D 11/14 - Plants for continuous casting, e.g. for upwardly drawing the strand
One or more heating assemblies for a material deposition apparatus for pre-heating a substrate before entering a material deposition area and/or for post-heating the substrate after exiting the material deposition area are described.
A method and system for fabricating a pre-lithiated electrode structure are provided. The method includes supplying a first continuous web substrate from an unwinder roller to a winder roller. The first continuous web substrate includes a layer of lithium metal. The method further includes supplying a second continuous web substrate comprising a layer of patterned anode material adjacent to the first continuous web substrate. The first continuous web substrate and the second continuous web substrate are wound together on the unwinder roller, wherein a surface of the layer of anode material contacts a surface of the layer of lithium metal. Pressure is applied to the first continuous web substrate and the second continuous web substrate to pre-lithiate the patterned anode material, wherein applying pressure comprises tensioning at least one of the unwinder roller and the winder roller.
A method of coating a flexible substrate in a roll-to-roll deposition system is described. The method includes unwinding the flexible substrate from an unwinding roll, the flexible substrate having a first coating on a first main side thereof; measuring a lateral positioning of the first coating while guiding the flexible substrate to a coating drum; adjusting a lateral position of the flexible substrate on the coating drum depending on the measured lateral positioning of the first coating; and depositing a second coating on the flexible substrate, particularly on a second main side of the flexible substrate opposite the first main side. Further described is a vacuum deposition apparatus for conducting the methods described herein.
B05D 1/00 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials
B05D 1/32 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials using means for protecting parts of a surface not to be coated, e.g. using stencils, resists
C23C 14/04 - Coating on selected surface areas, e.g. using masks
A temperature-controlled shield for an evaporation source is described. The temperature-controlled shield is configured to provide a pre-heating zone or a post-cooling zone.
A crucible for flash evaporation of a liquid material is described. The crucible includes one or more sidewalls and a reservoir portion below the one or more sidewalls, the reservoir portion of having a first cross-section of a first size and a second cross-section above the first cross-section of a second size, the second size being larger than the first size.
A vapor deposition apparatus is described. The vapor deposition apparatus includes a substrate support for supporting a substrate to be coated; a vapor source with a plurality of nozzles for directing vapor toward the substrate support through a vapor propagation volume; and a heatable shield extending from the vapor source toward the substrate support. The heatable shield surrounds the vapor propagation volume at least partially and includes an edge exclusion portion for masking areas of the substrate not to be coated. The substrate support may be a rotatable drum with a curved drum surface, and the vapor deposition apparatus may be configured to move the substrate on the curved drum surface past the vapor source in a circumferential direction.
Separators, high performance electrochemical devices, such as, batteries and capacitors, including the aforementioned separators, systems and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, a separator is provided. The separator comprises a polymer substrate (131), capable of conducting ions, having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The separator further comprises a first ceramic-containing layer (136), capable of conducting ions, formed on the first surface. The first ceramic-containing layer (136) has a thickness in arrange from about 1,000 nanometers to about 5000 nanometers. The separator further comprises a second ceramic-containing layer (138), capable of conducting ions, formed on the second surface. The second ceramic-containing layer (138) is a binder-free ceramic-containing layer and has a thickness in arrange from about 1 nanometer to about 1,000 nanometers.
H01M 50/451 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material having a layered structure comprising layers of only organic material and layers containing inorganic material
H01M 50/489 - Separators, membranes, diaphragms or spacing elements inside the cells, characterised by their physical properties, e.g. swelling degree, hydrophilicity or shut down properties
H01M 50/403 - Manufacturing processes of separators, membranes or diaphragms
71.
Diffusion barrier films enabling the stability of lithium
Lithium-containing anodes, high performance electrochemical devices, such as secondary batteries, including the aforementioned lithium-containing electrodes, and methods for fabricating the same are provided. In one implementation, an anode electrode is provided. The anode electrode comprises a first diffusion barrier layer formed on a copper foil. The first diffusion barrier layer comprises titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (H), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), or combinations thereof. The anode electrode further comprises a wetting layer formed on the first diffusion barrier layer. The wetting layer is selected from silicon (Si), tin (Sn), aluminum (Al), germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb), lead (Pb), bismuth (Bi), gallium (Ga), indium (In), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), magnesium (Mg), oxides thereof, nitrides thereof, or combinations thereof. The anode electrode further comprises a lithium metal layer formed on the wetting layer.
C23C 14/56 - Apparatus specially adapted for continuous coatingArrangements for maintaining the vacuum, e.g. vacuum locks
C23C 28/00 - Coating for obtaining at least two superposed coatings either by methods not provided for in a single one of main groups , or by combinations of methods provided for in subclasses and
Implementations described herein generally relate to metal electrodes, more specifically lithium-containing anodes, high performance electrochemical devices, such as secondary batteries, including the aforementioned lithium-containing electrodes, and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, an anode electrode structure is provided. The anode electrode structure comprises a current collector comprising copper. The anode electrode structure further comprises a lithium metal film formed on the current collector. The anode electrode structure further comprises a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film stack formed on the lithium metal film. The SEI film stack comprises a chalcogenide film formed on the lithium metal film. In one implementation, the SEI film stack further comprises a lithium oxide film formed on the chalcogenide film. In one implementation, the SEI film stack further comprises a lithium carbonate film formed on the lithium oxide film.
In one implementation, an integrated processing tool for the deposition and processing of lithium metal in energy storage devices. The integrated processing tool may be a web tool. The integrated processing tool may comprises a reel-to-reel system for transporting a continuous sheet of material through the following chambers: a chamber for depositing a thin film of lithium metal on the continuous sheet of material and a chamber for depositing a protective film on the surface of the thin film of lithium metal. The chamber for depositing a thin film of lithium metal may include a PVD system, such as an electron-beam evaporator, a thin film transfer system, or a slot-die deposition system. The chamber for depositing a protective film on the lithium metal film may include a chamber for depositing an interleaf film or a chamber for depositing a lithium-ion conducting polymer on the lithium metal film.
H01M 4/36 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
H01M 4/587 - Carbonaceous material, e.g. graphite-intercalation compounds or CFx for inserting or intercalating light metals
H01M 4/62 - Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
H01M 4/13 - Electrodes for accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte, e.g. for lithium-accumulatorsProcesses of manufacture thereof
C23C 14/56 - Apparatus specially adapted for continuous coatingArrangements for maintaining the vacuum, e.g. vacuum locks
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 15/09 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
B32B 15/082 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising vinyl resinsLayered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising acrylic resins
B32B 7/06 - Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
B32B 15/04 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 15/085 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
B32B 15/088 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyamides
Methods and apparatus for transporting a flexible substrate are provided. In one embodiment, an air turn is disclosed that includes a body, a porous cover disposed about a circumference of the body, and two seals. Each of the two seals are positioned about the circumference of the body and spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the body to define a central zone bounded by a second zone and by a third zone. The second zone and third zone are each positioned outside of a respective seal. The body includes a first opening formed along a longitudinal axis of the body, and a plurality of second openings formed in the body at a position other than along the longitudinal axis.
B65H 20/14 - Advancing webs by direct action on web of moving fluid
F16C 32/06 - Bearings not otherwise provided for with moving member supported by a fluid cushion formed, at least to a large extent, otherwise than by movement of the shaft, e.g. hydrostatic air-cushion bearings
B65H 27/00 - Special constructions, e.g. surface features, of feed or guide rollers for webs
75.
Deposition of reactive metals with protection layer for high volume manufacturing
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible layer stack, and to a flexible layer stack. Implementations of the present disclosure particularly relate to a method and apparatus for coating flexible substrates with a low melting temperature metal or metal alloy. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes delivering a transfer liquid to a quenching surface of a rotating casting drum. The method further includes forming a material layer stack over the rotating casting drum by delivering a molten metal or molten metal alloy toward the quenching surface of the rotating casting drum. The method further includes transferring the material layer stack from the rotating casting drum to a continuous flexible substrate, wherein the quenching surface of the rotating casting drum is cooled to a temperature at which the layers of the material layer stack solidify.
B22D 11/06 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
B22D 11/00 - Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
B22D 11/14 - Plants for continuous casting, e.g. for upwardly drawing the strand
Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to separators, high performance electrochemical devices, such as, batteries and capacitors, including the aforementioned separators, and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, a method of forming a separator for a battery is provided. The method comprises exposing a metallic material to be deposited on a surface of an electrode structure positioned in a processing region to an evaporation process. The method further comprises flowing a reactive gas into the processing region. The method further comprises reacting the reactive gas and the evaporated metallic material to deposit a ceramic separator layer on the surface of the electrode structure.
H01G 11/84 - Processes for the manufacture of hybrid or EDL capacitors, or components thereof
C23C 14/00 - Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material
H01M 10/0585 - Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only flat construction elements, i.e. flat positive electrodes, flat negative electrodes and flat separators
A method and apparatus for forming metal electrode structures, more specifically lithium-containing anodes, high performance electrochemical devices, such as primary and secondary electrochemical devices, including the aforementioned lithium-containing electrodes. In one implementation, the method comprises forming a lithium metal film on a current collector. The current collector comprises copper and/or stainless steel. The method further comprises forming a protective film stack on the lithium metal film, comprising forming a first protective film on the lithium metal film. The first protective film is selected from a bismuth chalcogenide film, a copper chalcogenide film, a tin chalcogenide film, a gallium chalcogenide film, a germanium chalcogenide film, an indium chalcogenide film, a silver chalcogenide film, a dielectric film, a lithium fluoride film, or a combination thereof.
A method and apparatus for continuous web processing systems for pre-lithiating Li-ion battery substrates is provided. The modular processing system comprises a common transfer chamber body defining a transfer volume. The system further comprises a first vertical chamber body defining a first processing volume and positioned on the common transfer chamber body. The transfer volume is in fluid communication with the first processing volume. The system further comprises a second vertical chamber body defining a second processing volume and positioned on the common transfer chamber body. The transfer volume is in fluid communication with the second processing volume. The system further comprises a reel-to-reel system operable to transport a continuous flexible substrate having an electrode structure formed thereon. The continuous flexible substrate extends from the transfer volume, through the first processing volume, returning to the transfer volume, through the second processing volume, and returning to the transfer volume.
B65H 75/34 - Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
H01M 10/0525 - Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodesLithium-ion batteries
H01M 4/134 - Electrodes based on metals, Si or alloys
H01M 4/133 - Electrodes based on carbonaceous material, e.g. graphite-intercalation compounds or CFx
H01M 4/1393 - Processes of manufacture of electrodes based on carbonaceous material, e.g. graphite-intercalation compounds or CFx
H01M 4/1395 - Processes of manufacture of electrodes based on metals, Si or alloys
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to solid state battery structures, such as Li-ion batteries, methods of fabrication and tools for fabricating the batteries. One or more electrodes and the separator may each be cast using a green tape approach wherein a mixture of active material, conductive additive, polymer binder and/or solid electrolyte are molded or extruded in a roll to roll or segmented sheet/disk process to make green tape, green disks or green sheets. A method of fabricating a solid state battery may include: preparing and/or providing a green sheet of positive electrode material; preparing and/or providing a green sheet of separator material; laminating together the green sheet of positive electrode material and the green sheet of separator material to form a laminated green stack; and sintering the laminated green stack to form a sintered stack comprising a positive electrode and a separator.
B29C 65/02 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
C04B 35/01 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their compositionCeramic compositionsProcessing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on oxides
C04B 35/52 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their compositionCeramic compositionsProcessing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on non-oxides based on carbon, e.g. graphite
C04B 37/00 - Joining burned ceramic articles with other burned ceramic articles or other articles by heating
H01M 10/04 - Construction or manufacture in general
H01M 10/054 - Accumulators with insertion or intercalation of metals other than lithium, e.g. with magnesium or aluminium
H01M 10/0585 - Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only flat construction elements, i.e. flat positive electrodes, flat negative electrodes and flat separators
H01M 10/14 - Assembling a group of electrodes or separators
An apparatus for direct liquid injection (DLI) of chemical precursors into a processing chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a vaporizer assembly having an injection valve for receiving a liquid reactant, vaporizing the liquid reactant, and delivering the vaporized liquid reactant. The injection valve includes a valve body encompassing an interior region therein, a gas inlet port, a liquid inlet port, and a vapor outlet port all in fluid communication with the interior region. The vaporizer assembly further includes a first inlet line having a first end fluidly coupled with the liquid inlet port and a second end to be connected to a liquid source. The vaporizer assembly further includes a second inlet line with a first end fluidly coupled with the gas inlet port, a second end fluidly coupled with a carrier gas source, and a heater positioned between the first end and the second end.
C23C 16/455 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating characterised by the method used for introducing gases into the reaction chamber or for modifying gas flows in the reaction chamber
C23C 16/448 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating characterised by the method used for generating reactive gas streams, e.g. by evaporation or sublimation of precursor materials
C23C 16/50 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating using electric discharges
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure generally relates to battery anode structures with dielectric coating and methods of forming the same. In one implementation, a method of forming an anode structure is provided and includes exposing a material to be deposited on an anode positioned in a processing region to an evaporation process; flowing a reactive gas into the processing region; and reacting the reactive gas and the evaporated material to deposit a porous dielectric layer on at least a portion of the anode and form the anode structure. In another implementation, an anode electrode structure is provided and includes an anode containing at least one of lithium metal, lithium-alloy, or a mixture of lithium metal and lithium alloy; and at least one dielectric layer capable of conducting ions, wherein the at least one dielectric layer at least partially covers an anode surface and has a thickness of 1 to 2,000 nanometers.
H01M 50/451 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material having a layered structure comprising layers of only organic material and layers containing inorganic material
H01M 50/489 - Separators, membranes, diaphragms or spacing elements inside the cells, characterised by their physical properties, e.g. swelling degree, hydrophilicity or shut down properties
Methods and systems for the production and delivery of lithium metal of high purity are provided. More particularly, methods and systems for lithium metal purification, delivery and deposition are provided. In at least one aspect, a liquid lithium delivery system is provided. The liquid lithium delivery system comprises a liquid lithium delivery module. The liquid lithium delivery system comprises a lithium storage region operable to store the liquid lithium, a pumping region operable to move liquid lithium through the lithium delivery, and a flow control region. The pumping region comprises an electromagnetic pump operable to move the liquid lithium using electromagnetism. The flow control region operable to control the flow of liquid lithium, comprising one or more valves operable to control the flow of the liquid lithium, wherein the pumping region is positioned downstream from the lithium storage region and upstream from the flow control region.
B67D 7/02 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
Lithium ion batteries, methods of making the same, and equipment for making the same are provided. In one implementation, a method of fabricating a pre-lithiated electrode is provided. The method comprises disposing a lithium metal target comprising a layer of lithium metal adjacent to a surface of a prefabricated electrode. The method further comprises heating at least one of the lithium metal target and the prefabricated electrode to a temperature less than or equal to 180 degrees Celsius. The method further comprises compressing the lithium metal target and the prefabricated electrode together while applying ultrasound to the lithium metal target to transfer a quantity of lithium from the lithium metal target to the prefabricated electrode.
Implementations described herein generally relate to low melting temperature metal or alloy metal deposition and processing. More particularly, the implementations described herein relate to methods and systems for low melting temperature metal or alloy metal deposition and processing for printed electronics and electrochemical devices. In yet another implementation, a method is provided. The method comprises exposing a molten metal source to a purification process to remove unwanted quantities of contaminants, delivering the filtered molten metal to a three dimensional printing device, and forming a metal film on a substrate by printing the filtered molten metal on the substrate. The purification process comprises delivering the molten metal to a filter assembly, wherein the filter assembly includes at least one of: a skimmer device, a metal mesh filter, and a foam filter, and filtering the molten metal through the filter assembly.
The present invention relates generally to electrochemical energy storage devices such as Li-ion batteries, and more particularly to a method of providing uniform ceramic coatings with controlled thicknesses for separators in such storage devices. Some embodiments of the invention utilize a layer by layer coating of nano/micro-sized particles dispersed in a solvent, which can be aqueous or non-aqueous. Other embodiments of the invention utilize a dry process such as PVD for depositing a ceramic film on a porous polyolefin separator. According to certain aspects of the invention, advantages of this approach include the ability to achieve a denser more uniform film with better controlled thickness with less waste and higher yield than current ceramic coating technology. An advantage of a ceramic coated separator is increased safety of cells.
Implementations described herein generally relate to metal electrodes, more specifically lithium-containing anodes, high performance electrochemical devices, such as secondary batteries, including the aforementioned lithium-containing electrodes, and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, an anode electrode structure is provided. The anode electrode structure comprises a current collector comprising copper. The anode electrode structure further comprises a lithium metal film formed on the current collector. The anode electrode structure further comprises a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film stack formed on the lithium metal film. The SEI film stack comprises a chalcogenide film formed on the lithium metal film. In one implementation, the SEI film stack further comprises a lithium oxide film formed on the chalcogenide film. In one implementation, the SEI film stack further comprises a lithium carbonate film formed on the lithium oxide film.
Metal electrodes, more specifically lithium-containing anodes, high performance electrochemical devices, such as secondary batteries, including the aforementioned lithium-containing electrodes, and methods for fabricating the same are provided. In one implementation, an anode electrode structure is provided. The anode electrode structure comprises a current collector comprising copper, a lithium metal film formed on the current collector, a copper film formed on the lithium metal film, and a protective film formed on the copper film. The protective film is a lithium-ion conducting film selected from the group comprising lithium-ion conducting ceramic, a lithium-ion conducting glass, or ion conducting liquid crystal.
A depositing arrangement for evaporation of a material is disclosed herein. The depositing arrangement has an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal for deposition of the material on a substrate. The deposition arrangement has a first chamber configured for liquefying the material; a valve being in fluid communication with the first chamber, and being downstream of the first chamber, wherein the valve is configured for control of the flow rate of the liquefied material through the valve. The deposition arrangement has an evaporation zone being in fluid communication with the valve, and being downstream of the valve, wherein the evaporation zone is configured for vaporizing the liquefied material; a heating unit to heat the material to higher temperatures before providing the liquid material in the evaporation zone; and one or more outlets for directing the vaporized material towards the substrate.
C23C 16/448 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating characterised by the method used for generating reactive gas streams, e.g. by evaporation or sublimation of precursor materials
C23C 16/06 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the deposition of metallic material
C23C 16/455 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating characterised by the method used for introducing gases into the reaction chamber or for modifying gas flows in the reaction chamber
C23C 16/52 - Controlling or regulating the coating process
Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to separators, high performance electrochemical devices, such as, batteries and capacitors, including the aforementioned separators, and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, a method of forming a separator for a battery is provided. The method comprises exposing a metallic material to be deposited on a surface of an electrode structure positioned in a processing region to an evaporation process. The method further comprises flowing a reactive gas into the processing region. The method further comprises reacting the reactive gas and the evaporated metallic material to deposit a ceramic separator layer on the surface of the electrode structure.
H01G 11/84 - Processes for the manufacture of hybrid or EDL capacitors, or components thereof
C23C 14/00 - Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material
H01M 10/0585 - Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only flat construction elements, i.e. flat positive electrodes, flat negative electrodes and flat separators
A simple solution processing method is developed to achieve uniform and scalable stabilized lithium metal powder coating on Li-ion negative electrode. A solvent and binder system for stabilized lithium metal powder coating is developed, including the selection of solvent, polymer binder and enhancement of polymer concentration. The enhanced binder solution is 1% concentration of polymer binder in xylene, and the polymer binder is chosen as the mixture of poly(styrene-co-butadiene) rubber (SBR) and polystyrene (PS). Long-sustained, uniformly dispersed stabilized lithium metal powder suspension can be achieved with the enhanced binder solution. A uniform stabilized lithium metal powder coating can be achieved with simple doctor blade coating method and the resulting stabilized lithium metal powder coating can firmly glued on the anode surface. With the prelithiation of negative electrode by stabilized lithium metal powder, improvements in electrochemical performances are demonstrated in both graphite/NMC and SiO/NMC full-cell.
In one implementation, an integrated processing tool for the deposition and processing of lithium metal in energy storage devices. The integrated processing tool may be a web tool. The integrated processing tool may comprises a reel-to-reel system for transporting a continuous sheet of material through the following chambers: a chamber for depositing a thin film of lithium metal on the continuous sheet of material and a chamber for depositing a protective film on the surface of the thin film of lithium metal. The chamber for depositing a thin film of lithium metal may include a PVD system, such as an electron-beam evaporator, a thin film transfer system, or a slot-die deposition system. The chamber for depositing a protective film on the lithium metal film may include a chamber for depositing an interleaf film or a chamber for depositing a lithium-ion conducting polymer on the lithium metal film.
H01M 4/36 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
H01M 4/587 - Carbonaceous material, e.g. graphite-intercalation compounds or CFx for inserting or intercalating light metals
H01M 4/62 - Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
H01M 4/13 - Electrodes for accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte, e.g. for lithium-accumulatorsProcesses of manufacture thereof
C23C 14/56 - Apparatus specially adapted for continuous coatingArrangements for maintaining the vacuum, e.g. vacuum locks
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 15/09 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
B32B 15/082 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising vinyl resinsLayered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising acrylic resins
B32B 7/06 - Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
B32B 15/04 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 15/085 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
B32B 15/088 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyamides
Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to separators, high performance electrochemical devices, such as, batteries and capacitors, including the aforementioned separators, and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, a separator for a battery is provided. The separator comprises a substrate capable of conducting ions and at least one dielectric layer capable of conducting ions. The at least one dielectric layer at least partially covers the substrate and has a thickness of 1 nanometer to 2,000 nanometers.
A lithium ion battery may comprise a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator coated with a thin film of lithium metal, the thickness of the lithium being less than or equal to a thickness sufficient to compensate for the irreversible loss of lithium during the first cycle of the battery. Furthermore, there may be a ceramic layer on the separator between the separator and the lithium metal thin film. Yet furthermore, there may be a barrier layer between the ceramic layer and the lithium metal thin film, wherein the barrier layer blocks Li dendrite formation. Furthermore, the separator may have pores which may be filled with one or more of a lithium ion-conducting polymer, a binder soluble in a liquid electrolyte, and a lithium ion-conducting ceramic material. Methods of, and equipment for, fabricating such battery separators and also for fabricating components for lithium metal based batteries are described.
H01M 2/16 - Separators; Membranes; Diaphragms; Spacing elements characterised by the material
H01M 2/14 - Separators; Membranes; Diaphragms; Spacing elements
H01M 10/0585 - Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only flat construction elements, i.e. flat positive electrodes, flat negative electrodes and flat separators
H01M 10/0525 - Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodesLithium-ion batteries
Approaches herein provide a device, such as a battery protection device, including a cathode current collector and an anode current collector provided atop a substrate, a cathode provided atop the cathode current collector, and an electrolyte layer provided over the cathode. An interlayer, such as one or more layers of silicon, antimony, magnesium, titanium, magnesium lithium, and/or silver lithium, is formed over the electrolyte layer. An anode contact layer, such as an anode or anode current collector, is then provided over the interlayer. By providing the interlayer atop the electrolyte layer prior to anode contact layer deposition, lithium from the cathode side alloys with the interlayer, thus providing a more isotropic or uniaxial detachment of the anode contact layer.
H01M 10/0585 - Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only flat construction elements, i.e. flat positive electrodes, flat negative electrodes and flat separators
H01M 10/04 - Construction or manufacture in general
H01M 10/0525 - Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodesLithium-ion batteries
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
H01M 4/525 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic oxides or hydroxides of nickel, cobalt or iron of mixed oxides or hydroxides containing iron, cobalt or nickel for inserting or intercalating light metals, e.g. LiNiO2, LiCoO2 or LiCoOxFy
B23K 26/142 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor for the removal of by-products
B23K 26/00 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
A high solids content paste for fabrication of secondary battery electrodes may comprise: a negative active material or a positive active material; a binder; a solvent; and a hyperdispersant; wherein the high solids content paste has a specific viscosity chosen for a particular coating tool and a composition such that the high solids content paste will maintain a deposited shape after coating at least until the high solids content paste has dried and wherein the dry coating thickness is in the range of 5 microns to 300 microns. The high solids content paste with negative active material has a viscosity in the range of 30,000 cP to 45,000 cP and a corresponding density of 1.40 g/cc to 1.43 g/cc. The high solids content paste with positive active material has a viscosity in the range of 25,479 cP to 47,184 cP and a corresponding density of 2.72 g/cc to 2.73 g/cc.
A method of fabricating a negative electrode for an electrochemical cell may comprise: providing an electrically conductive substrate; depositing a metal layer on the substrate; anodizing the metal layer to form a porous layer on the substrate; depositing a layer of ion conducting material on the porous layer, the layer extending at least partially into pores of the porous layer; densifying the layer of ion conducting material; depositing a layer of alkali metal on the densified layer of ion conducting material; attaching a temporary electrode to the layer of alkali metal and passing a current between the temporary electrode and the substrate to drive alkali metal through the densified layer of ion conducting material to the surface of the substrate, forming an alkali metal reservoir at the surface of the substrate. Furthermore, an electrically conductive mesh may be used in place of the porous layer on the substrate.
A vacuum processing system for a flexible substrate is provided. The processing system includes a first chamber adapted for housing one of a supply roll for providing the flexible substrate and a take-up roll for storing the flexible substrate; a second chamber adapted for housing one of a supply roll for providing the flexible substrate and a take-up roll for storing the flexible substrate; a maintenance zone between the first chamber and the second chamber; and a first process chamber for depositing material on the flexible substrate, wherein the second chamber is provided between the maintenance zone and the first process chamber. The maintenance zone allows for maintenance access to at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber.
Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to separators, high performance electrochemical devices, such as, batteries and capacitors, including the aforementioned separators, and methods for fabricating the same. In one implementation, a separator for a battery is provided. The separator comprises a substrate capable of conducting ions and at least one dielectric layer capable of conducting ions. The at least one dielectric layer at least partially covers the substrate and has a thickness of 1 nanometer to 2,000 nanometers.
An apparatus for processing a flexible substrate is provided including a vacuum chamber having a first chamber portion, second chamber portion and third chamber portion. The apparatus further includes an unwinding shaft supporting the flexible substrate to be processed and a winding shaft supporting the flexible substrate after processing, wherein the unwinding shaft and the winding shaft are disposed in the first chamber portion, a first wall separating the first chamber portion from the second chamber portion, wherein the first wall is inclined with respect to a vertical and horizontal orientation, a coating drum having a first portion disposed in the second chamber portion and a second portion disposed in the third chamber portion, and a plurality of processing stations disposed at least partially in the third chamber portion, wherein a majority of the plurality of the processing stations are disposed below a rotational axis of the coating drum.
C23C 16/54 - Apparatus specially adapted for continuous coating
C23C 16/44 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating
C23C 16/509 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating using electric discharges using radio frequency discharges using internal electrodes
C23C 16/455 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating characterised by the method used for introducing gases into the reaction chamber or for modifying gas flows in the reaction chamber
C23C 14/56 - Apparatus specially adapted for continuous coatingArrangements for maintaining the vacuum, e.g. vacuum locks
patents
