U.S. patent application number 15/890472 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-09 for anode for all solid-state secondary battery, all solid-state secondary battery including the anode, and method of manufacturing the anode.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yuichi AIHARA, Satoshi FUJIKI, Seitaro ITO, Taku WATANABE, Takanobu YAMADA.
Application Number | 20180226633 15/890472 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63037409 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180226633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FUJIKI; Satoshi ; et
al. |
August 9, 2018 |
ANODE FOR ALL SOLID-STATE SECONDARY BATTERY, ALL SOLID-STATE
SECONDARY BATTERY INCLUDING THE ANODE, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING
THE ANODE
Abstract
An anode for an all solid-state secondary battery, the anode
including an anode collector, and coating lithium distribution
layer disposed on the anode collector, wherein the lithium
distribution layer includes a metal capable of forming an alloy
with lithium.
Inventors: |
FUJIKI; Satoshi;
(Yokohama-city, JP) ; ITO; Seitaro;
(Yokohama-city, JP) ; WATANABE; Taku;
(Yokohama-city, JP) ; AIHARA; Yuichi;
(Yokohama-city, JP) ; YAMADA; Takanobu;
(Yokohama-city, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
63037409 |
Appl. No.: |
15/890472 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 4/387 20130101;
H01M 10/0525 20130101; H01M 4/38 20130101; H01M 4/0404 20130101;
Y02E 60/10 20130101; H01M 4/134 20130101; H01M 4/661 20130101; H01M
10/44 20130101; H01M 4/42 20130101; H01M 2004/027 20130101; H01M
2300/0068 20130101; H01M 4/1395 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01M 4/134 20060101
H01M004/134; H01M 4/1395 20060101 H01M004/1395; H01M 4/04 20060101
H01M004/04; H01M 4/38 20060101 H01M004/38; H01M 4/42 20060101
H01M004/42; H01M 4/66 20060101 H01M004/66; H01M 10/0525 20060101
H01M010/0525; H01M 10/44 20060101 H01M010/44 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 7, 2017 |
JP |
2017-020721 |
Jul 26, 2017 |
KR |
10-2017-0094965 |
Claims
1. An anode for an all solid-state secondary battery, the anode
comprising: an anode collector; and a lithium distribution layer
disposed on the anode collector, wherein the lithium distribution
layer comprises a metal capable of forming an alloy with
lithium.
2. The anode of claim 1, wherein the lithium distribution layer
comprises zinc, germanium, tin, antimony, platinum, gold, bismuth,
an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof.
3. The anode of claim 1, wherein the anode collector comprises a
conductive material and has a planar structure.
4. The anode of claim 1, wherein the lithium distribution layer has
a thickness in a range of from about 1 nanometer to less than about
100 nanometers.
5. An all solid-state secondary battery comprising: a cathode
layer; a solid electrolyte layer on the cathode layer; and an anode
layer on the solid electrolyte layer, the anode layer comprising an
anode collector, and a lithium distribution layer disposed on the
anode collector, wherein the lithium distribution layer comprises a
metal capable of forming an alloy with lithium.
6. The all solid-state secondary battery of claim 5, wherein the
lithium distribution layer comprises zinc, germanium, tin,
antimony, platinum, gold, bismuth, an alloy thereof, or a
combination thereof.
7. The all solid-state secondary battery of claim 6, wherein the
lithium distribution layer is disposed between the solid
electrolyte layer and the anode collector.
8. The all solid-state secondary battery of claim 7, wherein the
lithium distribution layer has a thickness in a range of from about
1 nanometer to less than about 100 nanometers.
9. The all solid-state secondary battery of claim 5, wherein when
the all solid-state secondary battery is charged, lithium metal is
precipitated on a surface of the lithium distribution layer facing
the solid electrolyte layer.
10. The all solid-state secondary battery of claim 5, wherein the
anode collector comprises a conductive material and has a planar
structure.
11. A method of manufacturing an anode for an all solid-state
secondary battery, the method comprising: providing an anode
collector; and disposing a metal capable of reacting with lithium
ions on a surface of the anode collector to form a lithium
distribution layer on the surface of an anode collector to form the
anode.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the lithium distribution layer
comprises zinc, germanium, tin, antimony, platinum, gold, bismuth,
an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the lithium distribution layer
has a thickness in a range of from about 1 nanometer to less than
about 100 nanometers.
14. A method of charging an all solid-state secondary battery
comprising a cathode layer, a solid electrolyte layer on the
cathode layer, and an anode layer on the solid electrolyte layer,
the anode layer comprising an anode collector, and a lithium
distribution layer disposed on the anode collector, wherein the
lithium distribution layer comprises a metal capable of forming an
alloy with lithium, the method comprising: applying a voltage
between the cathode layer and the anode layer to dispose lithium on
the lithium distribution layer and form a lithium alloy comprising
the metal capable of forming an alloy with lithium.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-020721, filed on Feb. 7, 2017,
in the Japanese Patent Office and Korean Patent Application No.
10-2017-0094965, filed on Jul. 26, 2017, in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119, the contents of which are incorporated herein in
their entireties by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an anode for an all
solid-state secondary battery and an all solid-state secondary
battery.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Lithium metal is an anode active material that has the
highest energy density from among all anode active materials. Thus,
commercialization of a lithium secondary battery including an anode
formed of lithium metal has long been demanded.
[0004] Lithium-ion secondary batteries include a carbon anode, a
cathode including a lithium-containing layered oxide, and an
electrolyte including a non-aqueous liquid have been widely
commercialized. When lithium metal is used to form an anode of a
non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, precipitation and
dissolution of the lithium metal occurs repeatedly during charging
and discharging of the battery. A dendrite is generated through
this repeated precipitation and dissolution process, and this
dendrite may cause a short circuit from the anode to the cathode.
This may result in insufficient stability and lifetime of the
non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery.
[0005] In addition, lithium precipitated during charging of the
non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery reacts with the organic
non-aqueous electrolyte and forms a thin film that undergoes
reductive cleavage on the lithium metal anode. This reaction lowers
the charging and discharging efficiency of the non-aqueous
electrolyte secondary battery. That is, to accommodate the lithium
metal that is consumed during charging and discharging, a
compensating amount of lithium metal has to be added during the
manufacture of a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery.
Accordingly, the energy density of the non-aqueous electrolyte
secondary battery is reduced, making commercialization of such
non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries more difficult.
[0006] There remains a need for an improved anode for an all
solid-state secondary battery and an all solid-state secondary
battery.
SUMMARY
[0007] As previously described, when lithium is used to form an
anode of an all solid-state secondary battery, the problems
generated in a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery do not
occur. However, in an all solid-state secondary battery having a
battery structure in which lithium is only used as a cathode active
material, not an anode active material, lithium precipitates in a
contact portion between an anode collector and a solid electrolyte.
In addition, an overvoltage is high when the lithium precipitates
on the anode collector, and the overvoltage becomes low when the
lithium precipitates and grows on the precipitated lithium, and
thus, local, e.g., localized, coarsening of the lithium is
generated. In addition, the anode collector is formed of a metal
that does not form an alloy with lithium, such as nickel (Ni). In
addition, the precipitated lithium does not grow substantially in a
surface direction of the anode collector, but grows in a thickness
direction of the all solid-state secondary battery. The lithium
dissolves during discharging as lithium ions, but if a current
density is high in this process, conduction between the lithium and
the solid electrolyte is cut off so that the lithium may be
isolated. This lithium is referred to as dead lithium because it is
not usable during charging or discharging. Accordingly, the
capacity of the all solid-state secondary battery rapidly decreases
due to repeated charging and discharging. That is, when an all
solid-state secondary battery has a battery structure in which no
lithium is included in an anode and lithium is only used as a
cathode active material, the cycle characteristics of the all
solid-state secondary battery deteriorate considerably.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a novel and improved anode
for an all solid-state secondary battery, whereby the cycle
characteristics of the all solid-state secondary battery having a
structure in which lithium is only used as a cathode active
material may be improved and an all solid-state secondary battery
including the novel and improved anode.
[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the
description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the presented
embodiments.
[0010] According to an aspect of an embodiment, an anode for an all
solid-state secondary battery includes: an anode collector; and a
lithium distribution layer disposed on the anode collector, wherein
the lithium distribution layer includes a metal capable of forming
alloy with lithium.
[0011] According to this aspect, a lithium distribution layer
having the previously-described characteristics is disposed, e.g.,
formed, on the anode collector. Accordingly, lithium may be
approximately uniformly precipitated from a surface of the lithium
distribution layer through an alloy layer which may be diffused
faster than self-diffusing lithium. In addition, lithium may be
ionized, e.g., lithium-ionized, during discharging and may be
dissolved. In this process, a thickness of a lithium layer may be
uniformly reduced, thus allowing a contact between the lithium
layer and a solid electrolyte. Accordingly, dead lithium may be
hardly generated. Thus, despite repeated charging and discharging,
the capacity of the all solid-state secondary battery may be
maintained, that is, the cycle characteristics of the all
solid-state secondary battery may be improved.
[0012] Stated otherwise, as the lithium may be generated
approximately uniformly and then dissolved on a surface of the
lithium distribution layer during charging and discharging, dead
lithium may be hardly generated. Thus, despite repeated charging
and discharging, the capacity of the all solid-state secondary
battery may be maintained, that is, the cycle characteristics of
the all solid-state secondary battery may be improved.
[0013] The lithium distribution layer may include zinc, germanium,
tin, antimony, platinum, gold, bismuth, an alloy thereof, or a
combination thereof.
[0014] According to this aspect, as the lithium may be
approximately uniformly generated and then dissolved on a surface
of the lithium distribution layer during charging and discharging,
dead lithium may be hardly generated. Thus, despite repeated
charging and discharging, the capacity of the all solid-state
secondary battery may be maintained, that is, the cycle
characteristics of the all solid-state secondary battery may be
improved.
[0015] The lithium distribution layer may have a thickness in a
range of about 1 nanometer (nm) to less than about 100
nanometers.
[0016] According to an aspect of an embodiment, an all solid-state
secondary battery includes the anode for an all solid-state
secondary battery.
[0017] According to an embodiment, provided is a method of charging
an all solid-state secondary battery including a cathode layer, a
solid electrolyte layer on the cathode layer, and an anode layer on
the solid electrolyte layer, the anode layer including an anode
collector, and a lithium distribution layer disposed on the anode
collector, wherein the lithium distribution layer includes a metal
capable of forming an alloy with lithium, the method including
applying a voltage between the cathode layer and the anode layer to
dispose lithium on the lithium distribution layer and form a
lithium alloy including the metal capable of forming an alloy with
lithium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more
readily appreciated from the following description of the
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a layer structure of an all solid-state secondary battery;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a behavior of an embodiment of an anode without a lithium
distribution layer when charging an all solid-state secondary
battery;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a behavior of an embodiment of an anode without a lithium
distribution layer when discharging an all solid-state secondary
battery;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a behavior of an embodiment of an anode including a lithium
distribution layer when charging an all solid-state secondary
battery;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a behavior of an embodiment of an anode including the lithium
distribution layer when discharging an all solid-state secondary
battery;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a graph showing capacity retention (%) versus
cycle number (N) of all solid-state secondary batteries according
to an example embodiment and a comparative example;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a scanning electron microscope ("SEM") image of a
surface state of an anode of an all solid-state secondary battery
according to a comparative example;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a SEM image of an embodiment of a surface state of
an anode of an all solid-state secondary battery;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a graph of voltage (volts (V) versus Li/Li+)
versus time (minutes (min)) of test cells according to example
embodiments and a comparative example; and
[0028] FIG. 10 is a graph of voltage (volts (V)) versus capacity
((milliampere hour (mAh)) of test cells according to example
embodiments and comparative examples.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In
the present specification and drawings, like reference numerals
refer to like elements having substantially same functional
structures to avoid repeated description. In this regard, the
present embodiments may have different forms and should not be
construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein.
Accordingly, the embodiments are merely described below, by
referring to the figures, to explain aspects.
[0030] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element
or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast,
when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another
element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0031] It will be understood that, although the terms "first,"
"second," "third" etc. may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one element, component, region, layer or section from another
element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, "a first
element," "component," "region," "layer" or "section" discussed
below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or
section without departing from the teachings herein.
[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended
to include the plural forms, including "at least one," unless the
content clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" is not to be
construed as limiting "a" or "an." "Or" means "and/or." As used
herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one
or more of the associated listed items. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," or
"includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification,
specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, regions,
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
[0033] Furthermore, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and
"upper" or "top," may be used herein to describe one element's
relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It
will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass
different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation
depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the
figures is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower"
side of other elements would then be oriented on "upper" sides of
the other elements. The exemplary term "lower," can therefore,
encompasses both an orientation of "lower" and "upper," depending
on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the
device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as
"below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above"
the other elements. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can,
therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.
[0034] "About" or "approximately" as used herein is inclusive of
the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation
for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in
the art, considering the measurement in question and the error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the
limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can
mean within one or more standard deviations, or within .+-.30%,
20%, 10% or 5% of the stated value.
[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present
disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0036] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to
cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of
idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described
herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes
of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in
shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a
region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough
and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are
illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the
figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended
to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to
limit the scope of the present claims.
[0037] A C rate means a current which will discharge a battery in
one hour, e.g., a C rate for a battery having a discharge capacity
of 1.6 ampere-hours would be 1.6 amperes.
[0038] An all solid-state secondary battery may include a sulfide
solid electrolyte, which is an inorganic solid electrolyte, instead
of a non-aqueous electrolyte. Due to use of the inorganic sulfide
solid electrolyte, formation of thin films that undergo reductive
cleavage is not generated. Thus, even when charging and discharging
are repeated, consumption of lithium ions due to these reactions is
not generated. This increases the efficiency of charging and
discharging of the all solid-state secondary battery, thus allowing
a remarkable reduction of the amount of lithium to be loaded in an
anode at the initial stage. In other words, a battery structure
that only uses lithium as a cathode active material may be
realized, and thus, the energy density of the battery may
significantly increase.
1. Structure of All Solid-State Secondary Battery
[0039] First, a structure of an all solid-state secondary battery 1
according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
1. The all solid-state secondary battery 1 is a secondary battery
in which a solid electrolyte is used as an electrolyte. In
addition, the all solid-state secondary battery 1 is an all
solid-state lithium ion secondary battery in which lithium ions
move between a cathode layer 10 and an anode layer 30.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the all solid-state secondary
battery 1 may include the cathode layer 10, a solid electrolyte
layer 20, and the anode layer 30.
1-1. Cathode Layer
[0041] The cathode layer 10 may include a cathode active material
and a solid electrolyte. The cathode layer 10 may further include a
conductive agent to supplement electron conductivity. In addition,
the solid electrolyte in the cathode layer 10 may be homogenous or
heterogeneous. The solid electrolyte will be described in more
detail in the section regarding the solid electrolyte layer 20.
[0042] Any suitable cathode active material that is capable of
reversibly occluding and releasing lithium ions may be used as the
cathode active material.
[0043] For example, the cathode active material may comprise a
lithium compound such as a lithium metal oxide, a lithium metal
phosphate, or a lithium metal sulfide, such as lithium cobalt oxide
("LCO"), lithium nickel oxide, lithium nickel cobaltite, lithium
nickel cobalt aluminate ("NCA"), lithium nickel cobalt manganese
oxide ("NCM"), lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate,
nickel sulfide, copper sulfide, iron oxide, or vanadium oxide, or
sulfur. These cathode active materials may be used alone or in a
combination thereof.
[0044] The cathode active material may include a lithium transition
metal oxide having a layered rock salt type structure. In this
case, the term "layered" refers to a crystal structure in which the
atoms are arranged in layers or sheets. The term "rock salt type
structure" refers to a sodium chloride type structure that is one
type of a crystal structure, specifically, a structure in which
face-centered cubic lattices formed by each of positive ions and
negative ions are arranged apart from each other by 1/2 of an edge
of a unit lattice.
[0045] Examples of the lithium transition metal oxide having the
layered rock salt type structure include lithium ternary transition
metal oxides such as LiNi.sub.xCo.sub.yAl.sub.zO.sub.2 ("NCA") or
LiNi.sub.xCo.sub.yMn.sub.zO.sub.2 ("NCM") (where 0<x<1,
0<y<1, 0<z<1, and x+y+z=1).
[0046] When the cathode active material includes a lithium ternary
transition metal oxide having the layered rock salt type structure,
an energy density and thermal stability of the all solid-state
secondary battery 1 may be improved.
[0047] The cathode active material may be covered with a coating
layer. Here, the coating layer of an embodiment may be any suitable
coating layer of a cathode active material of an all solid-state
secondary battery. For example, the coating layer may be
Li.sub.2O--ZrO.sub.2.
[0048] When a cathode active material is formed of a lithium
ternary transition metal oxide such as NCA or NCM, and nickel (Ni)
is included as the cathode active material, the capacity density of
the all solid-state secondary battery 1 may be increased, and
elution of metal from the cathode active material in a charged
state may be reduced. Accordingly, the all solid-state secondary
battery 1 according to an embodiment may have improved long-term
reliability and improved cycle characteristics in a charged
state.
[0049] The cathode active material may have, for example, a
particle shape such as a spherical shape or an elliptical spherical
shape. In addition, the particle size of the cathode active
material is not particularly limited, and may be within a range
applicable to a cathode active material of a comparative all
solid-state secondary battery. The content of the cathode active
material in the cathode layer 10 is also not particularly limited,
and may be similar to that of a cathode layer of a comparative all
solid-state secondary battery.
[0050] In addition to the cathode active material and the solid
electrolyte previously described, for example, a conductive agent
and a binder may be appropriately mixed in the cathode layer
10.
[0051] Examples of the conductive agent that may be mixed in the
cathode layer 10 include graphite, carbon black, acetylene black,
ketjen black, carbon fiber, and metal powder. Examples of the
binder that may be mixed in the cathode layer 10 include
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and
polyethylene.
1-2. Solid Electrolyte Layer
[0052] The solid electrolyte layer 20 is disposed, e.g., formed,
between the cathode layer 10 and the anode layer 30 and includes a
solid electrolyte.
[0053] The solid electrolyte comprises, for example, a
sulfide-based solid electrolyte material. Examples of the
sulfide-based solid electrolyte material include
Li.sub.2S--P.sub.2S.sub.5, Li.sub.2S--P.sub.2S.sub.5--LiX (wherein
X is a halogen element such as I or Cl),
Li.sub.2S--P.sub.2S.sub.5--Li.sub.2O,
Li.sub.2S--P.sub.2S.sub.5--Li.sub.2O--LiI, Li.sub.2S--SiS.sub.2,
Li2.sub.s--SiS.sub.2--LiI, Li.sub.2S--SiS.sub.2--LiBr,
Li.sub.2S--SiS.sub.2--LiCl,
Li.sub.2S--SiS.sub.2--B.sub.2S.sub.3--LiI,
Li.sub.2S--SiS.sub.2--P.sub.2S.sub.5--LiI,
Li.sub.2S--B.sub.2S.sub.3,
Li.sub.2S--P.sub.2S.sub.5--Z.sub.mS.sub.n (wherein m and n are
integers, Z is Ge, Zn, or Ga), Li.sub.2S--GeS.sub.2,
Li.sub.2S--SiS.sub.2--Li.sub.3PO.sub.4,
Li.sub.2S--SiS.sub.2--Li.sub.pMO.sub.q (p and q are integers, and M
is P, Si, Ge, or the like). The sulfide-based solid electrolyte
material may be formed by treating a starting material (for
example, Li.sub.2S or P.sub.2S.sub.5) using a quenching method, a
mechanical milling method, or the like. Further, annealing may be
further performed after the previously described treatment.
[0054] As the solid electrolyte, the previously-described sulfide
solid electrolyte materials including at least sulfur (S),
phosphorus (P), and lithium (Li) as constituents may be used, and
for example, a sulfide solid electrolyte material including
Li.sub.2S--P.sub.2S.sub.5 may be used.
[0055] When a material containing Li.sub.2S--P.sub.2S.sub.5 is used
as the sulfide-based solid electrolyte material for forming the
solid electrolyte, a molar ratio of Li.sub.2S and P.sub.2S.sub.5
may be selected in a range of, for example,
Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5=50:50 to 90:10.
[0056] Examples of the shape of the solid electrolyte include a
particle shape such as a spherical shape or an elliptic spherical
shape. The particle diameter of the solid electrolyte is not
particularly limited, and may be within a range applicable to a
solid electrolyte of a comparative all solid-state secondary
battery.
1-3. Anode Layer
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the anode layer 30 includes an
anode collector 40 and a lithium distribution layer 50. The anode
collector 40 can be a planar material (e.g., a foil such as a metal
foil) formed of a conductive material. Examples of materials used
to form the anode collector 40 may be stainless steel ("SUS"),
titanium (Ti), or nickel (Ni).
[0058] The lithium distribution layer 50 is disposed on a surface
of the anode collector 40, for example, a surface of the anode
collector 40 facing the solid electrolyte. The lithium distribution
layer may comprise a metal which alloys with lithium. A diffusion
rate of lithium in the lithium distribution layer may be greater
than a diffusion rate of lithium in lithium metal. In an
embodiment, the lithium distribution layer comprises a metal which
forms a lithium alloy, and a diffusion rate of lithium in the
lithium alloy is about 1 to about 10, or about 2 to about 8 times
greater than a diffusion rate of lithium in lithium metal.
[0059] While not wanting to be bound by theory, it is understood
that during charge, lithium metal is precipitated on the metal of
the lithium distribution layer 50 to form a lithium alloy. In an
embodiment, because the anode collector 40 is coated with the
lithium distribution layer 50, lithium metal is precipitated on the
lithium distribution layer 50 during charge. Also, because the
lithium diffusion rate of the lithium distribution layer is greater
than a lithium diffusion rate of lithium in lithium metal, lithium
is quickly diffused in the lithium distribution layer, and
accordingly, the lithium metal is precipitated with improved
uniformity on the surface of the lithium distribution layer 50.
[0060] The lithium distribution layer 50 may be formed of a
different material from that of the anode collector 40. The lithium
distribution layer 50 comprises a metal that forms an alloy with
lithium. Examples of the metal include zinc, germanium, tin,
antimony, platinum, gold, bismuth, and an alloy thereof, or a
combination thereof. In an embodiment the lithium distribution
layer 50 comprises one or two of these materials. Accordingly,
lithium metal is precipitated over a broad area of the surface of
the lithium distribution layer 50. That is, the lithium metal is
hardly, e.g., limitedly, grown in a thickness direction of the all
solid-state secondary battery 1, and is uniformly precipitated on a
broad area of the surface of the lithium distribution layer 50. As
a result, a lithium metal layer is continuously formed in a surface
direction of the lithium distribution layer 50, and thus, dead
lithium, i.e., lithium which is no longer electrochemically active,
e.g., electrically disconnected from the anode layer, is hardly
formed during discharge.
1-4. Behavior of Anode Layer During Charge and Discharge
[0061] To more clearly illustrate the effect according to an
embodiment, the behavior of the anode layer 30 during charge and
discharge will be further described. First, for comparison, the
behavior of an anode layer 300 that does not include the lithium
distribution layer 50, during charge and discharge, will be
described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. First, during charge,
lithium metal 200 is precipitated only in a contact portion with
respect to, e.g., between, the anode collector 40 and the solid
electrolyte, e.g., a portion of the anode collector 40 contacting
the solid electrolyte 20, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In addition,
even in a contact state, e.g., with respect to the portion of the
anode collector 40 contacting the solid electrolyte 20, lithium
metal is precipitated just locally. While not wanting to be bound
by theory, it is understood that the local precipitation of lithium
is due to a high overvoltage of precipitation. In addition, the
lithium metal 200 that is precipitated is primary grown in a
thickness direction of the all solid-state secondary battery and
less grown in a surface direction of the anode collector 40. Arrow
A denotes a growth direction of the lithium metal 200. Accordingly,
the lithium metal 200 that is grown significantly in the thickness
direction of the all solid-state secondary battery is locally
formed on the anode collector 40.
[0062] Also, during discharge, the lithium metal 200 is slowly
dissolved to form lithium ions and is reduced in size in a
direction of arrow B as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this process,
conduction between a portion of the lithium metal 200 and the solid
electrolyte may be interrupted. The lithium metal 200 in which
conduction is interrupted is not usable in charging or discharging,
and thus, it is referred to as dead lithium. In the example
embodiment of FIG. 3, conduction between dead lithium metal 200a
and the solid electrolyte is interrupted. In addition, as the
lithium metal 200 is locally formed on the anode collector 40, dead
lithium is easily formed. This in turn rapidly decreases the
capacity of the all solid-state secondary battery with repeated
charging and discharging.
[0063] Next, the behavior of the anode layer 30 according to an
embodiment during charge and discharge will be further described
with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. First, as illustrated in FIG. 4,
during charge, lithium ions are disposed on and form alloy with,
e.g., enter, the lithium distribution layer 50 from a contact
portion between the lithium distribution layer 50 and a solid
electrolyte and form an alloy together with the metal constituting
the lithium distribution layer 50. Because the diffusion
coefficient of lithium in the lithium alloy is greater than a
diffusion coefficient of lithium in lithium metal, lithium diffuses
relatively quickly in the alloy, and alloying proceeds in a surface
direction of the lithium distribution layer 50. That is, the
lithium distribution layer 50 is changed into a lithium alloy
layer. Accordingly, the lithium metal 200 may be precipitated from
the entire area where the lithium metal 200 has become a lithium
alloy layer. As a result, the lithium metal 200 is more uniformly
precipitated from the surface of the lithium distribution layer 50.
That is, a layer formed of the lithium metal 200, that is, a
lithium metal layer, is continuously formed on the surface of the
lithium distribution layer 50 in a surface direction. Arrow A
denotes a direction in which the lithium metal 200 is
precipitated.
[0064] In addition, during discharge, the lithium metal 200 is
ionized and converted from lithium metal to lithium ions, and the
lithium metal 200 is reduced in size in a direction of arrow B as
illustrated in FIG. 5. In this process, the lithium metal 200 is
converted into a continuous lithium layer in a surface direction,
and has a thickness decreasing approximately uniformly, and thus
may maintain contact with the lithium metal 200 and the solid
electrolyte. Accordingly, dead lithium is not easily formed or
avoided. Thus, despite repeated charging and discharging, the
capacity of the all solid-state secondary battery may be
maintained, and cycle characteristics of the all solid-state
secondary battery may be improved.
[0065] A thickness of the lithium distribution layer 50 is not
particularly limited, but if the thickness is too small, lithium
metal may not be easily precipitated. If the lithium distribution
layer 50 is too thick, the lithium distribution layer 50 itself may
act as an anode active material. In this case, less lithium metal
is precipitated, which, while not wanting to be bound by theory, it
is understood to make it difficult to fully use the high energy
density of the lithium metal. In addition, due to large volume
expansion of the lithium metal during alloying, division of
electrodes may be caused, which reduces the efficiency. Thus, the
lithium distribution layer 50 may have a thickness in a range of
from about 1 nm o to less than about 100 nm, about 2 nm to about 90
nm, or about 4 nm to about 80 nm. An upper limit of the thickness
of the lithium distribution layer 50 may be 95 nm, for example, 90
nm or 50 nm.
[0066] As previously described, the lithium distribution layer 50
according to an embodiment extends a precipitation area of the
lithium metal 200. In an embodiment the lithium distribution layer
50 is not used as an anode active material layer.
[0067] The structure of the all solid-state secondary battery 1
according to an embodiment is previously described in detail.
2. Method of Manufacturing Lithium Ion Secondary Battery
[0068] Next, the method of manufacturing the all solid-state
secondary battery 1 according to an embodiment will be further
described. The all solid-state secondary battery 1 may be
manufactured by individually manufacturing the cathode layer 10,
the anode layer 30, and the solid electrolyte layer 20, and then
stacking these layers.
Manufacture of Cathode Layer
[0069] A cathode active material may be purchased commercially, or
may be manufactured by using any suitable method.
[0070] Next, a slurry or paste is formed by mixing the cathode
active material, a solid electrolyte, which may be formed using a
method described below, and various additives and adding a nonpolar
solvent thereto. In addition, by coating a cathode collector with
the slurry or paste and then drying and rolling the same, the
cathode layer 10 may be obtained.
[0071] Examples of the material constituting the cathode collector
may be aluminum and stainless steel. The cathode layer 10 may also
be manufactured without using the cathode collector, by forming a
mixture of the cathode active material and various additives into
pellets and performing compaction molding thereon.
Manufacture of Anode Layer
[0072] The anode layer 30 is manufactured by coating the anode
collector 40 with the lithium distribution layer 50. The method
used to coat the anode collector 40 with the lithium distribution
layer 50 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an
electroless plating method, a sputtering method, or a vacuum
deposition method. As is further described above, as no anode
active material has to be prepared in an embodiment, the anode
layer 30 may be easily manufactured. In addition, in an embodiment
no lithium metal is used during manufacture, and thus, the costs
associated with manufacturing facilities for controlling dew points
or for safety measures may be significantly saved.
Manufacture of Solid Electrolyte Layer
[0073] The solid electrolyte layer 20 may be manufactured using a
solid electrolyte formed of a sulfide-based solid electrolyte
material.
[0074] First, a starting material is treated using a dissolution
quenching method or a mechanical milling method.
[0075] For example, when using a dissolution quenching method,
predetermined amounts of starting materials (for example, Li.sub.2S
or P.sub.2S.sub.5) are mixed and formed in a pellet form, and then
reacted under vacuum at a predetermined reaction temperature and
quenched to obtain a sulfide-based solid electrolyte material. The
reaction temperature of the mixture of Li.sub.2S and P.sub.2S.sub.5
is in a range of, for example, from about 400.degree. C. to about
1,000.degree. C. or from about 800.degree. C. to about 900.degree.
C. The reaction time is in a range of, for example, from about 0.1
hour to about 12 hours or from about 1 hour to about 12 hours. The
quenching temperature of the reactant is, for example, 10.degree.
C. or less or 0.degree. C. or less. The quenching rate is in a
range of, for example, from about 1.degree. C./second (sec) to
about 10,000.degree. C./sec or from about 1.degree. C./sec to about
1,000.degree. C./sec.
[0076] When using a mechanical milling method, a sulfide-based
solid electrolyte material may be prepared by stirring and reacting
a starting material (for example Li.sub.2S or P.sub.2S.sub.5) using
a ball mill or the like. The stirring speed and stirring time in
the mechanical milling method are not particularly limited.
However, the greater the stirring speed, the faster the production
rate of the sulfide-based solid electrolyte material, and the
longer the stirring time, the greater a conversion rate of starting
materials into a sulfide-based solid electrolyte.
[0077] Next, the mixed starting materials obtained using the
dissolution quenching method or the mechanical milling method are
subjected to heat treatment at a predetermined temperature and then
pulverized to thereby obtain a particulate solid electrolyte.
[0078] Next, the solid electrolyte obtained using the previously
described method may be deposited by using a suitable deposition
method such as an aerosol deposition method, a cold spray method,
or a sputtering method so as to form the solid electrolyte layer
20. Further, the solid electrolyte layer 20 may be formed by
pressing a solid electrolyte particle simple substance. The solid
electrolyte layer 20 may be formed by mixing a solid electrolyte, a
solvent, and a binder, and then applying, drying, and pressurizing
the mixture.
Manufacture of Lithium Ion Secondary Battery
[0079] The cathode layer 10, the solid electrolyte layer 20, and
the anode layer 30 formed by using the previously described method
may be stacked such that the solid electrolyte layer 20 is
interposed between the cathode layer 10 and the anode layer 30, and
then pressurized to thereby manufacture the all solid-state
secondary battery 1 according to an embodiment.
EXAMPLE
1. Evaluation of Cycle Characteristics
[0080] First, a test was conducted as follows to evaluate the cycle
characteristics of the all solid-state secondary battery 1
according to an embodiment.
1-1. Example 1
[0081] In Example 1, first, the all solid-state secondary battery 1
was manufactured in the following process.
1-1-1. Manufacture of Anode Layer
[0082] A nickel (Ni) foil was prepared as an anode collector 40,
and tin (Sn) was plated on a surface of the anode collector 40 to a
thickness of 1 nanometer (nm) by electroless plating. Thus, a
lithium distribution layer 50 that is formed of tin and has a
thickness of 1 nm was formed on the anode collector 40.
1-1-2. Manufacture of all Solid-State Secondary Battery
[0083] The anode layer 30 prepared as previously described was
punched to provide a disk having a diameter of .PHI.13 millimeters
(mm) and set in a cell container. 70 milligrams (mg) of
Li.sub.2S--P.sub.2S.sub.5 (molar ratio 80:20) that was subjected to
mechanical milling ("MM" treatment) was stacked as solid
electrolyte particles, and a surface thereof was lightly trimmed
using a molding machine. Accordingly, the solid electrolyte layer
20 was formed on the cathode layer 30. Subsequently, a mixture
obtained by mixing LiNi.sub.0.5Mn.sub.0.3Ni.sub.0.2O.sub.2 as a
cathode active material and solid electrolyte particles and a vapor
grown carbon fiber ("VGCF"), which is a conductive agent,
respectively at 60 weight percent (wt %), 35 wt %, and 5 wt % was
stacked on a solid electrolyte layer 20 to form a cathode layer 10.
Next, the stacked structure was pressed at a pressure of 3 tons per
square centimeter (t/cm.sup.2) to prepare a test cell according to
Example 1.
1-1-3. Evaluation of Cycle Characteristics
[0084] The test cell was put in a temperature controlled chamber at
a temperature of 25.degree. C., and charging and discharging were
conducted at 0.1 C constant current charging, 0.5 C constant
current discharging, and in a voltage range of 4.0 volts (V) -3.0 V
using a TOSCAT-3100 charging/discharging testing device, available
from TOYO SYSTEM Corporation, to evaluate cycle characteristics of
the test cell. The result is shown in FIG. 6. Line L1 of FIG. 6
shows cycle characteristics of the test cell of Example 1.
1-2. Example 2
[0085] In Example 2, the same treatment as in Example 1 was
performed except that the anode layer 30 was formed in a following
process. The result is shown in FIG. 6. Line L2 of FIG. 6 shows
cycle characteristics of the test cell of Example 2.
1-2-1. Manufacture of Anode Layer
[0086] A Ni foil was prepared as the anode collector 40, and zinc
(Zn) was coated on a surface of the anode collector 40 to a
thickness of 50 nm by sputtering. Accordingly, a lithium
distribution layer 50 that is formed of Zn and has a thickness of
50 nm was formed on the anode collector 40.
1-3. Example 3
[0087] In Example 3, the same treatment as in Example 1 was
performed except that the anode layer 30 was formed in a following
process. The result is shown in FIG. 6. Line L3 of FIG. 6 shows
cycle characteristics of the test cell of Example 3.
1-3-1. Manufacture of Anode Layer
[0088] A Ni foil was prepared as the anode collector 40, and
bismuth (Bi) was coated on a surface of the anode collector 40 to a
thickness of 50 nm by sputtering. Accordingly, a lithium
distribution layer 50 that is formed of Bi and has a thickness of
50 nm was formed on the anode collector 40.
1-4. Comparative Example 1
[0089] In Comparative example 1, the same treatment as in Example 1
was performed except that the Ni foil used in Example 1 was used as
the anode layer 30. The result is shown in FIG. 6. Line L4 of FIG.
6 shows cycle characteristics of the test cell of Comparative
example 1.
1-5. Evaluation of Cycle Characteristics
[0090] As apparent from FIG. 6, the cycle characteristics of
Examples 1 through 3 were relatively satisfactory, whereas in
Comparative example 1, the cycle characteristics were rapidly
degraded from an early stage. Thus, in Comparative example 1, it
may be regarded that a large amount of dead lithium was created
according to charging and discharging. On the other hand, in
Examples 1 through 3, as a lithium metal layer is formed on a
surface of the lithium distribution layer 50 approximately
uniformly and then dissolved, it may be regarded that dead lithium
was not generated or minimized.
2. Detection of Precipitation Form
[0091] In order to see the form of precipitation of the lithium
metal 200 involved in charging and discharging, the test cells were
disassembled after the evaluation test of the cycle characteristics
of Example 3 and Comparative example 1 was completed. Then, the
surface of the anode layer 30 was observed using a scanning
electron microscope ("SEM"). FIG. 7 is a SEM image of Comparative
example 1. FIG. 8 is a SEM image of Example 3. As shown in FIG. 7,
the lithium metal 200 is precipitated locally on the surface of the
anode collector 40, and a solid electrolyte 20a is adhered only to
a portion of the surface of the anode collector 40. In other words,
the lithium metal 200 is precipitated locally. On the other hand,
in Example 3, the lithium metal 200 is precipitated over
substantially the entire surface of the anode collector 40, and the
solid electrolyte 20a is adhered dispersively over the entire
surface of the anode collector 40, e.g., the solid electrolyte 20a
is dispersed over the entire surface of the anode collector 40 and
adhered thereto.
3. Evaluation of Electric Capacity of Lithium Distribution
Layer
[0092] As previously described, the lithium distribution layer 50
is used to extend the precipitation area of the lithium metal 200,
and is distinct from the anode active material layer. That is, in
an embodiment, during charge and discharge, lithium metal is
precipitated from the anode layer 30 and dissolved. Accordingly, an
electric capacity of the lithium distribution layer 50 is
significantly less than that of the all solid-state secondary
battery 1 as a whole. To check this, a test was conducted as
follows.
[0093] That is, in the present test, a plurality of Ni foils were
prepared as the anode collector 40, and surfaces of the anode
collector 40 were respectively coated with tin, zinc, bismuth,
germanium, antimony, and gold to a thickness of 1 nm. Tin and gold
were coated using an electroless plating method, and germanium,
antimony, zinc, and bismuth were coated using a sputtering method.
Accordingly, a plurality of anode layers 30 having different types
of lithium distribution layers 50 were manufactured. Next, test
cells were manufactured using the same method as in Example 1 based
on the anode layer 30. However, as the cathode layer 10, a Li foil
(thickness of 0.03 mm) having a diameter .PHI. 13 mm was used.
[0094] Next, each test cell was set in a temperature controlled
chamber at a temperature of 25.degree. C., and lithium was inserted
into the lithium distribution layers 50 for ten minutes at a
current density of 0.25 milliamperes per square centimeter
(mA/cm.sup.2) using Potentio/Galvano Stat 1470E available from
Solatron so as to lower a potential of the test cells to a
potential at which lithium metal is precipitated. Then an electric
capacity of the test cell as a whole was measured. Also, an
electric capacity of the lithium distribution layer 50 was measured
based on a theoretical capacity of a metal type that constitutes
the lithium distribution layer 50, which is approximately equal to
unit mass. Then, the capacity retention (%), e.g., the electric
capacity of the lithium distribution layer 50 with respect, e.g.,
relative, to that of the test cell as a whole, was calculated, and
a result thereof is shown in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Capacity of the lithium distribution layer
50 relative to the Electric capacity of the capacity of lithium
distribution layer 50 the entire (milliampere hours (mAh)) test
cell (%) Sn 0.0009 0.05 Zn 0.0004 0.02 Ge 0.0010 0.06 Sb 0.0005
0.03 Bi 0.0004 0.03 Au 0.0012 0.07
[0095] According to Table 1, the electric capacity of the lithium
distribution layer 50 is remarkably less than the electric capacity
of the test cell as a whole, indicating that the lithium
distribution layer 50 is used not as an anode active material layer
but used in extending a precipitation area of the lithium metal
200. These results show that by using the lithium distribution
layer 50, which is very thin, an all solid-state secondary battery
having a high electric capacity may be implemented.
3. Variation in Potential Profile of Anode According to Whether
Anode Active Material Layer is Present or not
[0096] As previously described, the lithium distribution layer 50
is used to extend the precipitation area of the lithium metal 200,
and not used as an anode active material layer. That is, in an
embodiment, during charge and discharge, lithium metal is
precipitated from the anode layer 30 and dissolved. Accordingly, a
potential of the anode layer 30 during discharge decreases to 0 V
(vs. Li/Li.sup.+) immediately after discharging is started. To
check this, a test was conducted as follows.
[0097] A test cell was prepared in the same manner as in 3.
Evaluation of the electric capacity of the lithium distribution
layer, except that a Ni foil was used as the anode layer 30. The
test cell is used to determine the behavior of the anode layer 30
according to an embodiment. In addition, two Ni foils were prepared
as the anode collector 40, and tin and gold were each plated on
surfaces of the anode collector 40 to a thickness of 100 nm by
using an electroless plating method. The anode layer 30 was
manufactured in this manner. Because the metal layer manufactured
on the anode collector 40 by using this method is relatively thick,
the metal layer functions as an anode active material layer. Next,
a test cell was manufactured in the same manner as in 3.
(Evaluation of Electric Capacity of Lithium distribution Layer),
using the anode layer 30.
[0098] Next, the test cell was set in a temperature controlled
chamber at a temperature of 25.degree. C., and lithium was inserted
into the anode for 60 minutes at a current density of 0.5
mA/cm.sup.2 by using Potentio/Galvano Stat 1470E available from
Solatron. Then a potential profile of the anode layer 30 was
measured. The result is shown in FIG. 9. Line L5 of FIG. 9
indicates a potential profile of the test cell in which a Ni foil
is used as the anode layer 30. Lines L6 and L7 show potential
profiles of the test cells in which tin and gold are respectively
used to form an anode active material layer.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 9, in the test cell in which a Ni foil is
used as the anode layer 30, the potential of the test cell
decreased to 0 V (versus Li/Li+) almost right after discharging
started. This indicates that lithium metal was precipitated in the
anode layer 30. The test cells in which tin and gold are used to
form the anode active material layer maintained a relatively high
potential. This high potential corresponds to a potential of the
anode active material layer. That is, tin and gold are used as an
anode active material. In this respect, it was determined that the
lithium distribution layer 50 was used to extend the precipitation
area of the lithium 200.
4. Charging and Discharging Profile of Test Cells According to
Whether Anode Active Material Layer is Present or not
[0100] In order to determine that the lithium distribution layer 50
is not used as an anode active material layer, another test was
conducted as follows. That is, a Ni foil was prepared as the anode
collector 40, and a surface of the anode collector 40 was coated
with gold, zinc, or bismuth to a thickness of 50 nm by using a
sputtering method. Accordingly, the lithium distribution layer 50
that is formed of gold, zinc or bismuth and has a thickness of 50
nm was formed on the anode collector 40. By using the anode 30
manufactured as previously described, a test cell that is the same
as that of Example 1 was manufactured. In addition, a test cell
that is the same as that of Example 1 was manufactured by using the
anode 30 formed of only a Ni foil for comparison. Next, the test
cell was set in a temperature controlled chamber at a temperature
of 25.degree. C., and charging and discharging were conducted once
at a current density of 0.05 mA/cm.sup.2 and in a voltage range of
4.0 V-3.0 V by using a charging/discharging testing device
TOSCAT-3100 available from TOYO SYSTEM Corporation. The charging
and discharging profile of the test cell is shown in FIG. 10. Line
L8 shows a charging and discharging profile of the test cell in
which the anode layer 30 is formed of a Ni foil. Line L9 shows a
charging and discharging profile of the test cell in which the
lithium distribution layer 50 is formed of gold. Line L10 shows a
charging and discharging profile of the test cell in which the
lithium distribution layer 50 is formed of zinc. Line L11 shows a
charging and discharging profile of the test cell in which the
lithium distribution layer 50 is formed of bismuth. If the lithium
distribution layer 50 functions as an anode active material layer,
capacity components of different potentials would have appeared
according to the metal type in the charging profile surrounded by
area A, but such capacity components were hardly observed. Thus,
this also indicates that the lithium distribution layer 50 is not
used as an anode active material layer. In addition, in the test
cell in which a Ni foil was used as the anode layer 30, even during
charging, a potential increment is smaller than in other test
cells. As a short circuit is being caused in the test cell in which
a Ni foil was used as the anode 30, the smaller potential increment
is estimated to occur due to the short circuit. That is, in the
test cell in which a Ni foil was used as the anode 30, it is
estimated that a large amount of lithium is precipitated, and a
short circuit is slightly generated due to concentration of
current.
[0101] As previously described, according to an embodiment, as the
lithium layer is generated approximately uniformly and lost on,
e.g., eliminated from, a surface of the lithium distribution layer
during charging and discharging, dead lithium is hardly generated.
Thus, despite repeated charging and discharging, the capacity of
the all solid-state secondary battery may be maintained, that is,
the cycle characteristics of the all solid-state secondary battery
may be improved.
[0102] It should be understood that embodiments described herein
should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within
each embodiment should typically be considered as available for
other similar features or aspects in other embodiments.
[0103] While one or more embodiments have been described with
reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as
defined by the following claims.
* * * * *