# How a Hybrid Layer Stops Metal Growths in Lithium Batteries > This patent describes a special multi-layered electrolyte system for lithium metal batteries that uses a stiff, hybrid material to block dangerous metal growths, aiming for safer, higher-energy batteries. - **Patent:** US 10566652 - **Original title:** Lithium metal battery with hybrid electrolyte system - **Owner:** GM Global Technology Operations - **Granted:** 2020 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 13 - **Field:** automotive, consumer_electronics, energy, materials, semiconductors ## What it does This patent describes an electrolyte system designed for electrochemical cells, especially lithium metal batteries, to prevent the formation of dendrites. It features a solid dendrite-blocking layer that is both ionically conducting (lets ions pass) and electrically insulating (stops electrons, preventing short circuits). This blocking layer, as described in Claim 1, has a high shear modulus of at least 7.5 GPa at 23° C, meaning it's very stiff. It's a hybrid, made from a solid-state ceramic, glass, or glass-ceramic (like lithium phosphorous sulfide) combined with a solid-state polymer, specifically polyethylene oxide. This blocking layer sits between a first liquid electrolyte (which interfaces with the positive electrode) and an interface layer. The interface layer, in turn, connects to the negative electrode (which contains lithium metal) and can be a second liquid electrolyte, a gel polymer electrolyte, or a solid-state electrolyte. For example, in an electric car battery, this system would allow lithium ions to move efficiently while physically stopping lithium metal dendrites from growing and causing a short circuit. ## What it does NOT cover - Electrolyte systems that do not include a solid dendrite-blocking layer. - Dendrite-blocking layers that are not a hybrid of a solid-state ceramic/glass and a solid-state polymer like polyethylene oxide. - Dendrite-blocking layers with a shear modulus less than 7.5 GPa at 23° C. - Electrolyte systems where the dendrite-blocking layer is not positioned between a first liquid electrolyte and an interface layer. - Systems that lack the specific interface layer comprising a second liquid, gel polymer, or solid-state electrolyte. - Dendrite prevention methods that rely solely on chemical additives without a physical, high-shear-modulus blocking layer. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in combining a high mechanical strength (a shear modulus of at least 7.5 GPa) with ionic conductivity in a hybrid material (ceramic/glass and polymer) to physically stop dendrite growth. This unique combination allows lithium ions to pass through while being tough enough to block the problematic metal structures, which was a significant hurdle for lithium metal battery development. ## Real-world examples 1. Next-generation electric vehicle batteries 2. High-capacity batteries for portable electronics 3. Grid-scale energy storage systems 4. Aerospace and drone battery applications ## Why it matters Lithium metal batteries hold the promise of significantly higher energy density compared to current lithium-ion batteries, meaning devices could last longer or be lighter. However, a major challenge is the formation of lithium dendrites, which are tiny, tree-like metal growths that can pierce the separator, causing short circuits, overheating, and even fires. This patent offers a solution to this critical safety and performance issue by introducing a robust physical barrier, potentially enabling the widespread adoption of safer and more powerful lithium metal batteries in electric vehicles and portable electronics. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How a Hybrid Layer Stops Metal Growths in Lithium Batteries cover? This patent describes a special multi-layered electrolyte system for lithium metal batteries that uses a stiff, hybrid material to block dangerous metal growths, aiming for safer, higher-energy batteries. ### Who owns patent US 10566652? GM Global Technology Operations owns this patent, granted in 2020. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on August 15, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 10566652 cited by? This patent has been cited by 13 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? Lithium metal batteries hold the promise of significantly higher energy density compared to current lithium-ion batteries, meaning devices could last longer or be lighter. However, a major challenge is the formation of lithium dendrites, which are tiny, tree-like metal growths that can pierce the separator, causing short circuits, overheating, and even fires. This patent offers a solution to this critical safety and performance issue by introducing a robust physical barrier, potentially enabling the widespread adoption of safer and more powerful lithium metal batteries in electric vehicles… ### What does this patent NOT cover? Electrolyte systems that do not include a solid dendrite-blocking layer. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10566652/lithium-metal-battery-with-hybrid-electrolyte-system **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10566652 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Improving Lithium Battery Life with a Built-in Lithium Source](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10593988/electrochemical-cell-for-lithium-based-batteries) — This patent describes a method for building rechargeable lithium-based batteries with a special extra lithium source electrode inside that helps the main battery parts work better and last longer by giving them an initial charge of lithium ions. - [How to Fast-Charge Lithium Batteries Without Damaging Them](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10700376/methods-for-fast-charging-and-detecting-lithium-plating-in-lithium-ion-batteries) — This patent describes a three-phase method for quickly charging lithium-ion batteries while carefully controlling voltages to prevent harmful lithium metal buildup and electrolyte damage. - [How Lithium-Cobalt Battery Cathodes Were Invented](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4302518/lithium-ion-battery-cathode) — This 1981 patent details the chemistry behind the lithium-cobalt oxide cathodes that power almost every modern smartphone, laptop, and electric vehicle. - [Early Lithium-Ion Battery Design Using Chalcogenides](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4009052/rechargeable-lithium-battery) — This 1977 patent describes an early rechargeable battery design using lithium as one electrode and titanium disulfide as the other, a key step towards modern lithium-ion technology. - [How Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes Are Made](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4357215/lithium-ion-cathode-goodenough) — A foundational 1982 method for creating the materials used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries by removing ions at low temperatures.