POLYMER BINDER WITH A MARKING FOR USE IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS

Abstract

One aspect provides for an electrode material. The electrode material comprises an active material; a non-fluorinated polymeric binder that includes a detectable marker; and a conductive filler.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to battery cell technologies and in particular to polymeric binders for electrodes in electrochemical cells.

[0002] High-voltage electrical systems are increasingly used to power the onboard functions of both mobile and stationary systems. In motor vehicles, for example, the growing demand for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions has led to the development of advanced electric vehicles (EVs). Electric vehicles rely on rechargeable energy storage systems (RESSs), which typically include one or more high-voltage battery packs and an electric powertrain that transfers energy from the battery to the wheels. Battery packs can comprise any number of interconnected battery modules, depending on the energy requirements of a particular application. Each battery module comprises an array of conductively coupled electrochemical cells.The battery pack is designed to provide a direct current output voltage (DC output voltage) at a level suitable for powering a coupled electrical and / or mechanical load (e.g., an electric motor).

[0003] The electrodes in a battery are one of the key components responsible for the electrochemical reactions during charging and discharging. Modern high-voltage battery packs for vehicles benefit from high-energy-density electrodes, which improve overall performance and range. However, there remains a need for fluorine-free polymeric binders and the associated ability to quantitatively determine the distribution and any migration of the polymeric binder within the electrode material during battery assembly and operation. SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect involves an electrode material. The electrode material comprises an active material, a non-fluorinated polymeric binder containing a detectable marker, and a conductive filler.

[0005] In another embodiment of the electrode material, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder comprises a first repeating unit derived from a first monomer that includes the detectable marker.

[0006] In another embodiment of the electrode material, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder further comprises a second repeating unit derived from one or more second monomers selected from (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones and vinyl esters.

[0007] In another embodiment of the electrode material, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder further comprises a third repeating unit comprising a crosslinkable group, a crosslinking group or a combination thereof.

[0008] In another embodiment of the electrode material, the detectable marking comprises fluorescein or a derivative thereof, rhodamine or a derivative thereof, acridine or a derivative thereof, coumarin or a derivative thereof, eosin or a derivative thereof, erythrosine or a derivative thereof, pyrene or a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof.

[0009] In another embodiment of the electrode material, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder is produced by radical polymerization of a first monomer comprising the detectable marker, one or more second monomers selected from (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones and vinyl esters; optionally a third monomer comprising a crosslinkable group, a crosslinking group or a combination thereof.

[0010] In a different design of the electrode material, the electrode material excludes a fluorinated binder.

[0011] Another aspect is an electrochemical cell comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte. At least one of the positive electrodes or the negative electrode comprises the electrode material described herein.

[0012] In another embodiment of the electrochemical cell, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder comprises a first repeating unit derived from a first monomer that includes the detectable label.

[0013] In another embodiment of the electrochemical cell, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder further comprises a second repeating unit derived from one or more second monomers selected from (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones and vinyl esters.

[0014] In another embodiment of the electrochemical cell, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder further comprises a third repeating unit, which includes a crosslinkable group, a crosslinking group or a combination thereof.

[0015] In another embodiment of the electrochemical cell, the detectable labeling includes fluorescein or a derivative thereof, rhodamine or a derivative thereof, acridine or a derivative thereof, coumarin or a derivative thereof, eosin or a derivative thereof, erythrosine or a derivative thereof, pyrene or a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof.

[0016] In another embodiment of the electrochemical cell, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder is produced by radical polymerization from: a first monomer comprising the detectable label; one or more second monomers selected from (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones and vinyl esters; and optionally a third monomer comprising a crosslinkable group, a crosslinking group or a combination thereof.

[0017] In another design of the electrochemical cell, the electrode material excludes a fluorinated binder.

[0018] Another aspect provides a method for measuring the distribution of a binder in an electrode material. The method comprises providing the electrode material as described herein; exposing the electrode material to activating radiation sufficient to provide a quantitative signal of the detectable label; and determining a distribution of the non-fluorinated polymeric binder according to the quantitative signal of the detectable label.

[0019] In another embodiment of the process, the process further includes the charging and discharging of an electrochemical cell comprising the electrode material prior to the step of providing the electrode material.

[0020] In another embodiment of the process, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder comprises a first repeating unit derived from a first monomer that includes the detectable marker.

[0021] In another embodiment of the process, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder further comprises a second repeating unit derived from one or more second monomers selected from (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones and vinyl esters.

[0022] In another embodiment of the process, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder further comprises a third repeating unit comprising a crosslinkable group, a crosslinking group or a combination thereof.

[0023] In another embodiment of the process, the electrode material excludes a fluorinated binder.

[0024] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the disclosure, are readily apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features, advantages and details are listed only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a vehicle designed according to one or more configurations; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary electrochemical cell (battery) comprising the disclosed electrode material according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3A is a visual image, using a scale of 100 micrometers (µm), of an example of the electrode material illuminated with a royal blue lamp; and Fig. Figure 3B is a visual image, using a 100 µm scale bar, of an example of the electrode material illuminated with a royal blue lamp and a filter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or its use. It is understood that in the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote identical or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the terms "anode" and "negative electrode" are used interchangeably, and the terms "cathode" and "positive electrode" are used interchangeably.

[0027] The present technology relates to improved electrochemical cells (e.g., battery cells), in particular lithium-ion or, more specifically, lithium-metal batteries, which can be used in vehicle applications. However, the present technology can also be used in other electrochemical devices, such as sodium-ion batteries, so the discussion of lithium-ion batteries here is not limited to this.

[0028] A vehicle according to an exemplary design is generally designated with 10 in Fig. 1. The vehicle 10 is depicted as an automobile with a body 12. The body 12 comprises a passenger compartment 14 in which a steering wheel, front seats, and rear passenger seats (not shown separately) are arranged. A number of components are arranged within the body 12, including, for example, an electric motor 16 (represented by a projection under the front hood). The electric motor 16 is shown only for the sake of clarity and discussion. It is understood that the design, position, size, arrangement, etc., of the electric motor 16 is not to be considered particularly restricted, and all such designs (including designs with multiple motors) fall within the conceivable scope of this disclosure.

[0029] The electric motor 16 is supplied with energy via a battery pack 18 (represented by a projection near the rear of the vehicle 10). The battery pack 18 is shown only for the sake of clarity and discussion. It is understood that the design, position, size, arrangement, etc., of the battery pack 18 are not to be considered particularly restricted, and all such designs (including split designs) fall within the conceivable scope of this disclosure. While the present disclosure is primarily discussed in connection with a battery pack 18 designed for the electric motor 16 of the vehicle 10, the aspects described herein can be similarly applied to any system (vehicle, building, or other) with one or more energy storage systems (e.g., batteries, electric vehicles, electric motors, or other devices).(one or more battery packs or modules) are integrated, and all such designs and applications fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0030] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the battery pack 18 comprises an electrochemical cell or battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte. Furthermore, an electrochemical cell with a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte located between the cathode and the anode is provided. Fig. 2 a simplified arrangement of an electrochemical cell of a battery pack (e.g. battery pack 18 of Fig. 1) according to one or more configurations. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, an electrochemical cell 200 can comprise a cathode 202 (i.e., a positive electrode), an anode 204 (i.e., a negative electrode), and an electrolyte 206 located between the cathode 202 and the anode 204. For simplicity, only a single electrochemical cell 200 is shown, but a battery pack can comprise any number of cells required to meet the battery design requirements (e.g., capacity requirements). At least one of the positive electrodes (cathode 202) or the negative electrode (anode 204) comprises the electrode material as provided herein.

[0031] One aspect provides for an electrode material. The electrode material comprises an active material; a non-fluorinated polymeric binder containing a detectable marker; and a conductive filler. The electrode material can be a cathode material or an anode material. For example, both the cathode material and the anode material can comprise a non-fluorinated polymeric binder containing a detectable marker. In some embodiments, the electrode material can exclude a fluorinated binder. For example, both the cathode material and the anode material can comprise the non-fluorinated polymeric binder containing a detectable marker, and both the cathode material and the anode material can exclude a fluorinated binder.

[0032] The non-fluorinated polymeric binder includes a detectable label. The detectable label provides a signal generator, which is a molecule or fraction capable of producing a detectable signal using one or more detection techniques (e.g., spectrometry, calorimetry, spectroscopy, or visual inspection). Suitable examples of a detectable signal include an optical signal, an electrical signal, or a radioactive signal. Examples of signal generators useful for the present procedures include, for example, a chromophore, a fluorophore, a Raman-active label, a radioactive label, an enzyme, an enzyme substrate, or combinations thereof.The detectable marking may be, for example, a luminescent marking, a fluorescent marking, or a combination thereof (which can be collectively referred to as a fluorophore, as described here).

[0033] Suitable radioisotopes can include H-3, C-11, C-14, F-18, P-32, S-35, I-123, I-124, I-125, I-131, Cr-51, CI-36, Co-57, Fe-59, Se-75, and Eu-152. Isotopes of halogens (such as chlorine, fluorine, bromine, and iodine) and metals, including technetium, yttrium, rhenium, and indium, are also useful markers. Typical examples of metal ions that can be used as signal generators include Tc-99m, I-123, In-111, I-131, Ru-97, Cu-67, Ga-67, I-125, Ga-68, As-72, Zr-89, Gd-153, and Ti-201. Radioisotopes for diagnostic in vivo imaging by positron emission tomography (PET) include C-11, F-18, Ga-68, and I-124. Paramagnetic labels, which can be metal ions, are present in the form of metal complexes or metal oxide particles. Suitable paramagnetic isotopes can include Gd-157, Mn-55, Dy-162, Cr-52, and Fe-56.

[0034] The terms “paramagnetic metal ion”, “paramagnetic ion”, or “metal ion” as used herein refer to a metal ion that is magnetized parallel or antiparallel to a magnetic field to an extent proportional to the field. Generally, these are metal ions that possess unpaired electrons. Examples of suitable paramagnetic metal ions include, but are not limited to, gadolinium III, iron III, manganese II, yttrium III, dysprosium III, and chromium III.

[0035] In some configurations, the detectable marker may be a fluorophore. As used herein, the term "fluorophore" refers to a chemical compound or chemical component that, upon excitation by exposure to a specific wavelength of light, emits light (of a different wavelength). Fluorophores can be described by their emission profile or "color." Green fluorophores (e.g., Cy3, FITC, and Oregon Green) may be characterized by their emission at wavelengths generally in the range of 515–540 nanometers. Red fluorophores (e.g., Texas Red, Cy5, and tetramethylrhodamine) may be characterized by their emission at wavelengths generally in the range of 590–690 nanometers. Examples of fluorophores include 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, acridine, derivatives of acridine and acridine isothiocyanate, and 5-(2'-aminoethyl)aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (EDANS).4-Amino-N-[3-vinylsulfonyl)phenyl]naphthalimid-3,5-disulfonat (Lucifer Yellow VS), N-(4-Anilino-1-naphthyl)maleimid, Anthranilamid, Brilliant Yellow, Cumarin, Cumarinderivate, 7-Amino-4-methylcumarin (AMC, Cumarin 120), 7-Amino-Trifluormethylcumarin (Cumarin 151), Cyanosin; 4',6-Diaminidino-2-Phenylindol (DAPI), 5',5"-Dibrompyrogallol-Sulfonphthalein (Brompyrogallol Rot), 7-Diethylamino-3-(4'-isothiocya-natophenyl)-4-methylcumarin, -, 4,4'-Diisothiocyanatodihydrostilben-2,2'-disulfonsäure, 4,4'-Diisothiocyanatostilben-2, 2'-Disulfonsäure, 5-[Dimethylamino]naphthalin-1-sulfonylchlorid (DNS, Dansylchlorid), Eosin, Eosinderivate wie Eosinisothiocyanat, Erythrosin, Erythrosinderivate wie Erythrosin B und Erythrosinisothiocyanat; Ethidium; Fluorescein und Derivate wie 5-Carboxyfluorescein (FAM), 5-(4,6-Dichlortriazin-2-yl)-aminofluorescein (DTAF), 2'7'-Di-methoxy-4'5'-dichloro-6-carboxyfluorescein (JOE), Fluorescein, Fluoresceinisothiocyanat (FITC),QFITC ​​(XRITC); Fluorescamine derivatives (fluorescent upon reaction with amines); IR144; IR1446; Malachite green isothiocyanate; 4-Methylumbelliferone; ortho-Cresolphthalein; Nitrotyrosine; Pararosaniline; Phenol red, B-Phycoerythrin; o-Phthalaldehyde derivative (fluorescent upon reaction with amines); Pyrene and derivatives such as pyrene, pyrene butyrate, and succinimidyl-1-pyrene butyrate; Reactive Red 4 (Cibacron® Brilliant Red 3B-A), rhodamine and derivatives such as 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine (ROX), 6-carboxyrhodamine (R6G), lissamine-rhodamine B sulfonyl chloride, rhodamine (Rhod), rhodamine B, rhodamine 123, rhodamine X isothiocyanate, sulforhodamine B, Sulforhodamine 101 and sulfonyl chloride derivative of Sulforhodamine 101 (Texas Red); N,N,N',N'-Tetramethyl-6-carboxyrhodamine (TAMRA); tetramethylrhodamine, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC); riboflavin; biotin; Rosolic acid and lathanide chelate derivatives, quantum dots,Cyanines and squaraines. In some formulations, the detectable marker may include fluorescein or a derivative thereof, rhodamine or a derivative thereof, acridine or a derivative thereof, coumarin or a derivative thereof, eosin or a derivative thereof, erythrosine or a derivative thereof, pyrene or a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder may comprise a first repeating unit derived from a first monomer containing the detectable marker. The first monomer may comprise any suitable polymerizable group, such as (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones, or vinyl esters. The polymerizable group may be directly bonded to the detectable marker, or it may be bonded to the detectable marker via one or more divalent bonding groups.

[0037] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, a “bivalent compound group” refers to a bivalent group comprising one or more of -O-, -S-, -C(O)-, -C(O)O-, -N(R')-, -C(O)N(R')-, -S(O)-, -S(O)2-, substituted or unsubstituted C 1-30 -Alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted C 3-30 -Cycloalkylenes, substituted or unsubstituted C 3-30 -Hetero-cycloalkylene, substituted or unsubstituted C 6-30 Arylene, substituted or unsubstituted C 3-30 Heteroaryls or a combination thereof, each R' being independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C 1-20 Alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C 1-20 Heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C 6-30 Aryl or substituted or unsubstituted C 3-30Heteroaryl. The divalent compound group typically comprises one or more of the following: -O-, -S-, -C(O)-, -C(O)O-, -N(R')-, -C(O)N(R')-, -S(O)-, -S(O)2-, substituted or unsubstituted C 1-30 -Alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted C 3-30 -Cycloalkylenes, substituted or unsubstituted C 3-30 -Heterocycloalkylene, substituted or unsubstituted C 6-30 -Arylene, substituted or unsubstituted C 3-30 -Heteroarylene or a combination thereof, wherein R' is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C 1-20 -Alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C 1-20 -Heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C 6-30 -Aryl or substituted or unsubstituted C 3-30 -Heteroaryl. More typically, the divalent compound group comprises at least one of -O-, -C(O)-, -C(O)O-, -N(R')-, -C(O)N(R')-, substituted or unsubstituted C 1-10-Alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted C 3-10 -Cycloalkylenes, substituted or unsubstituted C 3-10 -Heterocycloalkylene, substituted or unsubstituted C 6-10 -Arylene, substituted or unsubstituted C 3-10 -Heteroaryls, or a combination thereof, wherein R is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C 1-10 -Alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C 1-10 -Heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C 6-10 -Aryl or substituted or unsubstituted C 3-10 -Heteroaryl is.

[0038] “Substituted” means that at least one hydrogen atom of the chemical structure or group is replaced by another terminal substituent group, which is usually monovalent, provided that the normal valence of the designated atom is not exceeded. Examples of substituent groups that may be present at a “substituted” position include nitro (-NO₂), cyano (-CN), hydroxyl (-OH), oxo (-O), amino (-NH₂), mono- or di-(C₂)₂. 1-6 )alkylamino, C 2-6 Alkanoyl (e.g., acyl), formyl (-C(O)H), carboxylic acid, or an alkali metal or ammonium salt thereof; C 2-6 -Alkyl esters (-C(O)O-alkyl or -OC(O)-alkyl), C 7-13 -Aryl ester (-C(O)O-aryl or -OC(O)-aryl); Amido (-C(O)NR2, where each R is hydrogen or C 1-6 -Alkyl is), Carboxamido (-CH2C(O)NR2, where each R is hydrogen or C 1-6 -alkyl), halogen, thiol (-SH), C 1-6 -Alkylthio (-S-Alkyl), Thiocyano (-SCN), C 1-6 -Alkyl, C2-6 -Alkenyl, C 2-6 -Alkynyl, C 1-6 Haloalkyl, C 1-9 Alkoxy, C 1-6 Haloalkoxy, C 3-12 Cycloalkyl, C 5-18 Cycloalkenyl, C 2-18 Heterocycloalkenyl, C 6-12 Aryl with at least one aromatic ring (e.g. phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl or the like, each ring being either substituted or unsubstituted aromatic), C 7-19 Arylalkyl, Arylalkoxy, C 7-12 Alkylaryl, C 3-12 Heterocycloalkyl, C 3-12 Heteroaryl, C 1-6 Alkylsulfonyl (-S(O)2-Alkyl) and / or C 6-12 Arylsulfonyl (-S(O)2-Aryl).

[0039] The first repeating unit comprising a detectable mark is present in the non-fluorinated polymeric binder in an amount of 0.01 to 15 mol%, typically 0.1 to 10 mol%, and even more typically 0.1 to 5 mol%, based on the total repeating units in the non-fluorinated polymeric binder.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder may further comprise a second repeating unit derived from one or more second monomers selected from (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones, and vinyl esters. The second repeating unit does not include any detectable marking. The second repeating unit may comprise any suitable functional groups, such as alkyls, esters, aryls, or the like.

[0041] The second repeating unit can be present in the non-fluorinated polymeric binder in an amount of 5 to 95 mol%, typically 10 to 90 mol%, and even more typically 20 to 85 mol%, based on the total repeating units in the non-fluorinated polymeric binder.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder may further comprise a third repeating unit comprising a crosslinkable group, a crosslinking group, or a combination thereof. As used herein, “a crosslinking group” refers to a nucleophilic group comprising oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, such as hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-C(O)OH), amine (-NH₂), thiol (-SH), vinyl (e.g., C₆H₁₂), or acetylcholine (-OH). 2-30 -Alkenyl) or amido (-C(O)NH2). Other examples of crosslinking groups include epoxides and lactones, for example, epoxy, β-propiolactone, γ-butyrolactone, or δ-valerolactone. The crosslinkable group can be bonded to the polymerizable group of the third monomer either directly (via a single bond) or via one or more divalent bonding groups.

[0043] The crosslinking monomers include monomers with two or more polymerizable groups. Useful crosslinking agents include, for example: trivinylbenzene, divinyltoluene, divinylpyridine, divinylnaphthalene, and divinylxylene, as well as ethylene glycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, diethylene glycol divinyl ether, trivinylcyclohexane, allyl methacrylate (“ALMA”), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (“EGD-MA”), diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (“DEGDMA”), propylene glycol dimethacrylate, propylene glycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (“TMPTMA”), divinylbenzene (“DVB”), glycidyl methacrylate, 2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diacrylate, 1,3-butylene glycol diacrylate, 1,3-butylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate. 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate, tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate,ethoxyliertes Bisphenol-A-Diacrylat, ethoxyliertes Bisphenol-A-Dimethacrylat, Polyethylenglycoldimethacrylat, Poly(butandiol)diacrylat, Pentaerythritoltriacrylat, Trimethylolpropantriethoxytriacrylat, Glycerylpropoxytriacrylat, Pentaerythritoltetraacrylat, Pentaerythrittetramethacrylat, Dipentaerythritmonohydroxypentaacrylat, Divinylsilan, Trivinylsilan, Dimethyldivinylsilan, Divinylmethylsilan, Methyltrivinylsilan, Diphenyldivinylsilan, Divinylphenylsilan, Trivinylphenylsilan, Divinylmethylphenylsilan, Tetravinylsilan, Dimethylvinyldisiloxan, Poly(methylvinylsiloxan), Poly(vinylhydroxysiloxan), Poly(phenylvinylsiloxan), Tetra(C1-C8)alkoxyglykoluril wie Tetramethoxyglykoluril und Tetrabutoxyglykoluril und Kombinationen davon.,

[0044] The third repeating unit can be present in the non-fluorinated polymeric binder in an amount of 5 to 50 mol%, typically 10 to 50 mol%, and even more typically 20 to 50 mol%, based on the total repeating units in the non-fluorinated polymeric binder.

[0045] The electrode material or the non-fluorinated polymeric binder may further comprise one or more crosslinking agents, for example, a crosslinking agent comprising two or more reactive crosslinkers. Any suitable crosslinking agent may be used, provided that such a crosslinking agent has at least two, and preferably at least three, components capable of reacting with functional groups of the non-fluorinated polymeric binder. Exemplary crosslinking agents may include novolac resins, melamine compounds, guanamine compounds, isocyanate-containing compounds, benzocyclobutenes, benzoxazines, and the like, and generally any of the aforementioned with two or more, typically three or more, substituents selected from methylol, C 1-10 Alkoxymethyl and C 2-10 Acyloxymethyl. Examples of suitable crosslinking agents include those shown below:

[0046] The crosslinking agents are known in the art and are commercially available from a variety of sources. If present, the amount of such crosslinking agents can be, for example, from 0.01 to 30 wt.% and preferably from 0.01 to 20 wt.% based on the total weight of the non-fluorinated polymeric binder.

[0047] The binder polymer can be produced using a suitable catalyst. Examples of suitable catalysts include acid catalysts. Examples of free acids include sulfonic acids such as methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, propylsulfonic acid, phenylsulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, and trifluoromethylsulfonic acid.Suitable nonionic thermal acid generators include, for example, cyclohexyl p-toluenesulfonate, methyl p-toluenesulfonate, cyclohexyl 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonate, nitrobenzyl esters, benzoin tosylate, 2-nitrobenzyl tosylate, tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione, alkyl esters of organic sulfonic acids, p-toluenesulfonic acid, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, oxalic acid, phthalic acid, phosphoric acid, camphorsulfonic acid, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonic acid, triisopropylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, 5-nitro-o-toluenesulfonic acid, 5-sulfosalicylic acid, 2,5-dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid, 2-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid, 3-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid, and 3-bromobenzenesulfonic acid. 2-Fluorocaprylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, 1-naphthol-5-sulfonic acid, 2-methoxy-4-hydroxy-5-benzoylbenzenesulfonic acid and their salts and combinations thereof.Suitable ionic thermal acid generators include, for example, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid triethylamine salts, dodecylbenzenedisulfonic acid triethylamine salts, p-toluenesulfonic acid ammonium salts, sulfonate salts such as carbocyclic aryl (e.g., phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, etc.) and heteroaryl (e.g., thienyl) sulfonate salts, aliphatic sulfonate salts, and benzenesulfonate salts.

[0048] The non-fluorinated polymeric binder can be prepared using any suitable technical process, including those exemplified in the working examples. For example, the non-fluorinated polymeric binder can be prepared by reacting a first monomer comprising the detectable label, one or more second monomers selected from (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones, and vinyl esters, and optionally a third monomer comprising a crosslinkable group, a crosslinking group, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more monomers corresponding to the polymerized units described herein can be combined or fed separately using one or more suitable solvents and initiators and polymerized in a reactor.For example, the polymeric binder can be obtained by polymerizing the respective monomers under any suitable conditions, such as by heating to an effective temperature, irradiation with actinic radiation at an effective wavelength, or a combination thereof.

[0049] Each monomer corresponding to the repeating units described herein independently comprises a polymerizable group with an unsaturated carbon-carbon vinyl group and can generally be selected from a substituted or unsubstituted C 2-20-alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted norbornyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted (meth)acrylic group, a substituted or unsubstituted vinyl ether group, a substituted or unsubstituted vinyl ketone group, a substituted or unsubstituted vinyl ester group, or a substituted or unsubstituted vinylaromatic group. Typically, the polymerizable group of each monomer is independently substituted or unsubstituted C 2-20 -Alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted norbornyl, substituted or unsubstituted (meth)acrylic, or substituted or unsubstituted vinyl aromatic. Preferably, the polymerizable group of each monomer is independently substituted or unsubstituted (meth)acrylic or substituted or unsubstituted vinyl aromatic material.

[0050] The binder polymers can be prepared by radical polymerization or living or controlled radical polymerization techniques, including reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), or the like. The polymerization may utilize chain transfer agents (CTAs) comprising thiocarbonylthio compounds, such as dithioesters, thiocarbamates, xanthates, or the like, to mediate the polymerization via a reversible chain transfer process. In some embodiments, the binder polymer can be prepared by reacting the selected monomer(s) with a dithioester chain transfer agent and an initiator. In some embodiments, the initiator may be light.

[0051] Examples of chain transfer agents (CTAs) for controlled radical polymerization include thiocarbonylthio compounds such as 2-cyano-2-propylbenzodithioate, 4-cyano-4-(phenylcarbonothioylthio)pentanoic acid, 2-cyano-2-propyldodecyltrithiocarbonate, 4-cyano-4-[(dodecylsulfanylthiocarbonyl)sulfanyl]pentanoic acid, 2-(dodecylthiocarbonothioylthio)-2-methylpropionic acid, cyanomethyldodecyltrithiocarbonate, cyanomethylmethyl(phenyl)carbamodithioate, bis(thiobenzoyl)disulfide, bis(dodecylsulfanylthiocarbonyl)disulfide, or the like.

[0052] Examples of initiators include azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN), azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile), azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile), and azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid). Examples of peroxide and peroxy initiators include hydrogen peroxide, sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, dilauroyl peroxide, tert-butyl peroxyneodecanoate, dibenzoyl peroxide, cumyl peroxide, tert-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, tert-butyl peroxydiethyl acetate, and tert-butyl peroxybenzoate.Examples of additional initiators include ammonium and / or alkali metal persulfates, sodium perborate, perphosphoric acid and its salts, potassium permanganate, and ammonium or alkali metal salts of peroxodisulfuric acid, for example, alkali metal or ammonium peroxodisulfates, diacetyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, succinyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, tert-butyl perbenzoate, tert-butyl perpivalate, tert-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, tert-butyl permaleate, cumene hydroperoxide, diisopropyl peroxydicarbamate, bis(o-toluoyl) peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide, dioctanoyl peroxide, dilauroyl peroxide, tert-butyl perisobutyrate, tert-butyl peracetate, di-tert-amyl peroxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and azobisisobutyronitrile. 2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride or 2,2'-Azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile). Mixtures of these initiators are also suitable. Reduction / oxidation (i.e., redox) initiator systems can also be used.Redox initiator systems consist of at least one reducing agent, usually inorganic, and an organic or inorganic oxidizing agent. The oxidizing component includes, for example, the polymerization initiators already specified above. The reducing component includes, for example, alkali metal salts of sulfurous acid, such as sodium sulfite, sodium hydrogen sulfite, alkali metal salts of sulfurous acid, such as sodium disulfite, bisulfite addition compounds of aliphatic aldehydes and ketones, such as acetone bisulfite, or reducing agents such as hydroxymethanesulfinic acid and its salts, or ascorbic acid. Redox initiator systems can be used with soluble metal compounds whose metallic component can exist in a variety of valence states.Typical redox initiator systems include, for example, ascorbic acid / iron(II) sulfate / sodium peroxodisulfate, tert-butyl hydroperoxide / sodium disulfite, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide / sodium hydroxymethanesulfinate. The individual components, such as the reducing component, can also be mixtures, with one example being a mixture of the sodium salt of hydroxymethanesulfinic acid and sodium disulfite.

[0053] Nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP), which uses stable nitroxide radicals or alkoxyamines as initiators, can also be employed to synthesize the binder polymers. Examples of suitable initiators for NMP include N-tert-butyl-N-(2-methyl-1-phenylpropyl)-O-(1-phenylethyl)hydroxylamine, N-tert-butyl-O-[1-[4-(chloromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]-N-(2-methyl-1-phenylpropyl)hydroxylamine, 2,2,5-trimethyl-4-phenyl-3-azahexane-3-nitroxide, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO), or the like.

[0054] The binder polymers can also be prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization, or ATRP. Suitable initiators for ATRP include tert-butyl α-bromisobutyrate, α-bromisobutyryl bromide, dodecyl 2-bromisobutyrate, ethyl α-bromisobutyrate, methyl α-bromisobutyrate, octadecyl 2-bromisobutyrate, or the like. Suitable catalysts for ATRP include copper(I) chloride, copper(II) chloride, copper(I) bromide, copper(II) bromide, copper(I) iodide, and the like. Suitable ligands for ATRP include tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine, 4,4'-dinonyl-2,2'-dipyridyl, N, N, N', N'', N'' -pentamethyldiethylenetriamine or the like.

[0055] The initiator can be used in a molar ratio of 0.05 to 2 with respect to the chain transfer agent. In one exemplary embodiment, the initiator can be used in a molar ratio of 0.07 to 1 with respect to the chain transfer agent.

[0056] The amount of initiator is generally at least 0.01 or 0.05 or 0.01 wt% up to 10 or 5 or 3 wt% based on all monomers to be polymerized.

[0057] The polymerization reactions used to produce the binder polymers can be carried out in any suitable solvent, although polymerization can also occur in the absence of a solvent. Examples of polymerization solvents include ethers, cyclic ethers, C 5-10 Alkanes, C 5-8 Cycloalkanes containing 1 to 3 C 1-4 Alkyl groups may be substituted, aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, halogenated hydrocarbon solvents, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl sulfone, water, mixtures of such solvents, supercritical solvents (such as CO2, C 1-4-Alkanes, in which each H can be substituted by F, or the like) or a combination thereof.

[0058] Upon completion of polymerization, the resulting binder polymer is isolated. The isolation step can be carried out by known methods and may include evaporation of residual monomers and / or solvents, precipitation in a suitable solvent, filtration or centrifugation of the precipitated polymer, washing of the polymer, and drying of the washed polymer. Transition metal compounds can be removed by passing through a column or pad of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, and / or clay. Alternatively, transition metal compounds can be oxidized (if necessary) and retained in the polymer as a stabilizer. Chain termination groups, if present, can be cleaved from the binder polymers by any suitable method known in the art. Precipitation can generally be achieved using a suitable C 5-8 -Alkane- or C 5-8-Cycloalkane solvents such as pentane, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane or petroleum ether, or using a C 1-6 -alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol or isopropanol, or a combination of suitable solvents.

[0059] The non-fluorinated polymeric binder can have a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 2,000 grams per mole (g / mol) to 100,000 g / mol, for example preferably from 10,000 to 50,000 g / mol, more preferably from 12,000 to 30,000 g / mol, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.3 to 3, preferably 1.3 to 2, more preferably 1.4 to 2. The molecular weight is determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using polystyrene standards.

[0060] Furthermore, an electrochemical cell is provided, comprising a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte located between the cathode and the anode. As described above, this is illustrated. Fig. 2 a simplified arrangement of an electrochemical cell of a battery pack (e.g. battery pack 18 of Fig. 1) according to one or more configurations.

[0061] In some embodiments, the active material (also referred to as the electroactive material) of the cathode 202 may comprise a lithium-containing active material capable of undergoing sufficient lithium intercalation and deintercalation, alloying and dealloying, and / or plating and peeling while acting as the positive terminal of the electrochemical cell 200. The electroactive materials of the cathode 202 may comprise one or more transition metals, such as manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), vanadium (V), or a combination thereof. Exemplary lithium-containing active materials include spinel lithium manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄), lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂), and a nickel manganese oxide spinel (Li(Ni)₂O₄). 0,5 Mn 1,5)O2), a layered nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (with the general formula xLi2MnO3 (1-x)LiMO2, where M consists of any ratio of Ni, Mn and / or Co). A specific example of layered nickel-manganese oxide spinel is xLi2MnO3 (1-x)Li(Ni 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 CO 1 / 3 )O2. Other exemplary lithium-containing cathode active materials include Li(Ni). 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 C O1 / 3 )O2), LiNiO2, Li x +yMn2-yO4 (LMO, 0 <x<1 und 0<y<0,1), ein Lithium-Eisen-Polyanionoxid, wie z.B. Lithiumeisenphosphat (LiFePO4) oder Lithiumeisenfluorophosphat (Li2FePO4F, LFP) oder eine Kombination davon. Es können auch andere lithiumhaltige Kathodenaktivmaterialien verwendet werden, wie z. B. LiNi x M 1-x O2 (M consists of any ratio of Al, Co and / or Mg), LiNi 1-x Co 1-y M x+y O2 or LiMn 1,5-x Ni 0.5-y M x+yO4 (M consists of any ratio of Al, Ti, Cr and / or Mg), stabilized lithium manganese oxide spinel (Li x Mn 2-y M y O4, where M consists of any ratio of Al, Ti, Cr and / or Mg), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (e.g. LiNi 0,8 Co 0,15 Al 0,05 O2 or NCA), aluminum-stabilized lithium manganese oxide spinel (LixMn 2-x Al y O4), NCMA (LiNi 1-x-y-z Co x Mn y Al z O2) (where 0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.20, 0.01 ≤ y ≤ 0.12 and 0.01 ≤ z ≤ 0.08), lithium vanadium oxide (LiV2O5), Li2MSiO4 (M consists of any ratio of Co, Fe and / or Mn), a high-efficiency nickel-manganese-cobalt material (HE-NMC, NMC or LiNiMnCoO2), an olivine LiMn x Fe (1-x)PO4 (LMFP) or the like, or a combination thereof. "Any ratio" means that each element can be present in any quantity. In another example, anion substitutions can be made in the lattice of any example of the lithium transition metal active material to stabilize the crystal structure. For example, each oxygen atom can be substituted with an fluorine atom. In some embodiments, the cathode comprises NCM 111, NCM 532, NCM 622, NCM 712, NCM 811, NCMA, NCA, LNMO, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cathode comprises NCMA.

[0062] In some embodiments, the electrolyte 206 acts as a separator to provide a physical barrier between the cathode 202 and the anode 204. In some embodiments, the electrolyte 206 comprises a dendrite-blocking layer, one or more interface layers, and / or one or more layers of the electrolyte (not shown separately). In some embodiments, in addition to providing a physical barrier between the cathode 202 and the anode 204, the electrolyte 206 can provide a minimal resistance path for the internal passage of lithium ions (and related anions) during lithium ion cycling to facilitate the operation of the electrochemical cell 200.

[0063] The electrolyte 206 provides a medium for the conduction of lithium ions through the electrochemical cell 200 between the cathode 202 and the anode 204 and can be in solid, liquid, or gel form. In some aspects, the electrolyte 206 can comprise a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte solution consisting of a lithium salt dissolved in a non-aqueous aprotic organic solvent or a mixture of non-aqueous aprotic organic solvents.Non-restrictive examples of lithium salts include lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), lithium perchlorate (LiCIO4), lithium tetrachloroaluminate (Li-AlCl4), lithium iodide (LiI), lithium bromide (LiBr), lithium thiocyanate (LiSCN), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4), lithium tetraphenylborate (LiB(C6H5)4), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiB(C2O4)2) (LiBOB), lithium difluorooxalatoborate (LiBF2(C2O4)), lithium hexafluoroarsenate (LiAsF6), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3), lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonylimide (LiN(CF3SO2)2), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiN(FSO2)2) (LiSFI), lithium (triethylene glycol dimethyl ether) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Li(G3)(TFSI)). Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)azanide (LiTFSA) and combinations thereof. Non-restrictive examples of non-aqueous aprotic organic solvents include cyclic carbonates (e.g., ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)), linear carbonates (e.g.,Dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)), aliphatic carboxylic acid esters (e.g. methyl formate, methyl acetate, methyl propionate), γ-lactones (e.g. γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone), ethers with a chain structure (e.g. 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane, ethoxymethoxyethane), cyclic ethers (e.g. tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane) or the like.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electrolyte can be a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte can comprise one or more solid electrolyte particles, which may include one or more polymer-containing particles, oxide-containing particles, sulfide-containing particles, halide-containing particles, borate-containing particles, nitride-containing particles, hydride-containing particles, or a combination thereof. Examples of solid electrolytes include LiTi₂(PO₄)₃, LiGe₂(PO₄)₃, and Li₇La₃Zr₂O. 12 , Li3xLa 2 / 3 -xTiO3, Li3PO4, Li3N, Li4GeS4, Li 10 GeP2S12 , Li2S-P2S5, Li6PS5Cl, Li6PS5Br, Li6PS5I, Li3OCl, Li 2,99 Ba 0,005 ClO, or a combination thereof.

[0065] In some embodiments, the anode 204 comprises an electroactive material, such as a lithium host material, which can function as the negative terminal of the electrochemical cell 200. In various aspects, the electroactive material comprises lithium and can be a lithium metal. In some embodiments, the anode 204 can comprise an electroactive lithium host material, such as graphite. In some embodiments, the anode 204 can comprise an electrically conductive material as well as one or more polymeric binders to structurally hold the graphite material together. The negative electrode can, for example, comprise the polymeric binder described herein.

[0066] Negative electrodes can comprise more than or equal to approximately 50% to less than or equal to approximately 100% of an electroactive material (e.g., graphite or a mixture of graphite and lithium-containing silicon dioxide), optionally less than or equal to approximately 30% of an electrically conductive material, and a compensating binder. In some embodiments, for example, the anode 204 can comprise an active material comprising graphite particles mixed with a binder material.If the binder material is not the non-fluorinated polymeric binder that includes a detectable mark, it may be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and / or carboxymethoxylcellulose (CMC), a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), a compound and / or mixture of CMC and SBR, a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), lithium polyacrylate (LiPAA), sodium polyacrylate (Na-PAA), sodium alginate, lithium alginate, and combinations thereof, as non-restrictive examples. Suitable additional electrically conductive materials may include carbon-containing material and / or a conductive polymer. Carbon-containing materials may include, for example, electrically conductive carbon black, electrically conductive acetylene carbon black, acetylene carbon black, carbon black, graphite, graphene, graphene oxides, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, or the like.Examples of conductive polymers include polyaniline, polythiophene, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, and the like. Mixtures of these conductive materials can be used in certain applications.

[0067] In some embodiments, the cathode material or the material used to manufacture the cathode may include a solvent, a binder, and / or a slurry stabilizer (not shown separately). The solvents may be selected from known materials depending on the choice of cathode active material. For example, the solvent for NCMA active materials may include N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Other solvents include cyclic carbonates (e.g., ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)); acyclic (i.e., linear) carbonates (e.g., dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)); aliphatic carboxylic esters (e.g., methyl formate, methyl acetate, methyl propionate); and γ-lactones (e.g., γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone). Ethers with chain structure (e.g. 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1-2-diethoxyethane, ethoxymethoxyethane); cyclic ethers (e.g.Tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane); or combinations thereof may be used.

[0068] The cathode active material may be mixed with a binder and / or a conductive filler. In some embodiments, the binder for the cathode active material may be the non-fluorinated polymeric binder that includes the detectable marker. In other embodiments, the binder for the cathode active material may be a different binder, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), styrene-butadiene rubber-carboxymethylcellulose (SBR-CMC), polyacrylic acid (PAA), cross-linked polyacrylic acid-polyethyleneimine, polyimide, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium alginate, a combination thereof, or other suitable binders. An example of a conductive filler is a carbon with a large surface area, such as acetylene black or the like.The binder can hold the electrode materials together, and the conductive filler can ensure good electron conduction between the current collector on the positive side and the active material particles of the cathode.

[0069] In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell may further include a separator (not shown). Exemplary separators include a polymer film, such as a polypropylene film or a coated polypropylene film. The separator may be a polyolefin-containing material with the general formula (CH2CH R ) nThe separator comprises a single polyolefin or a combination of polyolefins, where R is an alkyl group. In some embodiments, the separator may comprise a single polyolefin or a combination of polyolefins. Examples of polyolefins include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and / or polyacetylene. Examples of other polymeric materials that may be included in or used to form the separator include cellulose, polyimide, copolymers of polyolefins and polyimides, poly(lithium-4-styrenesulfonate)-coated polyethylene, polyetherimide (PEI), bisphenol acetone diphthalic anhydride (BPADA), para-phenylenediamine, poly(m-phenyleneisophthalamide) (PMIA), and / or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene.

[0070] The current collector of the cathode and / or the anode can be made of any suitable electrically conductive material. For example, the current collector can comprise copper, nickel, titanium, platinum, gold, silver, magnesium, aluminum, vanadium, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. The current collector can have a thickness of 10 nanometers (nm) to 1000 nm. For example, the current collector can have a thickness of 10 nm to 500 nm, 50 nm to 400 nm, or 100 nm to 400 nm, and the possible configurations are not limited to these.

[0071] Also provided is a method for measuring the distribution of a binder in an electrode material, including providing the electrode material as disclosed herein; exposing the electrode material to activating radiation sufficient to provide a quantitative signal of the detectable mark; and determining a distribution of the non-fluorinated polymeric binder according to the quantitative signal of the detectable mark.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method may further include determining the distribution of the binder in the electrode material before the electrode material is used in the operation of an electrochemical cell. In other embodiments, the method may further include charging and discharging an electrochemical cell comprising the electrode material prior to the step of providing the electrode material. The electrochemical cell may be charged and discharged for any number of cycles before the distribution of the non-fluorinated polymeric binder as provided herein can be determined.

[0073] Regarding the hardware architecture, the quantitative signal of the detectable marking and the determination of the distribution of the non-fluorinated polymeric binder can be partially implemented using a computing device comprising a processor, memory, and one or more input and / or output (I / O) interfaces communicatively coupled via a local interface. The local interface may include, for example, one or more buses and / or other wired or wireless connections. The local interface may also include additional elements, such as control units, caches, drivers, repeaters, and receivers, which are omitted for simplicity.Furthermore, the local interface can include address, control and / or data connections to enable suitable communication between the aforementioned components.

[0074] When the computing device is operating, the processor can be designed to execute software stored in memory, transfer data to and from memory, and generally control the operation of the computing device according to the software. Software that resides wholly or partially in memory is read by the processor, optionally cached within the processor, and then executed. The processor can be a hardware device for executing software, particularly software stored in memory. The processor can be a custom-designed or off-the-shelf processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors connected to the computing device, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or generally any device for executing software.

[0075] Memory can comprise any combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random-access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, VRAM, etc.)) and / or non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk, CD-ROM, etc.). Furthermore, memory can also include electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. It should be noted that memory can also have a distributed architecture, in which different components are geographically dispersed but accessible to the processor.

[0076] The software in memory can comprise one or more separate programs, each containing an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. A system component embodied as software can also be understood as a source program, an executable program (object code), a script, or any other unit that comprises a set of instructions to be carried out. When the program is created as a source program, it is translated using a compiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not reside in memory.

[0077] It should be noted that any functionality described herein may be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in conjunction with a command execution system, device, or apparatus, such as a computerized system, a processor-based system, or any other system capable of receiving instructions from the command execution system, device, or apparatus and executing those instructions. For the purposes of this document, a "computer-readable medium" contains, stores, communicates, distributes, and / or transports the program for use by or in conjunction with the command execution system, device, or apparatus. The computer-readable medium may, for example, be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus.More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of a computer-readable medium include a portable computer floppy disk (magnetic), random access memory (RAM) (electronic), read-only memory (ROM) (electronic), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory) (electronic), and portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) (optical). EXAMPLES Example 1

[0078] In one example, methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), and acrylate-functionalized RhBUEA (a fluorescent marker) can be reacted together in a solvent under radical polymerization conditions and in the presence of AIBN as an initiator. The resulting polymeric binder incorporates the fluorescent marker as a repeating unit of the polymer binder.

[0079] The in Fig. 3A and Fig.Figure 3B shows an example of the fluorescence images obtained for an electrode containing the labeled polymeric binder prepared in Example 1. The excitation was at 490 nanometers (nm) and the emission was centered at 520 nm. The images can be used to quantitatively determine the distribution of the polymeric binder (denoted as "X") in the electrode.

[0080] Throughout this specification, references to "an example," "another example," "an example," etc., mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, and / or property) described in connection with the example is included in at least one example described herein and may or may not be present in other examples. Furthermore, it is understood that the described elements for each example may be combined in any suitable way across the various examples, unless the context explicitly specifies otherwise.

[0081] The terms "a / an" do not denote a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Whenever the patent specification refers to "an aspect," this means that a specific element (e.g., a feature, a structure, a step, or a property) described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one of the aspects described therein and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it is understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0082] When an element, such as a layer, film, area, or substrate, is described as being "on" another element, it may be located directly on top of the other element, or there may be elements in between. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, there are no elements in between.

[0083] Unless otherwise specified herein, all testing standards are the latest standard in force on the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the testing standard appears. Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as generally understood by a person skilled in the art in the field to which this disclosure belongs.

[0084] While the above revelation was described with reference to exemplary manifestations, it is known among experts that various modifications can be made and equivalent elements substituted without altering its scope. Furthermore, many changes can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of revelation without deviating from its essential scope. Therefore, the present revelation is not intended to be limited to the specific manifestations revealed, but rather to encompass all manifestations that fall within its scope.

Claims

[1] Electrode material, comprising: an active material; a non-fluorinated polymeric binder comprising a detectable marker; and a conductive filler. [2] Electrode material according to claim 1, wherein the non-fluorinated polymeric binder comprises a first repeating unit derived from a first monomer comprising the detectable marker. [3] Electrode material according to claim 1, wherein the non-fluorinated polymeric binder further comprises a second repeating unit derived from one or more second monomers selected from (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones and vinyl esters; a networkable group, a networking group, or a combination thereof; or a combination of these. [4] Electrode material according to claim 1, wherein the detectable marker comprises fluorescein or a derivative thereof, rhodamine or a derivative thereof, acridine or a derivative thereof, coumarin or a derivative thereof, eosin or a derivative thereof, erythrosine or a derivative thereof, pyrene or a derivative thereof or a combination thereof. [5] Electrode material according to claim 1, wherein the non-fluorinated polymeric binder is produced by radical polymerization of: a first monomer that includes the detectable label; one or more second monomers selected from (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones and vinyl esters; and optionally a third monomer comprising a crosslinkable group, a crosslinking group or a combination thereof. [6] Electrochemical cell, comprising: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode comprises the electrode material according to claim 1. [7] Method for measuring the distribution of a binder in an electrode material, the method comprising: Providing the electrode material according to claim 1; Exposure of the electrode material to activating radiation sufficient to provide a quantitative signal from the detectable label; and Determining the distribution of the non-fluorinated polymeric binder according to the quantitative signal of the detectable label. [8] Method according to claim 7, further comprising charging and discharging an electrochemical cell comprising the electrode material prior to the step of providing the electrode material. [9] Method according to claim 7, wherein the non-fluorinated polymeric binder comprises a first repeating unit derived from a first monomer comprising the detectable marker. [10] Method according to claim 7, wherein the non-fluorinated polymeric binder further comprises a second repeating unit derived from one or more second monomers selected from (meth)acrylate, vinyl aromatics, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones and vinyl esters; a third repetition unit comprising a networkable group, a network group, or a combination thereof; or a combination of these.

Images