Carbon material, method for manufacturing the same, and secondary battery and electric device containing the same
By preparing carbon materials with specific pore structures and specific surface areas, the problems of irreversible capacity loss and SEI film consumption in existing negative electrode active materials in secondary batteries have been solved, and secondary batteries with high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density and good cycle performance have been realized.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202280095102.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-11-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing anode active materials struggle to achieve a balance between high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle and storage performance. In particular, graphite materials suffer from irreversible capacity loss and the consumption of active ions during SEI film formation in secondary batteries.
A carbon material with a specific pore structure and specific surface area range is prepared, ensuring that 36≤A×B≤75. The adsorption capacity and surface activity of the carbon material are optimized by controlling the pore structure and surface area, forming a reasonable pore structure to reduce side reactions and the consumption of active ions by SEI film formation.
It effectively reduces irreversible capacity loss in secondary batteries, improves initial coulombic efficiency and energy density, and enhances cycle performance and storage performance.
Smart Images

Figure CN119054110B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of battery technology, specifically relating to a carbon material and its preparation method, as well as a secondary battery and electrical device containing the same. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, rechargeable batteries have been widely used in energy storage systems for hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, as well as in power tools, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric vehicles, military equipment, aerospace, and many other fields. With the increasingly widespread application of rechargeable batteries, significant challenges have been placed on their performance, such as requiring them to balance high energy density and long service life. The negative electrode active material is a crucial component of rechargeable batteries, influencing their performance. Currently, graphite is the primary negative electrode active material; however, existing technologies face the challenge that high-capacity graphite cannot simultaneously achieve high initial coulombic efficiency, nor can it provide rechargeable batteries with both good cycle performance and storage capacity. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a carbon material and its preparation method, as well as a secondary battery and power device containing the same, which enables the secondary battery to achieve high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle performance and storage performance.
[0004] The first aspect of this application provides a carbon material comprising a porous structure. Let A be the amount of linseed oil adsorbed by 100g of the carbon material, and B be the specific surface area of the carbon material. The carbon material satisfies the following condition: 36 ≤ A × B ≤ 75. The unit of A is ml, and the unit of B is m². 2 / g.
[0005] The carbon material provided in this application can effectively reduce the irreversible capacity loss of secondary batteries, improve the capacity utilization characteristics of secondary batteries, and enable secondary batteries to achieve high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle performance and storage performance.
[0006] In any embodiment of this application, 38 ≤ A × B ≤ 65, and optionally, 39 ≤ A × B ≤ 55. This is beneficial for the secondary battery to better balance high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle performance and storage performance.
[0007] In any embodiment of this application, the adsorption capacity A of 100g of the carbon material for linseed oil is 30ml-50mL, optionally 35ml-47mL. When the adsorption capacity of the carbon material for linseed oil is within the above range, the surface side reaction activity of the carbon material particles is low, thereby reducing the consumption of active ions during SEI film formation and preventing the particle surface from becoming too dense, which would affect the transport of active ions. In addition, it is also beneficial to form a reasonable pore structure between the particles of the negative electrode film, improving the wettability of the negative electrode sheet to the electrolyte.
[0008] In any embodiment of this application, the specific surface area B of the carbon material is 0.5 m². 2 / g-2.1m 2 / g, optional 0.7m 2 / g-1.8m 2 / g. When the specific surface area of carbon materials is within the above range, on the one hand, carbon materials can have lower surface side reaction activity, thereby reducing the consumption of active ions during SEI film formation and improving the first coulombic efficiency of carbon materials; on the other hand, they can also have higher active ion transport performance.
[0009] In any embodiment of this application, the carbon material includes one or more pores with an area greater than or equal to 0.1 μm. 2 The pore structure may optionally include one or more pores with an area of 0.12 μm. 2 -2.5μm 2 The porous structure. When the carbon material further includes a porous structure with the above-mentioned pore area, the porous structure can reserve the expansion space required for the volume change of the carbon material particles, thereby further reducing the risk of carbon material particles breaking and generating new interfaces, thereby reducing the occurrence of side reactions, reducing irreversible capacity loss of the secondary battery, and further improving the cycle performance and storage performance of the secondary battery.
[0010] In any embodiment of this application, the carbon material includes an outer region and an inner region located inside the outer region. The outer region refers to the area formed by extending 0.25L from the surface of the carbon material particle into the particle interior, where L is the minor axis length of the carbon material particle. The total pore area of the outer region is denoted as S1, and the total pore area of the inner region is denoted as S2, where S2>S1. When the carbon material particles further satisfy S2>S1, the irreversible capacity loss of the secondary battery can be effectively reduced, the capacity utilization characteristics of the secondary battery can be improved, and the secondary battery can better balance high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle performance and storage performance.
[0011] In any embodiment of this application, 1.3 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 450, and optionally, 1.8 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 400. When S2 / S1 is also within the above range, the secondary battery can better balance high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle performance and storage performance.
[0012] In any embodiment of this application, 0.01 μm 2 ≤S1≤12.0μm 2 Optionally, 0.02μm 2 ≤S1≤7.0μm 2 When the total pore area of the external region of the carbon material is within the above range, on the one hand, the carbon material particles can have fewer surface defects and a more stable structure, minimizing the penetration of electrolyte into the pore structure inside the carbon material particles, thereby reducing the occurrence of side reactions and reducing the consumption of active ions by the formation of the SEI film inside the carbon material particles. On the other hand, it will not affect the transport performance of active ions and electrons.
[0013] In any embodiment of this application, 2.5 μm 2 ≤S2≤25.0μm 2 Optionally, 3.0μm 2 ≤S2≤20.5μm 2 When the total pore area of the internal region of a carbon material is within the above-mentioned range, on the one hand, sufficient and stable expansion space can be reserved for changes in the volume of carbon material particles, reducing the risk of carbon material particles breaking and generating new interfaces, reducing the occurrence of side reactions on the surface of new interfaces, and reducing the consumption of active ions by the formation of SEI film on the surface of new interfaces. On the other hand, it can also improve the capacity and first coulombic efficiency of carbon materials.
[0014] In any embodiment of this application, L ≥ 4 μm, and optionally, 6 μm ≤ L ≤ 18 μm.
[0015] In any embodiment of this application, the area of the pore structure in the outer region of the carbon material is less than or equal to 0.2 μm. 2 The option is ≤0.15μm. 2 By controlling the area of the pore structure in the outer region of the carbon material within the aforementioned range, the outer region of the carbon material can have a denser structure. This effectively reduces surface defects in the carbon material, improves its structural stability, and minimizes the penetration of electrolyte into the pore structure inside the carbon material particles, thereby further enhancing the cycle performance and storage performance of the secondary battery.
[0016] In any embodiment of this application, the internal region of the carbon material includes one or more particles with an area greater than or equal to 0.15 μm. 2The pore structure may optionally include one or more pores with an area of 0.18 μm. 2 -2.5μm 2 The porous structure. By incorporating the aforementioned pore size into the internal region of the carbon material, sufficient and stable expansion space can be reserved for changes in the volume of the carbon material particles, reducing the risk of particle breakage. Furthermore, the compaction density of the carbon material can be increased.
[0017] In any embodiment of this application, the interlayer spacing of the outer region of the carbon material is denoted as d1, and the interlayer spacing of the inner region of the carbon material is denoted as d2. The carbon material satisfies d1≥d2, and optionally, d1>d2. A larger interlayer spacing in the outer region of the carbon material is more conducive to the rapid insertion and extraction of active ions, thereby further improving the kinetic performance of the secondary battery; a smaller interlayer spacing in the inner region of the carbon material is beneficial to improving the specific capacity and compaction density of the carbon material, thereby further improving the energy density of the secondary battery.
[0018] In any embodiment of this application, d1 is 0.33565nm-0.33610nm.
[0019] In any embodiment of this application, d2 is 0.33557nm-0.33585nm.
[0020] In any embodiment of this application, the degree of graphitization of the carbon material is 94%-98%, optionally 95%-97%. When the degree of graphitization of the carbon material is within the above range, it is beneficial to improve the energy density of the secondary battery, and also beneficial to improve the cycle performance, storage performance and / or rate performance of the secondary battery.
[0021] In any embodiment of this application, the La(110) of the carbon material is 100nm-150nm, and can be selected as 110nm-130nm.
[0022] In any embodiment of this application, the Lc(002) of the carbon material is 20nm-45nm, and can be selected as 28nm-40nm.
[0023] When the La(110) and / or Lc(002) of carbon materials are within a suitable range, it is beneficial for the carbon materials to have higher crystallinity and / or graphitization, which is beneficial for improving the specific capacity of carbon materials, as well as improving the active ion and electron transport performance of the negative electrode film, and thus beneficial for improving the cycle performance, storage performance and / or rate performance of secondary batteries.
[0024] In any embodiment of this application, the volume distribution particle size Dv50 of the carbon material is 8.0 μm-24.0 μm, and can be optionally 9.5 μm-22.5 μm.
[0025] In any embodiment of this application, the volume distribution particle size Dv10 of the carbon material is 5.0 μm-15.0 μm, and can be optionally 6.0 μm-14.0 μm.
[0026] In any embodiment of this application, the volume distribution particle size Dv90 of the carbon material is 16.0 μm-35.0 μm, and can be optionally 17.0 μm-34.0 μm.
[0027] When the volume distribution particle size of carbon material is within the above range (Dv10, Dv50, and / or Dv90), it is beneficial to improve the transport performance of active ions and electrons, and also beneficial to the formation of a reasonable pore structure between the particles of the negative electrode film, thereby further improving the cycle performance and / or rate performance of the secondary battery.
[0028] In any embodiment of this application, the (Dv90-Dv10) / Dv50 ratio of the carbon material is 0.55-1.55, and optionally 0.8-1.4. When the (Dv90-Dv10) / Dv50 ratio of the carbon material is within the above range, its particle packing performance is better, which is beneficial to improving the compaction density of the negative electrode film layer, thereby further improving the energy density of the secondary battery; in addition, it is also beneficial to form a reasonable pore structure between the particles of the negative electrode film layer.
[0029] In any embodiment of this application, the tap density of the carbon material is 0.80 g / cm³. 3 -1.32g / cm 3 The optional value is 0.82g / cm³. 3 -1.28g / cm 3 When the tap density of carbon materials is within the above range, the tap density of the negative electrode sheet can be increased, thereby improving the energy density of the secondary battery; it also helps to form a reasonable pore structure between the particles of the negative electrode film, improving the transport performance of active ions and electrons, and improving the cycle performance and storage performance of the secondary battery.
[0030] In any embodiment of this application, the specific capacity of the carbon material is 355 mAh / g-371 mAh / g, optionally 360 mAh / g-370 mAh / g. When the specific capacity of the carbon material is within the above range, the energy density of the secondary battery can be improved.
[0031] In any embodiment of this application, the morphology of the carbon material includes one or more of the following: blocky, spherical, and quasi-spherical.
[0032] The second aspect of this application provides a method for preparing a carbon material, comprising the following steps: Step 1, providing a raw material having a plurality of pore structures; Step 2, mixing the raw material and a filler material uniformly according to a predetermined ratio, and then holding the mixture at a first temperature T1 for a first time t1 to obtain an intermediate; Step 3, holding the obtained intermediate at a second temperature T2 for a second time t2 to obtain a carbon material, wherein the carbon material includes a pore structure, the adsorption capacity of 100g of the carbon material for linseed oil is denoted as A, the specific surface area of the carbon material is denoted as B, and the carbon material satisfies: 36≤A×B≤75, the unit of the adsorption capacity A of 100g of the carbon material for linseed oil is ml, and the unit of the specific surface area B of the carbon material is m. 2 / g.
[0033] In any embodiment of this application, the raw material includes natural graphite, and optionally, the natural graphite includes one or more of flake graphite, natural spherical graphite, and microcrystalline graphite.
[0034] In any embodiment of this application, the volume distribution particle size Dv50 of the raw material is 8.5μm-24.0μm, and can be optionally 10.5μm-22.5μm.
[0035] In any embodiment of this application, the ash content in the raw material is ≤1 wt%. A lower ash content in the raw material is beneficial for the carbon material to have lower surface defects.
[0036] In any embodiment of this application, the softening point temperature of the filling material is 110℃-175℃, optionally 120℃-170℃. When the softening point temperature of the filling material is within the above range, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption amount A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, which is beneficial for keeping A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range, and also beneficial for adjusting the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, and adjusting S2 / S1 within a suitable range.
[0037] In any embodiment of this application, the coking value of the filler material is 26%-50%, optionally 33%-45%. When the coking value of the filler material is within the above range, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption amount A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, which is beneficial for keeping A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range, and also beneficial for adjusting the pore size and / or number of pores in the outer and inner regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, and adjusting S2 / S1 within a suitable range.
[0038] In any embodiment of this application, the volumetric particle size Dv50 of the filler material is less than or equal to 6 μm, and can be selected as 1 μm-5 μm. This is beneficial for the filler material to fill into the pore structure of the raw material after being heated and melted, and also helps to improve the dispersion uniformity of the filler material and the raw material.
[0039] In any embodiment of this application, the content of quinoline insolubles in the filler material is ≤1 wt%, and optionally ≤0.8 wt%.
[0040] In any embodiment of this application, the filler material includes one or more of coal tar pitch and petroleum pitch.
[0041] In any embodiment of this application, the mass ratio of the filler material to the raw material is (10-32):100, optionally (10-25):100. This is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, to keep A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range, and to adjust the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, and to adjust S2 / S1 within a suitable range.
[0042] In any embodiment of this application, the heating process of mixing the raw material and the filler material evenly in a predetermined ratio and then heating them to a first temperature T1 is a staged heating process, which may optionally include a first heating process, a second heating process and a third heating process.
[0043] In any embodiment of this application, the first heating process is to heat to 200℃-250℃ and hold at that temperature for 0.5h-2h.
[0044] In any embodiment of this application, the second heating process is to heat to 450℃-550℃ and hold at that temperature for 0.5h-2h.
[0045] In any embodiment of this application, the third heating process is to heat to the first temperature T1 and hold at that temperature for a first time t1.
[0046] In any embodiment of this application, the temperature is increased to the first temperature T1 at a rate of 1℃ / min-10℃ / min, optionally 1.5℃ / min-8℃ / min.
[0047] In any embodiment of this application, the first temperature T1 is 700℃-1100℃, and can be selected as 750℃-1100℃.
[0048] In any embodiment of this application, the first time t1 is 0.5h-5h, and can be selected as 0.5h-3h.
[0049] By adjusting one or more of the heating rate, first temperature, first time, and heating process within the above range, it is beneficial to prepare the desired carbon material. For example, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption amount A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, to make the A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range, and to adjust the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, and to adjust S2 / S1 within a suitable range.
[0050] In any embodiment of this application, the second temperature T2 is 1920℃-2520℃, and can be selected as 2050℃-2400℃.
[0051] In any embodiment of this application, the second time t2 is 1h-6h, and can be selected as 2h-5h.
[0052] By adjusting one or more of the second temperature and the second time within the above range, it is beneficial to reduce the content of disordered carbon in the carbon material, and also beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption amount A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, and to make the A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range.
[0053] A third aspect of this application provides a secondary battery comprising a negative electrode, wherein the negative electrode comprises the carbon material of the first aspect of this application or the carbon material prepared by the method of the second aspect of this application.
[0054] The fourth aspect of this application provides an electrical device that includes the secondary battery of the third aspect of this application.
[0055] The electrical device of this application includes the secondary battery provided in this application, and therefore has at least the same advantages as the secondary battery. Attached Figure Description
[0056] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.
[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional image of a carbon material particle of this application.
[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the secondary battery of this application.
[0059] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of one embodiment of the secondary battery of this application.
[0060] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the battery module of this application.
[0061] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the battery pack of this application.
[0062] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded view of an embodiment of the battery pack shown.
[0063] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an electrical device that uses a secondary battery as a power source, as described in this application.
[0064] In the accompanying drawings, the figures may not be drawn to scale. The reference numerals are explained as follows: 1 Battery pack, 2 Upper casing, 3 Lower casing, 4 Battery module, 5 Secondary battery, 51 Housing, 52 Electrode assembly, 53 Cover plate, 100 Carbon material, 101 External area, 102 Internal area. Detailed Implementation
[0065] The carbon material of this application, its preparation method, and embodiments of secondary batteries and power-consuming devices containing it are disclosed in detail below with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and repetitive descriptions of practically identical structures may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily lengthy descriptions and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand this application and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.
[0066] The "range" disclosed in this application is defined by a lower limit and an upper limit. A given range is defined by selecting a lower limit and an upper limit, which define the boundaries of a particular range. Ranges defined in this way can include or exclude endpoints and can be arbitrarily combined; that is, any lower limit can be combined with any upper limit to form a range. For example, if ranges of 60-120 and 80-110 are listed for a specific parameter, it is expected that ranges of 60-110 and 80-120 are also included. Furthermore, if minimum range values of 1 and 2 are listed, and if maximum range values of 3, 4, and 5 are listed, then the following ranges are all expected: 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5. In this application, unless otherwise stated, the numerical range "ab" represents a shortened representation of any combination of real numbers between a and b, where a and b are real numbers. For example, the numerical range "0-5" indicates that all real numbers between "0-5" have been listed in this article; "0-5" is simply a shortened representation of these numerical combinations. Furthermore, when a parameter is stated as an integer ≥2, it is equivalent to disclosing that the parameter is, for example, an integer such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, etc.
[0067] Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and optional embodiments of this application may be combined with each other to form new technical solutions, and such technical solutions should be considered to be included in the disclosure of this application.
[0068] Unless otherwise specified, all technical features and optional technical features of this application may be combined to form new technical solutions, and such technical solutions shall be deemed to be included in the disclosure of this application.
[0069] Unless otherwise specified, all steps in this application may be performed sequentially or randomly, preferably sequentially. For example, the method includes steps (a) and (b), indicating that the method may include steps (a) and (b) performed sequentially, or it may include steps (b) and (a) performed sequentially. For example, the mention that the method may also include step (c) indicates that step (c) may be added to the method in any order. For example, the method may include steps (a), (b), and (c), or it may include steps (a), (c), and (b), or it may include steps (c), (a), and (b), etc.
[0070] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprising" and "including" as used in this application can be open-ended or closed-ended. For example, "comprising" and "including" can mean that other components not listed may also be included, or that only the listed components may be included.
[0071] Unless otherwise specified, the term "or" is inclusive in this application. For example, the phrase "A or B" means "A, B, or both A and B". More specifically, the condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); or both A and B are true (or exist).
[0072] Unless otherwise specified, the terms used in this application have the common meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art.
[0073] Unless otherwise specified, the values of the parameters mentioned in this application can be determined using various testing methods commonly used in the art, for example, according to the testing methods given in this application.
[0074] Unless otherwise specified, in this application, the term "active ion" refers to ions that can be inserted and extracted back and forth between the positive and negative electrodes of a secondary battery, including but not limited to lithium ions.
[0075] In this application, the terms "multiple" or "various" refer to two or more kinds.
[0076] Based on different manufacturing processes or sources, graphite can be divided into artificial graphite and natural graphite. The production of artificial graphite generally requires a high-temperature graphitization process, which is energy-intensive and costly, resulting in a higher overall cost. Natural graphite, derived from nature, has the advantage of relatively low cost. Furthermore, natural graphite also boasts high volumetric properties.
[0077] Natural graphite mainly includes flake graphite, natural spherical graphite, and microcrystalline graphite. Unlike artificial graphite, natural graphite particles have numerous pores and defects both internally and externally. During the initial charging of a secondary battery, the electrolyte reacts extensively with the pores on the particle surface and within the particles, leading to high initial irreversible capacity loss, low initial coulombic efficiency, and poor cycle and storage performance. In particular, flake graphite and natural spherical graphite exhibit high crystallinity and graphitization, with a predominantly layered microstructure. This structure results in significant volume changes during the extraction and insertion of active ions, making the layered structure prone to breakage and particle fragmentation. After particle fragmentation, the exposed fresh surfaces continue to react with the electrolyte, further increasing the irreversible capacity loss of the secondary battery.
[0078] Currently, the properties of natural graphite are mainly improved through particle surface coating treatment and / or particle internal filling treatment.
[0079] Surface coating of natural graphite particles mainly involves mixing natural graphite with a coating agent (such as asphalt, polymer compounds, etc.) and then heat-treating the mixture to coat the surface of the natural graphite particles with a carbon layer, thus slightly repairing surface defects. However, the inventors of this application discovered during their research that the amorphous carbon layer coating reduces the specific capacity and / or compaction density of natural graphite, affecting the energy density of the secondary battery. Furthermore, the amorphous carbon layer coating does not effectively prevent electrolyte from penetrating into the pore structure inside the particles, thus limiting its improvement on the initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance, and / or storage performance of the secondary battery.
[0080] The internal filling treatment of natural graphite particles mainly involves mixing natural graphite with fillers (such as asphalt, polymer compounds, etc.) and filling the pores inside the particles with the filler through methods such as preset pressure, vacuuming, and heating, to obtain natural graphite particles without internal pores. However, the inventors of this application discovered during their research that the large amount of carbon, especially soft carbon, filling the particles leads to a decrease in the specific capacity of natural graphite, affecting the energy density of the secondary battery. Simultaneously, because the pores inside the natural graphite particles are completely filled with carbon, the volume change of natural graphite during the extraction and insertion of active ions is also significant, making the particles more prone to breakage. This leads to repeated damage and reconstruction of the SEI film on the particle surface, further increasing the irreversible consumption of active ions, increasing the irreversible capacity loss of the secondary battery, and shortening the battery's lifespan. Existing technologies further coat the surface of the natural graphite particles without internal pores with an amorphous carbon layer, which further reduces the specific capacity and / or compaction density of the natural graphite. Furthermore, the particle surface still has many defects, thus failing to effectively improve the lifespan of the secondary battery.
[0081] Therefore, although the above-mentioned surface coating treatment and / or internal filling treatment of natural graphite can reduce the irreversible capacity loss of secondary batteries and improve the first coulombic efficiency of secondary batteries to a certain extent, its effect on improving the first coulombic efficiency of secondary batteries is limited, and it will also reduce the energy density of secondary batteries. In addition, the capacity performance characteristics of secondary batteries during long-term cycling and storage are still poor.
[0082] In view of this, the inventors of this application, after extensive research, have proposed a novel carbon material that combines high specific capacity and high initial coulombic efficiency, and enables secondary batteries to achieve high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle performance and storage performance.
[0083] carbon materials
[0084] The first aspect of the embodiments of this application provides a carbon material.
[0085] The carbon material has a porous structure. Let A be the amount of linseed oil adsorbed by 100g of the carbon material, and B be the specific surface area of the carbon material. The carbon material satisfies the following condition: 36 ≤ A × B ≤ 75. The unit of A is ml, and the unit of B is m². 2 / g.
[0086] The inventors of this application discovered during their research that when carbon materials satisfy 36 ≤ A × B ≤ 75, secondary batteries can simultaneously achieve high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle and storage performance. Possible reasons include the following:
[0087] First, the surface of the carbon material particles is relatively dense at this time, which can give the carbon material particles a stable structure and prevent the electrolyte from penetrating into the pore structure inside the carbon material particles as much as possible. This can reduce the occurrence of side reactions, reduce the consumption of active ions by the formation of the SEI film inside the particles, thereby improving the first coulombic efficiency of the carbon material and further improving the cycle performance and storage performance of the secondary battery.
[0088] Secondly, at this time, the carbon material particles have fewer defects on their surface, resulting in a weaker ability of the particles to adsorb oily substances, which helps to reduce battery side reactions.
[0089] Third, at this time, the carbon material particles can also enable the negative electrode film to form a reasonable pore structure, thereby improving the wettability of the negative electrode sheet to the electrolyte.
[0090] Therefore, the carbon material provided in this application can effectively reduce the irreversible capacity loss of secondary batteries, improve the capacity utilization characteristics of secondary batteries, and enable secondary batteries to achieve high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle performance and storage performance.
[0091] When A×B is less than 36, the adsorption capacity of carbon materials for linseed oil may be relatively small, and / or the specific surface area of the carbon materials may be relatively small. When the adsorption capacity of carbon materials for linseed oil is small, the surface structure of the carbon materials is highly compact. This may result in larger volume changes of the carbon material particles during the extraction and insertion of active ions, making the particles more prone to breakage. Consequently, the SEI film on the particle surface is easily damaged and rebuilt repeatedly, increasing the irreversible consumption of active ions, increasing the irreversible capacity loss of the secondary battery, and shortening the battery's lifespan. A small specific surface area of the carbon materials may also hinder the transport of active ions, thus affecting the capacity utilization, cycle performance, and / or rate performance of the secondary battery.
[0092] When A×B is greater than 75, the adsorption capacity of carbon materials for linseed oil may be relatively large, and / or the specific surface area of the carbon materials may be relatively large. A large adsorption capacity for linseed oil by carbon materials results in more surface defects and / or pore structures on the carbon material particles, leading to more side reactions in the electrolyte and greater consumption of active ions during SEI film formation. This reduces the initial coulombic efficiency of the secondary battery. Simultaneously, as the number of charge-discharge cycles increases, the thickness of the SEI film on the surface of the carbon material particles continuously increases, which also affects the cycle performance and / or rate performance of the secondary battery. A larger specific surface area of carbon materials results in higher activity of side reactions on the surface of the carbon material particles, and greater consumption of active ions during SEI film formation, which reduces the initial coulombic efficiency of the secondary battery and affects its storage performance.
[0093] In some embodiments, 38 ≤ A × B ≤ 65, and optionally, 38 ≤ A × B ≤ 60, 39 ≤ A × B ≤ 55, 39 ≤ A × B ≤ 52, and 39 ≤ A × B ≤ 50. Further research by the inventors revealed that this configuration is advantageous for secondary batteries to better balance high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle and storage performance.
[0094] In some embodiments, the adsorption capacity A of 100g of the carbon material for linseed oil is 30ml-50mL, optionally 35ml-47mL. When the adsorption capacity of the carbon material for linseed oil is within the above range, the surface side reaction activity of the carbon material particles is low, thereby reducing the consumption of active ions during SEI film formation and preventing the particle surface from becoming too dense, which would affect the transport of active ions. In addition, it is beneficial to form a reasonable pore structure between the particles of the negative electrode film, improving the wettability of the negative electrode sheet to the electrolyte. Thus, the secondary battery can better balance high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle performance and storage performance.
[0095] In some embodiments, the specific surface area B of the carbon material is 0.5 m². 2 / g-2.1m 2 / g, optional 0.7m 2 / g-1.8m 2 / g, 0.9m 2 / g-1.8m 2 / g, 1.0m 2 / g-1.8m 2 / g, 1.0m 2 / g-1.7m 2 / g, 1.0m 2 / g-1.6m 2 / g. When the specific surface area of carbon materials is within the above range, on the one hand, carbon materials can have lower surface side reaction activity, thereby reducing the consumption of active ions during SEI film formation and improving the initial coulombic efficiency of carbon materials; on the other hand, they can also have higher active ion transport performance. Therefore, secondary batteries can better balance high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle and storage performance. Furthermore, secondary batteries can also have good rate performance.
[0096] The specific surface area of carbon materials is a well-known concept in the art and can be determined using instruments and methods known in the art. For example, it can be measured using the nitrogen adsorption specific surface area analysis method according to GB / T 19587-2017, and calculated using the BET (Brunauer Emmett Teller) method. The testing instrument can be the Tri-Star 3020 specific surface area and pore size analyzer from Micromeritics, USA.
[0097] The adsorption capacity (A) of 100g of carbon material for linseed oil can be tested using the following method: (Refer to GB / T) According to 3780.2-2017, weigh a certain mass (e.g., 20g) of dried test sample and place it in the mixing chamber of the oil absorption meter. The mixing chamber temperature is 23℃, and the lid is closed. Align the oil delivery port of the constant speed burette with the opening above the mixing chamber lid. Start the oil absorption meter, and the instrument will begin to run and add linseed oil. As the amount of oil absorbed by the sample increases, the mixture changes from a free-flowing state to a semi-plastic agglomerate, and the viscosity of the mixture continuously increases. This viscosity is transmitted to the torque sensor system of the oil absorption meter. When the added oil causes the semi-plastic agglomerate to reach the preset torque level, the oil absorption meter and the constant speed burette automatically shut off. Read the value corresponding to 70% of the maximum torque of the fitted curve, and use the formula A = (V / m) × 100 to calculate the adsorption amount A of 100g of carbon material on linseed oil. V represents the volume of linseed oil consumed by the sample at 70% of the maximum torque, in ml; m is the mass of the added sample, in g.
[0098] In some embodiments, the carbon material includes one or more pores with an area greater than or equal to 0.1 μm. 2 The pore structure may optionally include one or more pores with an area of 0.12 μm. 2 -2.5μm 2 The porous structure. When the carbon material further includes a porous structure with the above-mentioned pore area, the porous structure can reserve the expansion space required for the volume change of the carbon material particles, thereby further reducing the risk of carbon material particles breaking and generating new interfaces, thereby reducing the occurrence of side reactions, reducing irreversible capacity loss of the secondary battery, and further improving the cycle performance and storage performance of the secondary battery.
[0099] In some embodiments, the carbon material includes an outer region and an inner region located inside the outer region. The outer region refers to the area formed by extending 0.25L from the particle surface of the carbon material into the particle interior, where L refers to the minor axis length of the carbon material particle. The total pore area of the outer region is denoted as S1, and the total pore area of the inner region is denoted as S2, where S2>S1.
[0100] In this application, the total pore area S1 of the outer region and the total pore area S2 of the inner region of the first carbon-based material can be obtained by testing a cross-sectional image of the first carbon-based material.
[0101] In this application, the cross-sectional image of the first carbon-based material includes a cross-sectional image passing through the center of the first carbon-based material particles. The "particle center" refers to the range within a radius of 0.1 μm extending from the geometric center of the particle towards the particle surface.
[0102] In this application, the minor axis length of a particle refers to the minimum value when the line connecting two points on the particle surface passes through the geometric center of the particle.
[0103] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional image of a particle of carbon material 100 according to this application, and the cross-sectional image passes through the center of the particle of carbon material 100. Figure 1 As shown, L represents the short axis length of the carbon material 100 particles. The region formed by extending 0.25L from the surface of the carbon material 100 particles into the particle interior is the outer region 101, and the region inside the outer region 101 is the inner region 102.
[0104] The cross-section of the first carbon-based material can be prepared using a cross-section polisher (e.g., the IB-09010 CP argon ion cross-section polisher from JEOL, Japan); then, referring to JY / T010-1996, the cross-section of the first carbon-based material can be scanned using a scanning electron microscope (e.g., the Sigma 300 scanning electron microscope from ZEISS, Germany); finally, the total pore area S1 of the outer region and the total pore area S2 of the inner region of the first carbon-based material can be calculated using image processing software (e.g., AVIZO).
[0105] When the carbon material satisfies S2>S1, the carbon material particles can have the following characteristics: a large number of pores and / or large pore size in the internal region, and a small number of pores and / or small pore size in the external region. The large number and / or large pore size in the internal region of the carbon material allows for expansion space required for volume changes, thus reducing the risk of particle breakage and the formation of new interfaces, thereby reducing side reactions, decreasing irreversible capacity loss in the secondary battery, and improving the cycle and storage performance of the secondary battery. The small number and / or small pore size in the external region of the carbon material results in fewer surface defects and a more stable structure, and minimizes electrolyte penetration into the internal pore structure, further reducing side reactions, decreasing the consumption of active ions by the SEI film formation within the particles, thereby improving the initial coulombic efficiency of the carbon material, and further enhancing the cycle and storage performance of the secondary battery. Therefore, when carbon material particles further satisfy S2>S1, it can effectively reduce the irreversible capacity loss of secondary batteries, improve the capacity utilization characteristics of secondary batteries, and enable secondary batteries to better balance high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle performance and storage performance.
[0106] In some embodiments, 1.3 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 450, 1.8 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 400, 2.0 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 300, 2.5 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 200, and 3.0 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 150. Further research by the inventors revealed that when S2 / S1 is also within the above ranges, the secondary battery can better balance high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle and storage performance.
[0107] In some embodiments, 0.01 μm 2 ≤S1≤12.0μm 2 Optionally, 0.02μm 2 ≤S1≤10.0μm 2 0.02μm 2 ≤S1≤8.0μm 2 0.02μm 2 ≤S1≤7.0μm 2 0.1μm 2 ≤S1≤10.0μm 2 0.1μm 2 ≤S1≤7.0μm 2When the total pore area of the external region of the carbon material is within the above range, on the one hand, the carbon material particles can have fewer surface defects and a more stable structure, minimizing the penetration of electrolyte into the pore structure inside the carbon material particles, thereby reducing the occurrence of side reactions and reducing the consumption of active ions by the formation of the SEI film inside the carbon material particles. On the other hand, it will not affect the transport performance of active ions and electrons.
[0108] In some embodiments, 2.5μm 2 ≤S2≤25.0μm 2 Optionally, 3.0μm 2 ≤S2≤22.5μm 2 3.0μm 2 ≤S2≤20.5μm 2 4.0μm 2 ≤S2≤17.5μm 2 When the total pore area of the internal region of a carbon material is within the above-mentioned range, on the one hand, sufficient and stable expansion space can be reserved for changes in the volume of carbon material particles, reducing the risk of carbon material particles breaking and generating new interfaces, reducing the occurrence of side reactions on the surface of new interfaces, and reducing the consumption of active ions by the formation of SEI film on the surface of new interfaces. On the other hand, it can also improve the capacity and first coulombic efficiency of carbon materials.
[0109] In some embodiments, L ≥ 4 μm, and optionally, 4 μm ≤ L ≤ 20 μm, 6 μm ≤ L ≤ 18 μm, 8 μm ≤ L ≤ 18 μm, or 8 μm ≤ L ≤ 16 μm.
[0110] In some embodiments, the area of the pore structure in the outer region of the carbon material is less than or equal to 0.2 μm. 2 The option is ≤0.15μm. 2 Further research by the inventors revealed that by controlling the area of the pore structures in the outer region of the carbon material within the aforementioned range, the outer region of the carbon material can have a denser structure. This effectively reduces surface defects in the carbon material, improves its structural stability, and minimizes electrolyte penetration into the pore structures within the carbon material particles, thereby further enhancing the cycle performance and storage performance of the secondary battery. Of course, this application does not intend to limit the area of all pore structures in the outer region of the carbon material to less than or equal to 0.2 μm. 2 For example, more than 95%, and optionally more than 99%, of the pore structures can be controlled to have an area of less than or equal to 0.2 μm. 2 The option is ≤0.15μm. 2 .
[0111] In some embodiments, the internal region of the carbon material includes one or more particles with an area greater than or equal to 0.15 μm.2 The pore structure may optionally include one or more pores with an area of 0.18 μm. 2 -2.5μm 2 The inventors further discovered in their research that by including the aforementioned pore size in the internal region of the carbon material, sufficient and stable expansion space can be reserved for changes in the volume of the carbon material particles, reducing the risk of particle breakage. Furthermore, the compaction density of the carbon material can also be increased.
[0112] In some embodiments, the interlayer spacing of the outer region of the carbon material is denoted as d1, the interlayer spacing of the inner region of the carbon material is denoted as d2, and the carbon material satisfies d1≥d2, or optionally, d1>d2.
[0113] The larger interlayer spacing in the outer region of carbon materials is more conducive to the rapid insertion and extraction of active ions, thereby further improving the kinetic performance of secondary batteries; the smaller interlayer spacing in the inner region of carbon materials is conducive to improving the specific capacity and compaction density of carbon materials, thereby further improving the energy density of secondary batteries.
[0114] In some embodiments, d1 is 0.33565nm-0.33610nm.
[0115] In some embodiments, d2 is 0.33557nm-0.33585nm.
[0116] The interlayer spacing in different regions of carbon material particles can be measured using instruments and methods known in the art. For example, a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) can be used. The instrument used can be the Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra S / TEM scanning transmission electron microscope.
[0117] In some embodiments, the La(110) of the carbon material is 100nm-150nm, and can be selected as 110nm-130nm.
[0118] In some embodiments, the Lc(002) of the carbon material is 20nm-45nm, and can be selected as 28nm-40nm.
[0119] When the La(110) and / or Lc(002) of carbon materials are within a suitable range, it is beneficial for the carbon materials to have higher crystallinity and / or graphitization, which is beneficial for improving the specific capacity of carbon materials, as well as improving the active ion and electron transport performance of the negative electrode film, and thus beneficial for improving the cycle performance, storage performance and / or rate performance of secondary batteries.
[0120] La(110) represents the crystallite size along the a-axis in the (110) crystal plane of carbon material, and Lc(002) represents the crystallite size along the c-axis in the (002) crystal plane of carbon material. Both can be measured using instruments and methods known in the art. For example, an X-ray diffractometer (such as a Bruker D8 Discover) can be used for measurement. The measurement can be performed with reference to JIS K 0131-1996 and JB / T 4220-2011. The peak intensity and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the diffraction peaks corresponding to the (110) crystal plane and the peak intensity and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the diffraction peaks corresponding to the (002) crystal plane of carbon material can be obtained, and then calculated according to the Scherrer formula.
[0121] In some embodiments, the degree of graphitization of the carbon material is 94%-98%, optionally 95%-97%. When the degree of graphitization of the carbon material is within the above range, it is beneficial to improve the energy density of the secondary battery, and also beneficial to improve the cycle performance, storage performance and / or rate performance of the secondary battery.
[0122] The degree of graphitization of carbon materials is a well-known concept in the art and can be tested using instruments and methods known in the field. For example, it can be tested using an X-ray diffractometer (such as a Bruker D8 Discover), and the testing can be referenced in JIS K0131-1996 and JB / T 4220-2011 to obtain the average interlayer spacing d of the (002) crystal plane in the carbon material crystal structure. 002 Then, according to the formula g = (0.344 - d) 002 The degree of graphitization is calculated as d / (0.344-0.3354)×100%. In the above formula, d... 002 It is the average interlayer spacing of the (002) crystal plane in the crystal structure of carbon materials, expressed in nanometers (nm).
[0123] In some embodiments, the morphology of the carbon material includes one or more of blocky, spherical, and near-spherical shapes. This is beneficial for increasing the compaction density of the negative electrode sheet, thereby improving the energy density of the secondary battery.
[0124] In some embodiments, the carbon material comprises primary particles. Optionally, the proportion of primary particles in the carbon material is ≥50%, for example, it can be 55%-95%, 60%-100%, 65%-90%, 65%-80%, 70%-100%, 75%-90%, 80%-100%, 90%-100%, or 95%-100%. The inclusion of an appropriate proportion of primary particles in the carbon material enables it to have higher structural stability and reduces the occurrence of side reactions; in addition, it can increase the compaction density of the negative electrode sheet, thereby improving the energy density of the secondary battery.
[0125] In some embodiments, the carbon material may consist entirely of primary particles, meaning that the primary particles constitute 100% of the carbon material.
[0126] Primary particles and secondary particles are both well-known terms in the art. Primary particles refer to non-agglomerated particles. Secondary particles refer to aggregated particles formed by the aggregation of two or more primary particles. Primary and secondary particles can be distinguished using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images.
[0127] In this application, the proportion of primary particles in the carbon material can be tested as follows: a test sample is randomly selected in the negative electrode film layer, and multiple test areas are randomly selected in the test sample. Images of multiple test areas are obtained using a scanning electron microscope. The proportion of the number of carbon material particles with primary particle morphology in each image is counted to the total number of carbon material particles. The average of multiple statistical results is the proportion of primary particles in the carbon material.
[0128] In some embodiments, the volume distribution particle size Dv50 of the carbon material is 8.0 μm-24.0 μm, and optionally 9.5 μm-22.5 μm.
[0129] In some embodiments, the volume distribution particle size Dv10 of the carbon material is 5.0 μm-15.0 μm, and optionally 6.0 μm-14.0 μm.
[0130] In some embodiments, the volume distribution particle size Dv90 of the carbon material is 16.0 μm-35.0 μm, and optionally 17.0 μm-34.0 μm.
[0131] When the volume distribution particle size of carbon material is within the above range (Dv10, Dv50, and / or Dv90), it is beneficial to improve the transport performance of active ions and electrons, and also beneficial to the formation of a reasonable pore structure between the particles of the negative electrode film, thereby further improving the cycle performance and / or rate performance of the secondary battery.
[0132] In some embodiments, the (Dv90-Dv10) / Dv50 ratio of the carbon material is 0.55-1.55, and optionally 0.8-1.4. When the (Dv90-Dv10) / Dv50 ratio of the carbon material is within the above range, its particle packing performance is better, which is beneficial to improving the compaction density of the negative electrode film, thereby further improving the energy density of the secondary battery; in addition, it is also beneficial to form a reasonable pore structure between the particles of the negative electrode film.
[0133] The volumetric distribution particle sizes Dv10, Dv50, and Dv90 of carbon materials are well-known in the art, representing the particle sizes corresponding to a cumulative volume distribution percentage of 10%, 50%, and 90%, respectively. These sizes can be determined using instruments and methods known in the art. For example, they can be conveniently determined using a laser particle size analyzer, referring to GB / T 19077-2016, Particle Size Distribution Laser Diffraction Method. The testing instrument can be the Mastersizer 2000E laser particle size analyzer from Malvern Instruments Ltd., UK.
[0134] In some embodiments, the tap density of the carbon material is 0.80 g / cm³. 3 -1.32g / cm 3 The optional value is 0.82g / cm³. 3 -1.28g / cm 3 When the tap density of carbon materials is within the above range, the tap density of the negative electrode sheet can be increased, thereby improving the energy density of the secondary battery; it also helps to form a reasonable pore structure between the particles of the negative electrode film, improving the transport performance of active ions and electrons, and improving the cycle performance and storage performance of the secondary battery.
[0135] The tap density of carbon materials is a well-known concept in the art and can be determined using instruments and methods known in the field. For example, it can be determined using a powder tap density tester, referring to GB / T 5162-2006. The testing instrument can be the Dandong Baite BT-301.
[0136] In some embodiments, the specific capacity of the carbon material is 355 mAh / g-371 mAh / g, optionally 360 mAh / g-370 mAh / g. When the specific capacity of the carbon material is within the above range, the energy density of the secondary battery can be improved.
[0137] The specific capacity of carbon materials is a concept known in the art and can be tested using methods known in the art. An exemplary test method is as follows: A carbon material sample is thoroughly mixed with a binder styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), a thickener sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and a conductive agent carbon black in a mass ratio of 96.2:1.8:1.2:0.8 in an appropriate amount of deionized water to form a uniform negative electrode slurry; the negative electrode slurry is uniformly coated onto the surface of the negative electrode current collector copper foil and dried in an oven for later use; ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and diethyl carbonate (DEC) are mixed in a volume ratio of 1:1:1 to obtain an organic solvent, and then LiPF6 is dissolved in the above organic solvent to prepare an electrolyte with a concentration of 1 mol / L; then, using a lithium metal sheet as the counter electrode and a polyethylene (PE) film as the separator, a CR2430 coin cell is assembled in an argon-protected glove box. At 25°C, the prepared coin cell was first discharged at a constant current of 0.15 mA to 0.005 V, allowed to stand for 5 min, and then discharged at a constant current of 10 μA to 0.005 V. The first discharge capacity of the coin cell was recorded. Subsequently, it was charged at a constant current of 0.3 mA to 2.0 V, and the charging capacity of the coin cell was recorded. The ratio of the charging capacity of the coin cell to the mass of the carbon material sample is the specific capacity of the carbon material.
[0138] Preparation method
[0139] The second aspect of this application provides a method for preparing a carbon material, which can prepare the carbon material of the first aspect of this application.
[0140] The preparation method of the carbon material includes the following steps: Step 1, providing a raw material with multiple pore structures; Step 2, mixing the raw material and a filler material uniformly according to a predetermined ratio, and then holding at a first temperature T1 for a first time t1 to obtain an intermediate; Step 3, holding the obtained intermediate at a second temperature T2 for a second time t2 to obtain a carbon material, wherein the carbon material includes a pore structure, the adsorption capacity of 100g of the carbon material for linseed oil is denoted as A, the specific surface area of the carbon material is denoted as B, and the carbon material satisfies: 36≤A×B≤75, the unit of the adsorption capacity A of 100g of the carbon material for linseed oil is ml, and the unit of the specific surface area B of the carbon material is m. 2 / g.
[0141] In some embodiments, the raw material used to prepare the carbon material includes natural graphite. Optionally, the natural graphite includes one or more of flake graphite, natural spherical graphite, and microcrystalline graphite, and may optionally include natural spherical graphite.
[0142] "Natural spherical graphite" refers to natural graphite with a spherical or near-spherical shape, but not all natural graphite particles are controlled to be ideally spherical. In some embodiments, natural spherical graphite with the desired particle size and morphology can be obtained by pre-treating flake graphite. Optionally, the pre-treatment includes processes such as crushing, grading, spheroidizing, and purification.
[0143] In some embodiments, the morphology of the raw material includes one or more of spherical and near-spherical shapes.
[0144] In some embodiments, the volume distribution particle size Dv50 of the raw material is 8.5μm-24.0μm, and can be optionally 10.5μm-22.5μm.
[0145] By adjusting the particle size of the raw materials within the above-mentioned range, the agglomeration of the raw materials during subsequent preparation can be reduced. This reduces problems such as increased surface defects and increased surface side reaction sites in carbon material particles due to the need to add a deagglomeration process.
[0146] In some embodiments, the ash content in the raw material is ≤1 wt%. A lower ash content in the raw material is beneficial for the carbon material to have lower surface defects.
[0147] In some embodiments, the softening point temperature of the filler material is 110℃-175℃. For example, the softening point temperature of the filler material can be a range of 110℃, 115℃, 120℃, 125℃, 130℃, 135℃, 140℃, 145℃, 150℃, 155℃, 160℃, 165℃, 170℃, 175℃, or any of the above values. Optionally, the softening point temperature of the filler material is 120℃-170℃.
[0148] During their research, the inventors discovered that when the softening point temperature of the filler material is within the aforementioned range, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B. This also helps to ensure that the A×B ratio of the carbon material is within a suitable range, and further facilitates the adjustment of the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material, as well as the adjustment of S2 / S1 within a suitable range. Furthermore, it avoids the following situations: when the softening point temperature of the filler material is too high, the filler material does not flow easily into the pore structure of the raw material, thus failing to effectively reduce surface and internal defects of the obtained carbon material particles, and failing to effectively prevent the electrolyte from penetrating into the pore structure inside the obtained carbon material particles. In this case, the adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or the specific surface area B of the carbon material are likely to be large, and the A×B ratio of the carbon material is likely to be large, thus affecting the initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance, and storage performance of the secondary battery. When the softening point temperature of the filler material is too low, the filler material contains more small molecules, which are easily volatilized by heat. Therefore, although the filler material can easily flow and fill into the pore structure of the raw material, the small molecules in the filler material volatilize during high-temperature heat treatment. This results in the actual residual carbon not being able to effectively fill the pore structure of the raw material, failing to achieve an effective filling effect, or the actual residual carbon in the filling area having a large number of pore structures. In this case, there are more surface defects in the carbon material particles, and the adsorption capacity A of the carbon material for linseed oil and / or the specific surface area B of the carbon material are likely to be large. The A×B of the carbon material is likely to be large, which in turn cannot reduce the consumption of active ions by the SEI film formation and reduce the irreversible capacity loss of the secondary battery. At the same time, it will also affect the cycle performance and storage performance of the secondary battery.
[0149] In some embodiments, the coking value of the filler material is 26%-50%, optionally 33%-45%. During their research, the inventors discovered that when the coking value of the filler material is within the above range, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, which is beneficial for keeping A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range. It is also beneficial for adjusting the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, and for adjusting S2 / S1 within a suitable range.
[0150] The coking value of filler materials has a well-known meaning in the art and can be determined using instruments and methods known in the art. For example, it can be determined with reference to GB / T 8727-2008.
[0151] In some embodiments, the softening point temperature of the filler material is 120°C-170°C and the coking value is 33%-45%.
[0152] In some embodiments, the volumetric particle size Dv50 of the filler material is less than or equal to 6 μm, and can be selected as 1 μm-6 μm, 1 μm-5 μm, 2 μm-5 μm, or 3 μm-5 μm. This facilitates the filler material to fill the pore structure of the raw material after being heated and melted, and also helps to improve the dispersion uniformity of the filler material and the raw material.
[0153] In some embodiments, the content of quinoline insolubles in the filler material is ≤1 wt%, optionally ≤0.8 wt%. A higher content of quinoline insolubles can affect the atomic arrangement of the actual residual carbon in the filler region, thus affecting the powder compaction density of the carbon material and the energy density of the secondary battery.
[0154] In some embodiments, the filler material includes one or more of coal tar pitch and petroleum pitch.
[0155] In some embodiments, the mass ratio of the filler material to the raw material is (10-32):100, optionally (10-25):100, (11-22):100, or (11-20):100. This is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, to keep A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range, and to adjust the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, and to adjust S2 / S1 within a suitable range. Furthermore, it can avoid the following situations: When the mass ratio of filler material to raw material is too small, the filler material does not flow easily to fill the pore structure of the raw material, thus failing to effectively reduce internal defects in the obtained carbon material particles and failing to effectively prevent electrolyte from penetrating into the pore structure inside the obtained carbon material particles. In this case, the adsorption capacity A of the carbon material for linseed oil and / or the specific surface area B of the carbon material are likely to be large, and the A×B of the carbon material is likely to be large, thereby affecting the initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance, and storage performance of the secondary battery. When the mass ratio of filler material to raw material is too large, it easily leads to the complete filling of the pore structure inside the raw material. When the carbon material is filled, the adsorption capacity (A) of linseed oil by the carbon material and / or the specific surface area (B) of the carbon material are likely to be small, and the A×B of the carbon material is likely to be small. As a result, the carbon material obtained undergoes a large volume change during the extraction and insertion of active ions, making the particles more prone to breakage. Consequently, the consumption of active ions during SEI film formation increases, and the irreversible capacity loss of the secondary battery increases. In addition, when the mass ratio of filler material to raw material is too large, a large amount of filler material will remain on the particle surface. At this time, the particles are more prone to agglomeration, which not only increases the deagglomeration process but also reduces the specific capacity and compaction density of the obtained carbon material.
[0156] By adjusting one or more parameters such as the type of filler material, softening point, coking value, and addition amount to be within the above range, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption amount A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B. It is also beneficial to keep the A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range, and to adjust the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, and to adjust S2 / S1 within a suitable range. In addition, after the filler material is heated and melted, its viscosity is not high, maintaining good fluidity. At the same time, it is not easy to stick to the raw material particles, which can reduce the agglomeration of raw material particles in subsequent preparation processes. This can reduce the problems of increased surface defects and increased surface side reaction sites of the obtained carbon material particles due to the need to add a deagglomeration process.
[0157] In some embodiments, the heating process in step 2, which involves uniformly mixing the raw material and the filler material in a predetermined ratio and then heating them to a first temperature T1, is a staged heating process, which may optionally include a first heating process, a second heating process, and a third heating process.
[0158] In some embodiments, the first heating process involves heating to 200°C-250°C and holding at that temperature for 0.5h-2h.
[0159] During the research process, the inventors discovered that when the holding time of the first heating process is within the above-mentioned range, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption amount A of linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, which is beneficial for keeping the A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range, and also beneficial for adjusting the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, and adjusting S2 / S1 within a suitable range. Furthermore, it can avoid the following situations: When the heat preservation time is too short, the filler material is not easy to flow and fill into the pore structure of the raw material, but may carbonize on the particle surface. As a result, it cannot effectively reduce the internal defects of the obtained carbon material particles, nor can it effectively prevent the electrolyte from penetrating into the pore structure of the obtained carbon material particles. At this time, the adsorption capacity A of the carbon material for linseed oil and / or the specific surface area B of the carbon material are more likely to be large, and the A×B of the carbon material is more likely to be large, which will affect the initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance and storage performance of the secondary battery. When the heat preservation time is too long, the filler material is easy to flow and fill into all the pore structure of the raw material. The adsorption capacity A of the carbon material for linseed oil and / or the specific surface area B of the carbon material are more likely to be small, and the A×B of the carbon material is more likely to be small. This will result in a large volume change of the carbon material during the active ion desorption and insertion process, and the particles are more likely to break. This will increase the consumption of active ions by the SEI film formation, increase the irreversible capacity loss of the secondary battery, and also affect the cycle performance, storage performance and rate performance of the secondary battery.
[0160] In some embodiments, the second heating process involves heating to 450°C-550°C and holding at that temperature for 0.5h-2h.
[0161] In some embodiments, the third heating process involves heating to the first temperature T1 and holding at that temperature for a first time t1.
[0162] In the phased heating process, the temperature is first raised to 200℃-250℃. Since the heating temperature is higher than the softening point of the filler material, the filler material melts and softens upon heating. Holding at this temperature for 0.5h-2h allows it to flow and fill the pore structure of the raw material. Then, the temperature is raised to 450℃-550℃. At this point, the melted and softened filler material undergoes a carbonization reaction, gradually forming a semi-coke state, becoming a viscous liquid or solid. This prevents the filler material from entering all the pore structures of the raw material. Finally, the temperature is raised to the first temperature T1. At this point, the filler material undergoes a carbonization reaction, which allows the pore structure occupied by the filler material to be effectively filled, reducing surface defects. This, in turn, helps the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B. It also helps to keep the A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range, and further helps to adjust the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, and adjust S2 / S1 within a suitable range.
[0163] In some embodiments, in step 2, the temperature is increased to the first temperature T1 at a rate of 1°C / min to 10°C / min. For example, the heating rate can be a range of 1.5°C / min, 2°C / min, 3°C / min, 4°C / min, 5°C / min, 6°C / min, 7°C / min, 8°C / min, 9°C / min, 10°C / min, or any of the above values. Optionally, the heating rate is 1.5°C / min to 8°C / min.
[0164] In some embodiments, the heating rate of the first heating process can be 1℃ / min-10℃ / min, and can be selected as 1.5℃ / min-8℃ / min.
[0165] During their research, the inventors discovered that when the heating rate of the first heating process is within the aforementioned range, it is beneficial to adjust the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material to a suitable range, and to adjust S2 / S1 to a suitable range. Furthermore, it avoids the following situations: If the heating rate is too high, the filler material may carbonize on the surface of the raw material particles, making it difficult for the filler material to flow and fill into the pore structure of the raw material. This fails to effectively reduce internal defects in the obtained carbon material particles and fails to effectively prevent electrolyte penetration into the pore structure of the obtained carbon material particles, thus affecting the initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance, and storage performance of the secondary battery. If the heating rate is too low, the filler material easily flows and fills into all the pore structures of the raw material, resulting in a larger volume change in the carbon material during the extraction and insertion of active ions. The particles are more prone to breakage, which increases the consumption of active ions during SEI film formation, increases irreversible capacity loss in the secondary battery, and also affects the cycle performance, storage performance, and rate performance of the secondary battery.
[0166] In some embodiments, the heating rate of the second heating process can be 1℃ / min-10℃ / min, and can be selected as 1.5℃ / min-8℃ / min.
[0167] In some embodiments, the heating rate of the third heating process can be 1℃ / min-10℃ / min, and can be selected as 1.5℃ / min-8℃ / min.
[0168] In some embodiments, in step 2, the first temperature T1 is 700℃-1100℃. For example, the first temperature T1 can be a range of 750℃, 800℃, 850℃, 900℃, 950℃, 1000℃, 1050℃, 1100℃, or any value above. Optionally, the first temperature T1 is 750℃-1100℃.
[0169] During their research, the inventors discovered that a first temperature within the aforementioned range is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B. It also helps to keep the A×B ratio of the carbon material within a suitable range, and facilitates the adjustment of the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, as well as adjusting the S2 / S1 ratio within a suitable range. Furthermore, it avoids the following situations: when the first temperature is too low, the filling material may not be completely converted into carbon material, and will continue to decompose into small molecules during subsequent heat treatment. This results in the actual residual carbon in the filling area having a large number of pores, failing to effectively reduce internal defects in the obtained carbon material particles, and failing to effectively prevent electrolyte from penetrating into the pore structure inside the obtained carbon material particles. Simultaneously, it also results in more surface defects in the obtained carbon material, making the adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or the specific surface area B of the carbon material tend to be larger, and the A×B ratio of the carbon material tend to be larger, thus affecting the initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance, and storage performance of the secondary battery. When the first temperature is too high, the energy consumption and cost of the carbon material preparation process increase.
[0170] In some embodiments, the first time t1 is 0.5h-5h. For example, the first time t1 can be a range of 1h, 1.5h, 2h, 2.5h, 3h, 3.5h, 4h, 4.5h, 5h, or any of the above values. Optionally, the first time t1 is 0.5h-3h.
[0171] During their research, the inventors discovered that a suitable initial time (A) within the aforementioned range is beneficial for the carbon material to achieve an appropriate adsorption capacity (A) for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area (B). It also helps to ensure that the A×B ratio of the carbon material is within a suitable range, and facilitates the adjustment of pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material, as well as the adjustment of S2 / S1 within a suitable range. Furthermore, it avoids the following situations: if the initial time is too short, the filling material may not be completely converted into carbon material, and will continue to decompose into small molecules during subsequent heat treatment. This results in the actual residual carbon in the filling area having a large number of pores, failing to effectively reduce internal defects in the obtained carbon material particles, and failing to effectively prevent electrolyte penetration into the pore structure inside the obtained carbon material particles. Simultaneously, it also leads to more surface defects in the obtained carbon material, making the adsorption capacity (A) for linseed oil and / or the specific surface area (B) of the carbon material tend to be larger, and the A×B ratio of the carbon material tends to be larger, thus affecting the initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance, and storage performance of the secondary battery. If the initial time is too long, it easily increases the energy consumption and cost during the carbon material preparation process.
[0172] In some embodiments, in step 2, the heat treatment can be carried out in an induction furnace, roller kiln, rotary kiln or pusher kiln.
[0173] In some embodiments, in step 2, the heat treatment atmosphere may be a protective gas atmosphere. The protective gas may include one or more of nitrogen, argon, and helium.
[0174] In step 2, by adjusting one or more of the heating rate, first temperature, first time, heating process, etc., within the above range, it is beneficial to prepare the desired carbon material. For example, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption amount A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, to make the A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range, and to adjust the pore size and / or number of pores in the external and internal regions of the carbon material within a suitable range, and to adjust S2 / S1 within a suitable range.
[0175] In some embodiments, the second temperature T2 is 1920℃-2520℃, for example, the second temperature can be a range of 1950℃, 2000℃, 2050℃, 2100℃, 2150℃, 2200℃, 2250℃, 2300℃, 2350℃, 2400℃, 2450℃, 2500℃ or any value above. Optionally, the second temperature T2 is 2050℃-2400℃.
[0176] During their research, the inventors discovered that when the second temperature is within the aforementioned range, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, which is also beneficial for the carbon material's A×B to be within a suitable range. Furthermore, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have low surface defects, high specific capacity, and / or high compaction density. It also avoids the following situations: when the second temperature is too low, the obtained carbon material particles have more surface defects, and the adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or the specific surface area B of the carbon material are likely to be large, as is the A×B of the carbon material, thus affecting the initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance, and storage performance of the secondary battery; when the second temperature is too high, the obtained carbon material has too little disordered carbon content, and the crystallinity and graphitization degree of the carbon material are both very high. This is not conducive to the rapid extraction and insertion of active ions, and the volume change of the carbon material during charge and discharge is also large, which increases the risk of carbon material particle breakage, thus affecting the cycle performance and / or kinetic performance of the secondary battery; in addition, when the second temperature is too high, the energy consumption and cost of the carbon material preparation process will also increase.
[0177] In some embodiments, the second time t2 is 1h-6h. For example, the second time t1 can be a range of 2h, 2.5h, 3h, 3.5h, 4h, 4.5h, 5h, 5.5h, 6h, or any of the above values. Optionally, the second time t2 is 2h-6h.
[0178] During their research, the inventors discovered that when the second time is within the aforementioned range, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, which is also beneficial for the carbon material's A×B to be within a suitable range. Furthermore, it is beneficial for the carbon material to have low surface defects, high specific capacity, and / or high compaction density. It also avoids the following situations: if the second time is too short, the obtained carbon material particles have more surface defects, and the adsorption capacity A for linseed oil and / or the specific surface area B of the carbon material are likely to be larger, and the A×B of the carbon material is also likely to be larger, thus affecting the initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance, and storage performance of the secondary battery; if the second time is too long, the obtained carbon material has too little disordered carbon content, and the crystallinity and graphitization degree of the carbon material are both very high. This is not conducive to the rapid extraction and insertion of active ions, and the volume change of the carbon material during charge and discharge is also large, which increases the risk of carbon material particle breakage, thus affecting the cycle performance and / or kinetic performance of the secondary battery; in addition, when the second time is too long, the energy consumption and cost of the carbon material preparation process will also increase.
[0179] In some embodiments, in step 3, the heat treatment can be carried out in an intermediate frequency furnace, a box-type graphitization furnace, an Atchison graphitization furnace, a continuous graphitization furnace, or an internal series graphitization furnace.
[0180] In some embodiments, in step 3, the medium-frequency furnace and the continuous graphitization heat treatment atmosphere may be a protective gas atmosphere. The protective gas may include one or more of nitrogen, argon, and helium.
[0181] By adjusting one or more of the second temperature and the second time within the above range, it is beneficial to reduce the content of disordered carbon in the carbon material, and also beneficial for the carbon material to have a suitable adsorption amount A for linseed oil and / or a suitable specific surface area B, and to make the A×B of the carbon material within a suitable range.
[0182] The carbon material preparation method of this application is simple and safe, requiring no pre-pressurization or vacuum treatment, and eliminating the need for an additional depolymerization step during heat treatment. The carbon material prepared by this application exhibits small volume expansion, high structural stability, and few surface defects, thus achieving both high specific capacity and high initial coulombic efficiency. Furthermore, it enables secondary batteries to achieve high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle and storage performance.
[0183] The preparation method described in this application is low-cost, highly practical, and suitable for large-scale production.
[0184] Secondary batteries
[0185] The third aspect of this application provides a secondary battery.
[0186] This application does not impose any particular limitation on the type of secondary battery; for example, the secondary battery can be a lithium-ion battery. Typically, a secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte. During the charging and discharging process of the secondary battery, active ions repeatedly insert and extract between the positive and negative electrode, and the electrolyte acts as a conductor for these active ions. This application does not impose any particular limitation on the type of electrolyte, which can be selected according to actual needs. For example, the electrolyte can be selected from at least one of solid electrolytes and liquid electrolytes (i.e., electrolyte solutions). Secondary batteries using electrolyte solutions, and some secondary batteries using solid electrolytes, may also include a separator membrane disposed between the positive and negative electrode to provide isolation.
[0187] [Negative electrode plate]
[0188] In some embodiments, the negative electrode sheet includes a negative current collector and a negative electrode film layer disposed on at least one surface of the negative current collector. For example, the negative current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its thickness direction, and the negative electrode film layer is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the negative current collector.
[0189] In some embodiments, the negative electrode film layer comprises the carbon material of the first aspect of this application or the carbon material prepared by the method described in the second aspect of this application. This enables the secondary battery to achieve high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle and storage performance.
[0190] In some embodiments, the negative electrode film layer may further comprise other negative electrode active materials besides the carbon materials described above. In some embodiments, the other negative electrode active materials include, but are not limited to, one or more of conventional natural graphite, artificial graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, and lithium titanate. The silicon-based materials may include one or more of elemental silicon, silicon oxide, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. The tin-based materials may include one or more of elemental tin, tin oxide, and tin alloys.
[0191] In some embodiments, the negative electrode film layer may optionally include a negative electrode conductive agent. This application does not impose any particular limitation on the type of negative electrode conductive agent. As an example, the negative electrode conductive agent may include one or more of superconducting carbon, conductive graphite, acetylene black, carbon black, Ketjen black, carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon nanofibers.
[0192] In some embodiments, the negative electrode film layer may optionally include a negative electrode binder. This application does not impose any particular limitation on the type of negative electrode binder. As an example, the negative electrode binder may include one or more of the following: styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), water-soluble unsaturated resin SR-1B, waterborne acrylic resins (e.g., polyacrylic acid PAA, polymethacrylic acid PMAA, sodium polyacrylate PAAS), polyacrylamide (PAM), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium alginate (SA), and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS).
[0193] In some embodiments, the negative electrode film may optionally include other additives. As an example, other additives may include thickeners, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), PTC thermistor materials, etc.
[0194] In some embodiments, the negative electrode current collector may be a metal foil or a composite current collector. As an example of a metal foil, copper foil may be used. The composite current collector may include a polymeric material substrate and a metal material layer formed on at least one surface of the polymeric material substrate. As an example, the metal material may include one or more of copper, copper alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, silver, and silver alloys. As an example, the polymeric material substrate may include one or more of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE).
[0195] The negative electrode film layer is typically formed by coating a negative electrode slurry onto a negative electrode current collector, followed by drying and cold pressing. The negative electrode slurry is typically formed by dispersing the negative electrode active material, optional conductive agent, optional binder, and other optional additives in a solvent and stirring until homogeneous. The solvent can be N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) or deionized water, but is not limited to these.
[0196] The negative electrode sheet does not exclude other additional functional layers besides the negative electrode film layer. For example, in some embodiments, the negative electrode sheet of this application further includes a conductive undercoat layer (e.g., composed of a conductive agent and an adhesive) sandwiched between the negative electrode current collector and the negative electrode film layer and disposed on the surface of the negative electrode current collector; in some embodiments, the negative electrode sheet of this application further includes a protective layer covering the surface of the negative electrode film layer.
[0197] [Positive electrode plate]
[0198] In some embodiments, the positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive electrode film layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive current collector. For example, the positive current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its thickness direction, and the positive electrode film layer is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the positive current collector.
[0199] The positive electrode current collector can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. As an example of a metal foil, aluminum foil can be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal material layer formed on at least one surface of the polymer material base layer. As an example, the metal material may include one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, silver, and silver alloys. As an example, the polymer material base layer may include one or more of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE).
[0200] The positive electrode film typically comprises a positive electrode active material, an optional binder, and an optional conductive agent. The positive electrode film is typically formed by coating a positive electrode slurry onto the positive electrode current collector, followed by drying and cold pressing. The positive electrode slurry is typically formed by dispersing the positive electrode active material, an optional conductive agent, an optional binder, and any other components in a solvent and stirring until homogeneous. The solvent may be N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), but is not limited to this. As an example, the binder used for the positive electrode film may include one or more of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PVDF-tetrafluoroethylene-propylene terpolymer, PVDF-hexafluoropropylene-tetrafluoroethylene terpolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, and fluorinated acrylate resins. As an example, the conductive agent used for the positive electrode film includes one or more of superconducting carbon, conductive graphite, acetylene black, carbon black, Ketjen black, carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon nanofibers.
[0201] The positive electrode active material may be a positive electrode active material known in the art for use in secondary batteries.
[0202] When the secondary battery of this application is a lithium-ion battery, the positive electrode active material may include, but is not limited to, one or more of lithium transition metal oxides, lithium phosphates, and their respective modified compounds. Examples of lithium transition metal oxides may include, but are not limited to, one or more of lithium cobalt oxides, lithium nickel oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium nickel cobalt oxides, lithium manganese cobalt oxides, lithium nickel manganese oxides, lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxides, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxides, and their respective modified compounds. Examples of lithium phosphates may include, but are not limited to, lithium iron phosphate, lithium iron phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese phosphate, lithium manganese phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese iron phosphate, lithium manganese iron phosphate and carbon composites, and their respective modified compounds.
[0203] In some embodiments, to further improve the energy density of secondary batteries, the positive electrode active material for lithium-ion batteries may include materials with the general formula Li. a Nib Co c M d O e A f One or more of lithium transition metal oxides and their modified compounds thereof. 0.8 ≤ a ≤ 1.2, 0.5 ≤ b < 1, 0 < c < 1, 0 < d < 1, 1 ≤ e ≤ 2, 0 ≤ f ≤ 1, M is selected from one or more of Mn, Al, Zr, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mg, Fe, V, Ti and B, and A is selected from one or more of N, F, S and Cl.
[0204] In some embodiments, by way of example, the positive electrode active material for a lithium-ion battery may include one or more of LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMnO2, LiMn2O4, LiNi 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2 (NCM333), LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O2 (NCM523), LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O2 (NCM622), LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O2 (NCM811), LiNi 0.85 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O2, LiFePO4 and LiMnPO4.
[0205] In the present application, the modified compounds of the above positive electrode active materials may be doping modification and / or surface coating modification of the positive electrode active materials.
[0206] [Electrolyte]
[0207] In some embodiments, the electrolyte uses an electrolytic solution, and the electrolytic solution includes an electrolyte salt and a solvent.
[0208] The type of the electrolyte salt is not specifically limited and can be selected according to actual needs.
[0209] When the secondary battery of this application is a lithium-ion battery, as an example, the electrolyte salt may include one or more of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4), lithium perchlorate (LiClO4), lithium hexafluoroarsenate (LiAsF6), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiTFS), lithium difluorooxalate borate (LiDFOB), lithium dioxalate borate (LiBOB), lithium difluorophosphate (LiPO2F2), lithium difluorodioxalate phosphate (LiDFOP), and lithium tetrafluorooxalate phosphate (LiTFOP).
[0210] The type of solvent is not specifically limited and can be selected according to actual needs. In some embodiments, as an example, the solvent may include one or more of the following: ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), dipropyl carbonate (DPC), methyl propyl carbonate (MPC), ethyl propyl carbonate (EPC), butyl ester carbonate (BC), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), methyl formate (MF), methyl acetate (MA), ethyl acetate (EA), propyl acetate (PA), methyl propionate (MP), ethyl propionate (EP), propyl propionate (PP), methyl butyrate (MB), ethyl butyrate (EB), 1,4-butyrolactone (GBL), sulfolane (SF), dimethyl sulfone (MSM), methyl ethyl sulfone (EMS), and diethyl sulfone (ESE).
[0211] In some embodiments, the electrolyte may optionally include additives. For example, the additives may include negative electrode film-forming additives, positive electrode film-forming additives, and additives that can improve certain performance characteristics of the secondary battery, such as additives that improve the overcharge performance of the secondary battery, additives that improve the high-temperature performance of the secondary battery, and additives that improve the low-temperature power performance of the secondary battery.
[0212] [Isolation membrane]
[0213] This application does not impose any particular restrictions on the type of separator membrane; any known porous separator membrane with good chemical and mechanical stability can be selected.
[0214] In some embodiments, the material of the separator may include one or more of glass fiber, nonwoven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride. The separator may be a single-layer film or a multi-layer composite film. When the separator is a multi-layer composite film, the materials of each layer may be the same or different.
[0215] In some embodiments, the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode can be fabricated into an electrode assembly using a winding process or a stacking process.
[0216] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may include an outer packaging. This outer packaging may be used to encapsulate the electrode assembly and electrolyte described above.
[0217] In some embodiments, the outer packaging may be a hard shell, such as a hard plastic shell, aluminum shell, steel shell, etc. The outer packaging may also be a flexible package, such as a pouch. The material of the flexible package may be plastic, such as one or more of polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polybutylene succinate (PBS).
[0218] This application does not impose any particular limitation on the shape of the secondary battery; it can be cylindrical, square, or any other arbitrary shape. Figure 2 This is an example of a square-structured secondary battery 5.
[0219] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the outer packaging may include a housing 51 and a cover 53. The housing 51 may include a base plate and side plates connected to the base plate, the base plate and side plates forming a receiving cavity. The housing 51 has an opening communicating with the receiving cavity, and the cover 53 is used to cover the opening to close the receiving cavity. The positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator may be formed into an electrode assembly 52 by a winding process or a stacking process. The electrode assembly 52 is encapsulated in the receiving cavity. Electrolyte is immersed in the electrode assembly 52. The secondary battery 5 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 52, which can be adjusted according to requirements.
[0220] The method for preparing the secondary battery described in this application is well known. In some embodiments, a positive electrode, a separator, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte can be assembled to form a secondary battery. As an example, the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode can be formed into an electrode assembly through a winding or stacking process. The electrode assembly is then placed in an outer packaging, dried, and injected with an electrolyte. After vacuum sealing, settling, formation, and shaping, a secondary battery is obtained.
[0221] In some embodiments of this application, the secondary battery according to this application can be assembled into a battery module. The number of secondary batteries contained in the battery module can be multiple, and the specific number can be adjusted according to the application and capacity of the battery module.
[0222] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of battery module 4 as an example. Figure 4 As shown, in battery module 4, multiple secondary batteries 5 can be arranged sequentially along the length of battery module 4. Of course, they can also be arranged in any other manner. Furthermore, these multiple secondary batteries 5 can be fixed in place using fasteners.
[0223] Optionally, the battery module 4 may also include a housing with a receiving space in which a plurality of secondary batteries 5 are received.
[0224] In some embodiments, the battery modules described above can also be assembled into a battery pack, and the number of battery modules contained in the battery pack can be adjusted according to the application and capacity of the battery pack.
[0225] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of battery pack 1 as an example. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the battery pack 1 may include a battery box and multiple battery modules 4 disposed within the battery box. The battery box includes an upper body 2 and a lower body 3. The upper body 2 covers the lower body 3, forming a closed space for accommodating the battery modules 4. The multiple battery modules 4 can be arranged in any manner within the battery box.
[0226] Electrical appliances
[0227] This application also provides an electrical device, which includes at least one of the secondary battery, battery module, or battery pack described in this application. The secondary battery, battery module, or battery pack can be used as a power source for the electrical device or as an energy storage unit for the electrical device. The electrical device may be, but is not limited to, mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc.), electric vehicles (e.g., pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, electric golf carts, electric trucks, etc.), electric trains, ships and satellites, energy storage systems, etc.
[0228] The electrical device can be equipped with a secondary battery, battery module, or battery pack according to its usage requirements.
[0229] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an example electrical device. The device could be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. To meet the device's requirements for high power and high energy density, a battery pack or battery module can be used.
[0230] Another example of an electrical device could be a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. These devices typically require a slim and lightweight design and can use rechargeable batteries as their power source.
[0231] Example
[0232] The following embodiments describe the disclosure of this application in more detail. These embodiments are merely illustrative, as various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosure of this application. Unless otherwise stated, all parts, percentages, and ratios reported in the following embodiments are based on mass, and all reagents used in the embodiments are commercially available or synthesized by conventional methods and can be used directly without further processing, and the instruments used in the embodiments are commercially available.
[0233] Example 1
[0234] (1) Preparation of carbon materials
[0235] Step 1: Mechanically crush, classify, spheroidize, and purify 100-mesh flake graphite to obtain natural spherical graphite with a volume distribution particle size Dv50 of 17μm and an ash content of 0.01%.
[0236] Step 2: The obtained natural spherical graphite and petroleum asphalt (softening point temperature of 120℃, volume distribution particle size Dv50 of 4.3μm, coking value of 33%) are mixed in a VC mixer at a mass ratio of 100:15 for 30 min. Then, the mixed material is placed in a roller kiln and heated to 230℃ at a rate of 5℃ / min and held for 1 h (first heating process). Then, the temperature is increased to 500℃ at a rate of 5℃ / min and held for 1 h (second heating process). Then, the temperature is increased to 1100℃ at a rate of 5℃ / min and held for 1 h (third heating process). After the process is completed, the mixture is cooled to room temperature to obtain an intermediate.
[0237] Step 3: Place the obtained intermediate in an Atchison graphitization furnace, heat it to 2300℃ and hold it for 2 hours. After the process, demagnetize and sieve to obtain carbon material.
[0238] (2) Preparation of button cell (half-cell)
[0239] The carbon material prepared above was mixed with styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) as a binder, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a thickener, and carbon black as a conductive agent in a mass ratio of 96.2:1.8:1.2:0.8 in an appropriate amount of deionized water to form a uniform negative electrode slurry. The negative electrode slurry was uniformly coated onto the surface of the copper foil current collector and dried in an oven for later use. Ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and diethyl carbonate (DEC) were mixed in a volume ratio of 1:1:1 to obtain an organic solvent. LiPF6 was then dissolved in the organic solvent to prepare an electrolyte with a concentration of 1 mol / L. A CR2430 coin cell was then assembled in an argon-protected glove box using a lithium metal sheet as the counter electrode and a polyethylene (PE) film as the separator.
[0240] (3) Preparation of secondary batteries (full cells)
[0241] The carbon material prepared above, conductive carbon black (Super P), binder styrene-butadiene rubber, and thickener sodium carboxymethyl cellulose were thoroughly mixed in an appropriate amount of deionized water at a weight ratio of 96:1:1:2 to form a negative electrode slurry. The negative electrode slurry was coated on both surfaces of the negative electrode current collector copper foil, and after drying and cold pressing, a negative electrode sheet was obtained.
[0242] LiFePO4, conductive carbon black, and polyvinylidene fluoride were mixed in a weight ratio of 96:2.5:1.5, and an appropriate amount of NMP solvent was added. The mixture was stirred until homogeneous to obtain a positive electrode slurry. The positive electrode slurry was coated onto both surfaces of the positive electrode current collector aluminum foil, and after drying and cold pressing, a positive electrode sheet was obtained.
[0243] A 12μm thick polypropylene film is used as a separator. It is placed in sequence with the positive and negative electrode sheets prepared above, so that the separator is in the middle of the positive and negative electrode sheets to play a role in isolation. Then, the electrode assembly is wound to obtain the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is placed in the outer packaging, dried, and then injected with the same electrolyte as the button cell prepared above. After vacuum sealing, standing, formation, capacity testing and other processes, a secondary battery is obtained.
[0244] Comparative Example 1
[0245] The preparation methods for half-cells and full-cells are similar to those in Example 1, except for the preparation process of carbon materials.
[0246] 100-mesh flake graphite was mechanically crushed, classified, spheroidized, and purified to obtain natural spherical graphite with a volume distribution particle size Dv50 of 17 μm and an ash content of 0.01%. The obtained natural spherical graphite was then used as a carbon material to prepare half-cells and full-cells.
[0247] Comparative Example 2
[0248] The preparation methods for half-cells and full-cells are similar to those in Example 1, except for the preparation process of carbon materials.
[0249] 100-mesh flake graphite was mechanically crushed, classified, spheroidized, and purified to obtain natural spherical graphite with a volume distribution particle size Dv50 of 17 μm and an ash content of 0.01%.
[0250] The obtained natural spherical graphite and petroleum asphalt (softening point temperature of 120℃, volume distribution particle size Dv50 of 4.3μm, and coking value of 33%) were mixed in a VC mixer at a mass ratio of 100:15 for 30 min. The mixed material was then graphitized at 3200℃ for 10 h. After the treatment, the mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain carbon material.
[0251] Comparative Example 3
[0252] The preparation methods for half-cells and full-cells are similar to those in Example 1, except for the preparation process of carbon materials.
[0253] 100-mesh flake graphite was mechanically crushed, classified, spheroidized, and purified to obtain natural spherical graphite with a volume distribution particle size Dv50 of 17 μm and an ash content of 0.01%.
[0254] The obtained natural spherical graphite and petroleum asphalt (softening point temperature of 120℃, volume distribution particle size Dv50 of 4.3μm, and coking value of 33%) were mixed in a VC mixer at a mass ratio of 100:15 for 30 min. The mixed material was then carbonized at 1300℃ for 2 h. After the carbonization was completed, the mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain carbon material.
[0255] Comparative Example 4
[0256] The preparation methods for half-cells and full-cells are similar to those in Example 1, except for the preparation process of carbon materials.
[0257] 100-mesh flake graphite was mechanically crushed, classified, spheroidized, and purified to obtain natural spherical graphite with a volume distribution particle size Dv50 of 17 μm and an ash content of 0.01%.
[0258] Asphalt was added to the wash oil and stirred at high speed to fully dissolve the asphalt, obtaining an asphalt solution. 100g of natural spherical graphite was placed in a reactor, and a vacuum was applied for 60 minutes. When the vacuum reached 0.07MPa, the asphalt solution suction valve was opened, drawing all the asphalt solution into the reactor. After the injection was complete, the suction valve was closed, and the vacuum was stopped. Simultaneously, the mixture was stirred at high speed for 40 minutes. After impregnation under pressure (12MPa), the pressure was reduced to equalize the pressure inside and outside the reactor. Nitrogen gas was then introduced, and the reactor was heated to 230℃ to remove the wash oil. After all the wash oil in the reactor was discharged, the reactor was heated to 410℃ at a pressure of 1.5MPa and a heating rate of 5℃ / min for a thermal polymerization reaction for 10 hours. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and discharged. The obtained material was held under isostatic pressure (10MPa) for 30 minutes, then subjected to high-temperature graphitization treatment (2800℃) for 4 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the material was pulverized. The pulverized material was mixed with asphalt at a ratio of 100:5, and carbonized at 1000℃ for 5 hours under nitrogen protection. After cooling to room temperature, a carbon material without internal pores was obtained.
[0259] Example 2-23
[0260] The preparation methods for half-cells and full-cells are similar to those in Example 1, except that the preparation process parameters of the carbon material are adjusted, as detailed in Table 1.
[0261] Performance testing
[0262] (1) Test of adsorption capacity of carbon materials for linseed oil
[0263] Referring to GB / T 3780.2-2017, weigh 20g of dried test sample and place it in the mixing chamber of the oil absorption meter. The mixing chamber temperature is 23℃, and the lid is closed. Align the oil delivery port of the constant-speed burette with the opening above the mixing chamber lid. Start the oil absorption meter, and the instrument will begin to run and add linseed oil. As the amount of oil absorbed by the sample increases, the mixture changes from a free-flowing state to a semi-plastic agglomerate, and the viscosity of the mixture continuously increases. This viscosity is transmitted to the torque sensor system of the oil absorption meter. When the added oil causes the semi-plastic agglomerate to reach the preset torque level, the oil absorption meter and the constant-speed burette automatically shut off. Read the value corresponding to 70% of the maximum torque of the fitted curve, and use the formula A=(V / m)×100 to calculate the adsorption amount A of 100g of carbon material on linseed oil. V represents the volume of linseed oil consumed by the sample at 70% of the maximum torque, in ml; m is the mass of the added sample, in g.
[0264] (2) Specific surface area test of carbon materials
[0265] Referring to GB / T 19587-2017, the nitrogen adsorption specific surface area analysis method was used for testing, and the specific surface area B of the carbon material was calculated using the BET (Brunauer Emmett Teller) method. The testing instrument can be a Tri-Star 3020 specific surface area and pore size analyzer from Micromeritics, USA.
[0266] (3) X-ray diffraction analysis of carbon materials
[0267] Referring to JIS K 0131-1996 and JB / T 4220-2011, X-ray diffractometers were used to test the diffraction peaks corresponding to the (110) crystal plane and the (002) crystal plane of the carbon material. The peak intensities and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the diffraction peaks were obtained. Then, La(110) and Lc(002) of the carbon material were calculated using the Scherrer formula. La(110) represents the crystallite size along the a-axis in the (110) crystal plane of the carbon material, and Lc(002) represents the crystallite size along the c-axis in the (002) crystal plane of the carbon material. A Bruker D8 Discover X-ray diffractometer was used as the testing instrument.
[0268] (4) Total pore area test of the external and internal regions of carbon materials
[0269] The sample preparation binder is mixed evenly with carbon material powder and then coated onto copper foil. It is then dried at 60℃ for 30 minutes. The sample is cut into 6mm × 6mm pieces and pasted onto the sample stage of a CP-type argon ion section polisher. The sample is then cut using a plasma beam to obtain the cross-section of the carbon material, with the cross-section passing through the center of each carbon particle. The testing instrument can be the JEOL IB-09010 CP-type argon ion section polisher from Japan.
[0270] The cross-section of the carbon material was scanned using a scanning electron microscope. The testing procedure can be referenced in JY / T010-1996. The testing instrument can be a ZEISS Sigma 300 scanning electron microscope (Germany).
[0271] The region extending 0.25L from the surface of a carbon particle into its interior is denoted as the outer region, and the region beyond the outer region is denoted as the inner region. L represents the minor axis length of the carbon particle. The total pore area S1 of the outer region and the total pore area S2 of the inner region of the carbon particle are calculated using image processing software, such as AVIZO.
[0272] (5) First coulombic efficiency test of carbon materials
[0273] At 25°C, the prepared coin cell was first discharged at a constant current of 0.15 mA to 0.005 V, allowed to stand for 5 min, and then discharged at a constant current of 10 μA to 0.005 V. The first discharge capacity of the coin cell was recorded. Subsequently, it was charged at a constant current of 0.3 mA to 2.0 V, and the first charge capacity of the coin cell was recorded. The initial coulombic efficiency (%) of the carbon material = (first charge capacity of the coin cell / first discharge capacity of the coin cell) × 100%.
[0274] (6) Cycle performance test of secondary batteries
[0275] At 25°C, the prepared secondary battery was charged at a constant current of 1C to the upper cutoff voltage (corresponding to 100% SOC), then charged at a constant voltage to a current of 0.05C. After resting for 5 minutes, the secondary battery was discharged at a constant current of 1C to the lower cutoff voltage (corresponding to 0% SOC), and the discharge capacity at this point was recorded, which is the discharge capacity of the first cycle. The secondary battery was subjected to cyclic charge-discharge tests according to the above method, and the discharge capacity after each cycle was recorded. The capacity retention rate (%) of the secondary battery after 2000 cycles at 25°C = discharge capacity after 2000 cycles / discharge capacity of the first cycle × 100%.
[0276] (7) Storage performance test of secondary batteries
[0277] At 25°C, the prepared secondary battery was charged at a constant current of 1C to the upper limit cutoff voltage (corresponding to 100% SOC), and then charged at a constant voltage to a current of 0.05C. After standing for 5 minutes, the secondary battery was discharged at a constant current of 1C to the lower limit cutoff voltage (corresponding to 0% SOC). The discharge capacity at this time was recorded, which is the discharge capacity before storage.
[0278] At 25°C, the prepared secondary battery was charged at a constant current of 1C to the upper limit cutoff voltage (corresponding to 100% SOC), and then charged at a constant voltage until the current was 0.05C. The secondary battery was then stored in a 60°C constant temperature chamber until its discharge capacity decreased to 90% of its initial discharge capacity. The test was then stopped, and the number of days the secondary battery was stored was recorded.
[0279] The volume distribution, particle size, tap density, and other parameters of the carbon materials prepared in Examples 1-23 are all within the range described in this application specification.
[0280] The test results in Table 2 show that when the carbon material satisfies 36≤A×B≤75, the battery can achieve a balance between high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, and good cycle and storage performance. Furthermore, when the carbon material further satisfies 38≤A×B≤65, and optionally 39≤A×B≤55, the overall performance of the battery is further improved.
[0281] The carbon materials prepared in Comparative Examples 1-4 do not satisfy the condition 36≤A×B≤75, and none of them can enable the battery to achieve high initial coulombic efficiency, high energy density, good cycle performance, and good storage performance.
[0282] Comparative Example 1 uses untreated natural spherical graphite as carbon material, which has a lot of pores. According to the test results in Table 2, the specific capacity, initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance and storage performance of the battery prepared in this way are all poor. Moreover, the discharge capacity has decayed to 80% of the discharge capacity of the first cycle before the battery has reached 2000 cycles.
[0283] The carbon materials prepared in Comparative Examples 2-3 consist of a carbon layer coating formed on the surface of natural spherical graphite. However, this carbon layer only exists on the surface of natural spherical graphite and fails to achieve a filling effect. Furthermore, the carbon layer cannot effectively prevent the electrolyte from penetrating into the pore structure inside the particles, thus resulting in limited improvement on the battery's initial coulombic efficiency, cycle performance, and storage performance.
[0284] In Comparative Example 4, the carbon material was prepared by filling all the pores within the natural spherical graphite particles using isostatic pressing. This resulted in significant volume changes in the carbon particles during the extraction and insertion of active ions, making the particles more prone to breakage and thus limiting the improvement in battery cycle and storage performance. Furthermore, the presence of abundant soft carbon within and / or on the surface of the carbon particles increased surface side reactions, further impacting battery cycle and storage performance. Additionally, this preparation process is complex and unsuitable for large-scale production.
[0285] The test results in Table 2 also show that when the carbon material particles further satisfy S2>S1, optionally satisfy 1.3≤S2 / S1≤450, and more preferably satisfy 1.8≤S2 / S1≤400, the overall performance of the battery is further improved. At this point, the carbon material particles further exhibit the following characteristics: a large number and / or large pore size in the internal region, and a small number and / or small pore size in the external region. The pore structure in the internal region of the carbon material reserves the necessary expansion space for volume changes, thereby reducing the risk of particle breakage and the formation of new interfaces, thus reducing side reactions and irreversible capacity loss in the secondary battery. The small number and / or small pore size in the external region of the carbon material results in a more stable structure and minimizes electrolyte penetration into the pore structure, further reducing side reactions and the consumption of active ions by the SEI film formation within the particles. Therefore, carbon materials that further satisfy the above structural characteristics can further improve the overall performance of the battery.
[0286] It should be noted that this application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above embodiments are merely examples, and any embodiments with the same structure and effect as the technical concept within the scope of this application are included in the technical scope of this application. Furthermore, various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the embodiments, and other ways of constructing by combining some of the constituent elements of the embodiments, without departing from the spirit of this application, are also included in the scope of this application.
[0287]
[0288]
Claims
1. A carbon material, wherein, The carbon material has a porous structure. Let A be the amount of linseed oil adsorbed by 100g of the carbon material, and B be the specific surface area of the carbon material. The carbon material satisfies the following condition: 36 ≤ A × B ≤ 75. The unit of A is ml, and the unit of B is m². 2 / g; The carbon material includes an outer region and an inner region located inside the outer region. The outer region refers to the area formed by extending 0.25 L from the surface of the carbon material particles into the particle interior, where L refers to the minor axis length of the carbon material particles. The total pore area of the outer region is denoted as S1, and the total pore area of the inner region is denoted as S2, where S2 > S1.
2. The carbon material according to claim 1, wherein, 38 ≤ A×B ≤ 65.
3. The carbon material according to claim 2, wherein, 39 ≤ A×B ≤ 55.
4. The carbon material according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The adsorption capacity A of 100g of the carbon material for linseed oil is 30ml-50mL; and / or, The specific surface area B of the carbon material is 0.5 m². 2 / g-2.1m 2 / g.
5. The carbon material according to claim 4, wherein, The adsorption capacity A of 100g of the carbon material for linseed oil is 35ml-47mL; and / or, The specific surface area B of the carbon material is 0.7 m². 2 / g-1.8m 2 / g.
6. The carbon material according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The carbon material includes one or more pore structures with a pore area greater than or equal to 0.1 μm².
7. The carbon material according to claim 6, wherein, The carbon material comprises one or more pore structures with a pore area of 0.12 μm² to 2.5 μm².
8. The carbon material according to claim 1, wherein, 1.3 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 450.
9. The carbon material according to claim 8, wherein, 1.8 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 400.
10. The carbon material according to claim 1 or 8, wherein, 0.01μm² ≤ S1 ≤ 12.0μm²; and / or, 2.5μm² ≤ S² ≤ 25.0μm²; and / or, L ≥ 4μm.
11. The carbon material according to claim 10, wherein, 0.02μm² ≤ S1 ≤ 7.0μm²; and / or, 3.0 μm² ≤ S² ≤ 20.5 μm²; and / or, 6μm ≤ L ≤ 18μm.
12. The carbon material according to any one of claims 1, 8-11, wherein, The area of the pore structure in the outer region of the carbon material is less than or equal to 0.2 μm²; and / or, The internal region of the carbon material includes one or more pore structures with an area greater than or equal to 0.15 μm².
13. The carbon material according to claim 12, wherein, The area of the pore structure in the outer region of the carbon material is less than or equal to 0.15 μm²; and / or, The internal region of the carbon material includes one or more pore structures with an area of 0.18 μm² to 2.5 μm².
14. The carbon material according to any one of claims 1, 8-13, wherein, The interlayer spacing of the outer region of the carbon material is denoted as d1, and the interlayer spacing of the inner region of the carbon material is denoted as d2. The carbon material satisfies d1 ≥ d2.
15. The carbon material according to claim 14, wherein, d1 > d2.
16. The carbon material according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, d1 is 0.33565nm-0.33610nm; and / or, d2 is 0.33557nm-0.33585nm.
17. The carbon material according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein, The degree of graphitization of the carbon material is 94%-98%; and / or, The La(110) of the carbon material is 100nm-150nm; and / or, The Lc(002) of the carbon material is 20nm-45nm.
18. The carbon material according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein, The degree of graphitization of the carbon material is 95%-97%; and / or, The La(110) of the carbon material is 110 nm-130 nm; and / or, The Lc(002) of the carbon material is 28nm-40nm.
19. The carbon material according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein, The carbon material satisfies at least one of the following: (1) The volume distribution particle size Dv50 of the carbon material is 8.0 μm-24.0 μm; (2) The volume distribution particle size Dv10 of the carbon material is 5.0 μm-15.0 μm; (3) The volume distribution particle size Dv90 of the carbon material is 16.0 μm-35.0 μm; (4) The ratio of (Dv90-Dv10) / Dv50 of the carbon material is 0.55-1.55; (5) The tap density of the carbon material is 0.80 g / cm³. 3 -1.32g / cm 3 ; (6) The specific capacity of the carbon material is 355mAh / g-371mAh / g; (7) The morphology of the carbon material includes one or more of the following: blocky, spherical and quasi-spherical.
20. The carbon material according to claim 19, wherein, The carbon material satisfies at least one of the following: (1) The volume distribution particle size Dv50 of the carbon material is 9.5 μm-22.5 μm; (2) The volume distribution particle size Dv10 of the carbon material is 6.0 μm-14.0 μm; (3) The volume distribution particle size Dv90 of the carbon material is 17.0 μm-34.0 μm; (4) The ratio of (Dv90-Dv10) / Dv50 of the carbon material is 0.8-1.4; (5) The tap density of the carbon material is 0.82 g / cm³. 3 -1.28g / cm 3 ; (6) The specific capacity of the carbon material is 360mAh / g-370mAh / g.
21. A method for preparing a carbon material, comprising the following steps: Step 1, providing a raw material having a plurality of pore structures; Step 2, mixing the raw material and a filler material uniformly according to a predetermined ratio, and then holding the mixture at a first temperature T1 for a first time t1 to obtain an intermediate; Step 3, holding the obtained intermediate at a second temperature T2 for a second time t2 to obtain a carbon material, wherein... The carbon material has a porous structure. Let A be the amount of linseed oil adsorbed by 100g of the carbon material, and B be the specific surface area of the carbon material. The carbon material satisfies the following condition: 36 ≤ A × B ≤ 75. The unit of A is ml, and the unit of B is m². 2 / g; The carbon material includes an outer region and an inner region located inside the outer region. The outer region refers to the area formed by extending 0.25L from the surface of the carbon material particles into the particle interior, where L refers to the minor axis length of the carbon material particles. The total pore area of the outer region is denoted as S1, and the total pore area of the inner region is denoted as S2, where S2 > S1.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The raw materials satisfy at least one of the following: (1) The raw materials include natural graphite; (2) The volume distribution particle size Dv50 of the raw material is 8.5μm-24.0μm; (3) The ash content in the raw material is ≤ 1wt%.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The raw materials satisfy at least one of the following: (1) The natural graphite includes one or more of flake graphite, natural spherical graphite and microcrystalline graphite; (2) The volume distribution particle size Dv50 of the raw material is 10.5μm-22.5μm.
24. The method according to any one of claims 21-23, wherein, The filler material satisfies at least one of the following: (1) The softening point temperature of the filler material is 110℃-175℃; (2) The coking value of the filler material is 26%-50%; (3) The volume distribution particle size Dv50 of the filling material is less than or equal to 6 μm; (4) The content of quinoline insoluble matter in the filler material is ≤ 1wt%.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The filler material satisfies at least one of the following: (1) The softening point temperature of the filler material is 120℃-170℃; (2) The coking value of the filler material is 33%-45%; (3) The volume distribution particle size Dv50 of the filler material is 1μm-5μm; (4) The content of quinoline insoluble matter in the filler material is ≤ 0.8wt%.
26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein, The filler material includes one or more of coal tar pitch and petroleum pitch.
27. The method according to any one of claims 21-26, wherein, The mass ratio of the filler material to the raw material is (10-32):
100.
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The mass ratio of the filler material to the raw material is (10-25):
100.
29. The method according to any one of claims 21-27, wherein, The heating process of mixing the raw materials and the filler materials in a predetermined ratio and then heating them to a first temperature T1 is a staged heating process.
30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, The heating process, which involves uniformly mixing the raw materials and the filler materials in a predetermined ratio and then heating them to a first temperature T1, includes a first heating process, a second heating process, and a third heating process.
31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, The first heating process involves heating to 200℃-250℃ and holding at that temperature for 0.5h-2h; and / or, The second heating process involves heating to 450℃-550℃ and holding at that temperature for 0.5h-2h; and / or, The third heating process involves heating to the first temperature T1 and holding at that temperature for a first time t1.
32. The method according to any one of claims 21-31, wherein, The temperature is increased to the first temperature T1 at a rate of 1℃ / min-10℃ / min.
33. The method according to claim 32, wherein, The temperature is increased to the first temperature T1 at a rate of 1.5℃ / min to 8℃ / min.
34. The method according to any one of claims 21-33, wherein, The first temperature T1 is 700℃-1100℃; and / or, The first time t1 is 0.5h-5h.
35. The method according to claim 34, wherein, The first temperature T1 is 750℃-1100℃; and / or, The first time t1 is 0.5h-3h.
36. The method according to any one of claims 21-35, wherein, The second temperature T2 is 1920℃-2520℃; and / or, The second time t2 is 1h-6h.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein, The second temperature T2 is 2050℃-2400℃; and / or, The second time t2 is 2h-5h.
38. A secondary battery, comprising a negative electrode, said negative electrode comprising the carbon material according to any one of claims 1-20 or the carbon material prepared by the method according to any one of claims 21-37.
39. An electrical device comprising the secondary battery of claim 38.
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