An electrode slurry processing apparatus and a processing method

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present application provide an electrode slurry processing device and a processing method, the electrode slurry processing device comprising a first processing pipeline for flowing through the electrode slurry, and a power supply device, the power supply device comprising a power supply and an electrode structure, the power supply being electrically connected with the electrode structure, the electrode structure being arranged in the inner cavity of the first processing pipeline, and the electrode structure being used to apply voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipeline. In the above structure, the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipeline is affected by the voltage applied by the electrode structure, and the metal elements in the electrode slurry can be quickly ionized to contact with oxygen to generate metal oxides or metal hydroxides, thereby reducing the content of the metal elements in the electrode slurry, improving the quality of the electrode slurry, and helping to improve the reliability of the battery cells made.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery device manufacturing technology, and in particular to an electrode slurry processing device and processing method. Background Technology

[0002] Battery devices have advantages such as high specific energy and high power density, and are widely used in electronic devices and transportation vehicles, such as mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, electric cars, electric airplanes, electric ships and power tools.

[0003] Electrode slurry is a crucial material in the battery manufacturing process, and its quality directly affects the performance and reliability of the battery device. Therefore, how to effectively improve the quality of electrode slurry has always been a research direction for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides an electrode slurry processing apparatus that can reduce the content of elemental metals in the electrode slurry, thereby improving the quality of the electrode slurry.

[0005] In a first aspect, some embodiments of this application provide an electrode slurry processing apparatus, which includes a first processing pipe and an energizing device. The first processing pipe is used to flow electrode slurry through it. The energizing device includes a power source and an electrode structure. The power source is electrically connected to the electrode structure. The electrode structure is disposed in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe and is used to apply voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe.

[0006] In the above structure, the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe is affected by the voltage applied by the electrode structure. The elemental metals in the slurry can be rapidly ionized and come into contact with oxygen to generate metal oxides or metal hydroxides, which reduces the content of elemental metals in the electrode slurry, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the electrode slurry and helps to improve the reliability of the manufactured battery cells.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode slurry processing apparatus includes a connecting part and an electrode needle. The electrode needle is connected to the wall of the first processing pipe through the connecting part. The electrode needle extends along the extension direction of the first processing pipe, so that the resistance to the flow of electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe is small, which is beneficial to improving the smoothness of the flow of electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode slurry processing apparatus has a connecting part configured as a disc-shaped structure. The outer peripheral surface of the connecting part is connected to the inner wall surface of the first processing pipe. The connecting part is provided with a plurality of guide holes that extend through the first processing pipe in the extension direction. The plurality of guide holes are spaced apart. A plurality of electrode needles are provided, which are spaced apart. The plurality of electrode needles are all located downstream of the connecting part, so that the plurality of electrode needles can fully contact the electrode slurry flowing through the first processing pipe, which is beneficial to improving the effect of the electrode needles applying voltage to the electrode slurry.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode slurry processing apparatus has an electrode needle spaced apart from the wall of the first processing pipe. The electrode needle is electrically connected to the first electrode of the power supply, and the wall of the first processing pipe is electrically connected to the second electrode of the power supply. The polarities of the first electrode and the second electrode are opposite, which makes the gap between the electrode needle and the wall of the first processing pipe have a large cross-sectional area, which is beneficial to improving the processing efficiency of the electrode slurry.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the electrode slurry processing apparatus further includes a second processing pipe and a heating device. The second processing pipe is connected to and located upstream of the first processing pipe, and the heating device is connected to the second processing pipe to heat the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe. By heating the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the second processing pipe, the heating device increases the temperature of the electrode slurry, which is beneficial to improving the conductivity of the electrode slurry, accelerating the dissolution of elemental metals in the electrode slurry, and accelerating the ionization rate of elemental metals such as copper, iron, and zinc.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the electrode slurry processing apparatus includes a heating device including a microwave heating module. The microwave heating module is disposed outside the second processing pipe, so that the microwave heating module can heat the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe from the outside of the second processing pipe. This helps to reduce the obstruction of the flow of the electrode slurry caused by the heating device being disposed in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe, and helps to improve the smoothness of the flow of the electrode slurry.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the electrode slurry processing apparatus provided in this application, the wall of the second processing pipe is configured as a low-loss dielectric structure. By configuring the second processing pipe as a low-loss dielectric structure, the microwave energy emitted by the microwave heating module can smoothly penetrate the wall of the second processing pipe and act on the electrode slurry inside the cavity of the second processing pipe.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the electrode slurry processing apparatus provided in this application, the heating device further includes a shielding structure disposed outside the second processing pipe. The shielding structure forms a cavity with an opening facing the second processing pipe, and a microwave heating module is disposed in the cavity. By oriented the opening towards the second processing pipe, the microwave energy generated by the microwave heating module can directionally heat the electrode slurry in the cavity of the second processing pipe. This not only helps to reduce the waste of energy from the microwave heating module but also reduces the impact of the microwave energy generated by the microwave heating module on the surrounding environment.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the electrode slurry processing apparatus provided in this application, the second processing conduit includes a heating section, a first conveying section, and a second conveying section. The heating section is connected between the first and second conveying sections, and the second conveying section is connected to the first processing conduit. The inner diameter of the heating section is larger than the inner diameter of the first and second conveying sections, and the opening faces the heating section. By setting this as the part with the largest inner diameter in the second processing conduit, the flow rate of the electrode slurry can be reduced when it flows through the heating section, allowing the microwave heating module to achieve a better heating effect on the electrode slurry and facilitating a higher temperature for the electrode slurry flowing into the first processing conduit.

[0015] Secondly, some embodiments of this application also provide an electrode slurry treatment method, which includes:

[0016] Provide the first processing pipeline;

[0017] The electrode slurry flows through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe;

[0018] A voltage is applied to the electrode slurry inside the first processing pipe.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode slurry processing method further includes, before the step of applying voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe:

[0020] Heating of the electrode slurry.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electrode slurry processing method includes the step of heating the electrode slurry:

[0022] Provide a second processing pipeline and connect the second processing pipeline upstream of the first processing pipeline;

[0023] The electrode slurry flows through the inner cavity of the second processing pipe;

[0024] The electrode slurry inside the second processing pipe is heated.

[0025] According to some embodiments of this application, the electrode slurry processing method involves heating the electrode slurry, including:

[0026] The electrode slurry is heated by microwave heating.

[0027] According to some embodiments of this application, an electrode slurry processing method is provided, wherein an electrode needle is provided in the inner cavity of a first processing pipe, the electrode needle extending along the extension direction of the first processing pipe, and the step of applying voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe includes:

[0028] Voltage is applied to the electrode slurry inside the first processing pipe through the electrode needle.

[0029] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application bring at least the following beneficial effects:

[0030] Some embodiments of this application provide an electrode slurry processing apparatus, which includes a first processing pipe and an energizing device. The first processing pipe is used to flow electrode slurry through it; the energizing device includes a power source and an electrode structure. The power source is electrically connected to the electrode structure, which is disposed within the inner cavity of the first processing pipe. The electrode structure is used to apply a voltage to the electrode slurry within the inner cavity of the first processing pipe. In the above structure, the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe is affected by the voltage applied by the electrode structure. The elemental metals in the slurry can be rapidly ionized and contact with oxygen to generate metal oxides or metal hydroxides, reducing the content of elemental metals in the electrode slurry. This is beneficial for improving the quality of the electrode slurry and helps to improve the reliability of the manufactured battery cells.

[0031] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrode slurry processing apparatus provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrode slurry processing apparatus provided in the second embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 A flowchart of an electrode slurry processing method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 Flowcharts of electrode slurry processing methods provided in other embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of step S21 in an electrode slurry processing method provided in other embodiments of this application.

[0038] In the diagram:

[0039] 1. First processing pipe; 2. Electrode structure; 21. Connecting part; 22. Electrode needle; 3. Second processing pipe; 31. Heating part; 32. First conveying part; 33. Second conveying part; 4. Heating device; 41. Microwave heating module; 42. Shielding structure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0042] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0045] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0046] In the embodiments of this application, "parallel" includes not only the case of absolute parallelism, but also the case of approximate parallelism as commonly understood in engineering; similarly, "perpendicular" also includes not only the case of absolute perpendicularity, but also the case of approximate perpendicularity as commonly understood in engineering. For example, if the angle between two directions is 85°-90°, the two directions can be considered perpendicular; if the angle between two directions is 0°-5°, the two directions can be considered parallel.

[0047] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0048] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of battery devices is becoming increasingly widespread. Battery devices are not only used in energy storage power systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also widely used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in aerospace and other fields.

[0049] The battery device mentioned in the embodiments of this application may include one or more battery cell assemblies for providing voltage and capacity. A battery cell assembly may include multiple battery cells, which are connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections via a busbar. A battery cell generally includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, active ions (e.g., lithium ions) move back and forth between the positive and negative electrode plates, inserting and extracting. The electrolyte acts as a conductor of ions between the positive and negative electrode plates. This application does not impose specific limitations on the type of electrolyte; it can be selected according to requirements. The electrolyte can be liquid, gel, or solid.

[0050] The positive and negative electrode sheets are typically formed by coating corresponding electrode slurries onto a current collector and then processing them through die-cutting and other steps. The substances in the electrode slurry, as participants in the electrochemical reaction, have a significant impact on the performance of the battery cell.

[0051] Since the electrode paste is usually processed using stainless steel equipment during production, although there are sealing measures in place, some impurities such as elemental metal particles in the equipment will inevitably mix into the electrode paste (such as copper current collector fragments, zinc coating detachment particles, iron-based processing residues, or stainless steel equipment wear debris), affecting the quality of the electrode paste.

[0052] These impurities, such as elemental metal particles, dissolve during the charge-discharge cycle of a battery cell, forming metal ions that migrate to the surface of the negative electrode and precipitate as dendrites. This not only easily punctures the separator, causing micro-short circuits and leading to self-discharge and a continuous drop in open-circuit voltage, but also easily triggers localized thermal runaway, severely impacting the battery cell's electrical performance and reliability. Therefore, to ensure that the prepared battery cell has good electrical performance and reliability, it is necessary to remove impurities such as elemental metal particles from the electrode slurry during the battery cell manufacturing process.

[0053] In related technologies, solutions have been adopted to remove elemental metal particles. However, such solutions typically use magnetic separators to magnetically adsorb the electrode slurry, which can only remove magnetic metal particles (such as iron and stainless steel) from the electrode slurry. They cannot effectively remove non-magnetic metal particles such as copper and zinc, which will still affect the reliability of the battery cells.

[0054] To reduce the content of elemental metals in electrode slurry and improve its quality, some embodiments of this application provide an electrode slurry processing apparatus. This apparatus includes a first processing pipe and an energizing device. The first processing pipe allows electrode slurry to flow through it. The energizing device includes a power source and an electrode structure. The power source is electrically connected to the electrode structure, which is disposed within the inner cavity of the first processing pipe. The electrode structure applies a voltage to the electrode slurry within the inner cavity of the first processing pipe. In this configuration, the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe is affected by the voltage applied by the electrode structure. The elemental metals within the slurry can then rapidly ionize and contact oxygen to generate metal oxides or metal hydroxides, reducing the content of elemental metals in the electrode slurry. This improves the quality of the electrode slurry and contributes to enhancing the reliability of the manufactured battery cells.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an electrode slurry processing apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0056] This application provides an electrode slurry processing apparatus in some embodiments, see reference. Figure 1 The electrode slurry processing device includes a first processing pipe 1 and an energizing device. The first processing pipe 1 is used to flow electrode slurry. The energizing device includes a power source and an electrode structure 2. The power source is electrically connected to the electrode structure 2. The electrode structure 2 is disposed in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1. The electrode structure 2 is used to apply voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1.

[0057] The first processing pipe 1 can be a pipe through which the electrode slurry flows, providing flow space for the electrode slurry and processing space for the electrode slurry, so that the electrode slurry processing device can process the electrode slurry while conveying it, thereby reducing the content of elemental metals therein.

[0058] By setting up a first processing pipe 1, the electrode slurry flows through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, so that the first processing pipe 1 can provide space for processing the electrode slurry, and the electrode slurry processing device can not only process the electrode slurry, but also transport the electrode slurry.

[0059] The energizing device can be a device in the electrode slurry processing apparatus used to apply voltage to the electrode slurry. The electrode slurry processing apparatus applies voltage to the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, causing the copper, iron, zinc and other metal elements in the electrode slurry to ionize and further form metal oxides or metal hydroxides, thus transforming the metal elements into substances that do not have the risk of self-discharge.

[0060] The power supply can be a device in the power supply system used to provide a stable voltage. By providing a stable voltage to the electrode slurry through the power supply, the electrode slurry can be subjected to a stable voltage, which is conducive to the efficient and stable ionization of the metal elements in the electrode slurry and improves the treatment effect of the electrode slurry processing device on the electrode slurry.

[0061] For example, the voltage provided by the power supply is set to A, where 8V ≤ A ≤ 35V. In some embodiments, the voltage A provided by the power supply is in the range of 10V ≤ A ≤ 30V. This not only ensures that the voltage A provided by the power supply is higher than the redox potential of the metal, allowing the elemental metal to be rapidly ionized to form metal ions, but also prevents the electrode slurry processing device from incurring excessive costs due to the provided voltage. For example, the voltage A provided by the power supply can be 25V, 20V, or 15V, and those skilled in the art can select the value of the voltage A provided by the power supply according to the actual situation.

[0062] Electrode structure 2 can be a device for direct contact with the electrode slurry, and it is electrically connected to a power source, enabling electrode structure 2 to provide a stable voltage. Electrode structure 2 is disposed within the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, meaning that electrode structure 2 is connected to the wall of the first processing pipe 1 and located within the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, so that electrode structure 2 can apply a voltage to the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, thereby causing the elemental metal mixed in the electrode slurry to lose electrons to form metal ions, which can then further form metal oxides or metal hydroxides.

[0063] In the above structure, the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 is affected by the voltage applied by the electrode structure 2. The elemental metals in it can be rapidly ionized and come into contact with oxygen to generate metal oxides or metal hydroxides, which reduces the content of elemental metals in the electrode slurry, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the electrode slurry and helps to improve the reliability of the manufactured battery cells.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electrode structure 2 includes a connecting portion 21 and an electrode needle 22. The electrode needle 22 is connected to the wall of the first processing pipe 1 through the connecting portion 21 and extends along the extending direction of the first processing pipe 1.

[0065] The connecting part 21 and the electrode needle 22 are different parts of the electrode structure 2. The connecting part 21 can be the part of the electrode structure 2 used to connect to the wall of the first processing pipe 1, and the electrode needle 22 can be the part of the electrode structure 2 used to apply voltage to the electrode slurry. The electrode needle 22 is connected to the wall of the first processing pipe 1 through the connecting part 21, allowing the electrode needle 22 to be firmly connected to the wall of the first processing pipe 1, maintaining a stable position within the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, and ensuring that the electrode slurry within the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 is subjected to a stable voltage.

[0066] The electrode needle 22 extends along the extension direction of the first processing pipe 1, which means that the central axis of the electrode needle 22 located in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 is parallel to the central axis of the first processing pipe 1. This makes the resistance to the flow of electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 caused by the electrode needle 22 smaller, which is beneficial to improving the smoothness of the flow of electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1.

[0067] For example, the electrode needles 22 can be arranged in pairs, each pair of electrode needles 22 including a positive needle and a negative needle arranged at intervals, and a stable voltage can be formed between the positive needle and the negative needle; or the electrode needles 22 can be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the wall of the first processing pipe 1 can be electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, so that a stable voltage can be formed between the electrode needles 22 and the wall of the first processing pipe 1.

[0068] In some embodiments, the connecting part 21 is configured as a disc-shaped structure, the outer peripheral surface of the connecting part 21 is connected to the inner wall surface of the first processing pipe 1, the connecting part 21 is provided with a plurality of guide holes that extend through the first processing pipe 1 in the extending direction, and the plurality of guide holes are spaced apart; a plurality of electrode needles 22 are provided, the plurality of electrode needles 22 are spaced apart, and the plurality of electrode needles 22 are all located downstream of the connecting part 21.

[0069] A disc-shaped structure can refer to a structure whose radial dimension is much smaller than its thickness. The minimum radial dimension of a disc-shaped structure can be 8 times or more of its thickness. By configuring the connecting part 21 as a disc-shaped structure and connecting the outer peripheral surface of the connecting part 21 to the inner wall surface of the first processing pipe 1, the connecting part 21 can be sealed in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, so that the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 can flow through the connecting part 21, so that the connecting part 21 can act on the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1.

[0070] For example, the connecting part 21 can be configured as a disc-shaped structure with a circular disc surface, or as a disc-shaped structure with an elliptical disc surface, or as a disc-shaped structure with a rectangular disc surface. The specific structural form of the disc-shaped structure should be set according to the cross-sectional shape of the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1. As long as the outer peripheral surface of the connecting part 21 is connected to the inner wall surface of the first processing pipe 1, the connecting part 21 can seal the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1.

[0071] The guide hole can be a through hole structure in the connecting part 21 for allowing the electrode slurry to flow through. The guide hole extends through the connecting part 21 along the extension direction of the first processing pipe 1, so that the electrode slurry can pass through the guide hole and flow along the extension direction of the first processing pipe 1. It is used to guide and divert the downstream flow of the electrode slurry.

[0072] By providing multiple spaced-apart guide holes on the connecting portion 21, the multiple guide holes can provide a large flow area for the flow of electrode slurry, which helps to reduce the resistance encountered by the electrode slurry when it flows through the electrode structure 2. For example, the multiple guide holes on the connecting portion 21 are equally spaced, so that the multiple guide holes can allow the electrode slurry to flow through the connecting portion 21 more uniformly.

[0073] By setting multiple electrode needles 22 at intervals, the electrode needles 22 can fully contact the electrode slurry flowing through the first processing pipe 1, which is beneficial to improving the effect of the electrode needles 22 applying voltage to the electrode slurry. In some embodiments, the multiple electrode needles 22 are evenly spaced, which allows the multiple electrode needles 22 to apply a more uniform voltage to the electrode slurry, which is beneficial to the more uniform ionization of the metal elements in the electrode slurry, and helps to improve the effect of converting the metal elements in the electrode slurry into metal oxides or metal hydroxides.

[0074] By setting multiple equally spaced flow guide holes and multiple equally spaced electrode needles 22, the coordinated arrangement of the electrode needles 22 and the flow guide holes can more uniformly convert the elemental metal in the electrode slurry into metal oxides or metal hydroxides.

[0075] In some embodiments, the electrode needle 22 is spaced apart from the wall of the first processing pipe 1, the electrode needle 22 is electrically connected to the first electrode of the power supply, the wall of the first processing pipe 1 is electrically connected to the second electrode of the power supply, and the polarities of the first electrode and the second electrode are opposite.

[0076] The electrode needle 22 is spaced apart from the wall of the first processing pipe 1, meaning that the electrode needle 22 does not contact the wall of the first processing pipe 1. This allows the electrode slurry to flow through the gap between the electrode needle 22 and the wall of the first processing pipe 1 when it flows through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1. By electrically connecting the electrode needle 22 to the first electrode of the power supply and electrically connecting the wall of the first processing pipe 1 to the second electrode of the power supply with the opposite polarity to the first electrode, the copper, iron, zinc, and other elemental metals in the electrode slurry flowing through the gap between the electrode needle 22 and the wall of the first processing pipe 1 are ionized and further form metal oxides or metal hydroxides, transforming the elemental metals into substances without the risk of self-discharge.

[0077] By electrically connecting the electrode needle 22 to the first electrode of the power supply and electrically connecting the wall of the first processing pipe 1 to the second electrode of the power supply with the opposite polarity to the first electrode, the gap between the electrode needle 22 and the wall of the first processing pipe 1 has a large cross-sectional area, which is beneficial to improving the processing efficiency of the electrode slurry.

[0078] For example, the electrode needle 22 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the wall of the first processing pipe 1 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, which helps to reduce the possibility of electrochemical reactions occurring in the wall of the first processing pipe 1.

[0079] In some embodiments, the electrode slurry processing apparatus further includes a second processing pipe 3 and a heating device 4. The second processing pipe 3 is connected to the first processing pipe 1 and is located upstream of the first processing pipe 1. The heating device 4 is connected to the second processing pipe 3 to heat the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3.

[0080] The second processing pipe 3 can be a pipe through which the electrode slurry flows, providing not only flow space for the electrode slurry but also processing space for the electrode slurry, so that the electrode slurry processing device can process the electrode slurry while it is being transported.

[0081] The heating device 4 can be used to heat the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3. By heating the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3, the heating device 4 increases the temperature of the electrode slurry, which is beneficial to improving the conductivity of the electrode slurry, accelerating the dissolution of metal elements in the electrode slurry, and accelerating the ionization rate of metal elements such as copper, iron, and zinc.

[0082] For example, by heating the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3, the heating device 4 can raise the temperature of the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3 to the range of 40°C to 50°C. This not only allows the metal element particles in the electrode slurry to dissolve quickly, but also avoids wasting energy due to excessively high temperatures in the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3.

[0083] The heating device 4 is connected to the second processing pipe 3, which can be the heating device 4 being connected to the wall of the second processing pipe 3. For example, the heating device 4 can be disposed on the outside of the second processing pipe 3 and connected to the wall of the second processing pipe 3, and the heating device 4 heats the electrode paste in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3 from the outside; alternatively, the heating device 4 can be disposed in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3 and connected to the wall of the second processing pipe 3, and the heating device 4 directly heats the electrode paste in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3 from the inner cavity. Those skilled in the art can select the location of the heating device 4 according to actual conditions so that the heating device 4 can heat the electrode paste.

[0084] By connecting the second processing pipe 3 to the first processing pipe 1 and placing it upstream of the first processing pipe 1, the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3 is heated by the heating device 4 before flowing into the first processing pipe 1. This ensures that the electrode slurry to which the energizing device connected to the first processing pipe 1 applies voltage is the heated electrode slurry. This allows the elemental metals in the electrode slurry to be rapidly ionized under the action of the energizing device, which is beneficial for improving the processing speed of the electrode slurry processing device.

[0085] In some embodiments, the heating device 4 includes a microwave heating module 41, which is disposed outside the second processing pipe 3.

[0086] The microwave heating module 41 can be a device that heats the electrode slurry using microwaves. It generates heat through the rapid rotation and friction of polar molecules in the electrode slurry in an alternating electric field. Since the microwave heating module 41 can penetrate the surface of an object and directly heat its interior, it helps to improve the heating efficiency of the heating device 4 for the electrode slurry.

[0087] By placing the microwave heating module 41 outside the second processing pipe 3, the microwave heating module 41 can heat the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3 from the outside of the second processing pipe 3. This helps to reduce the obstruction of the flow of the electrode slurry caused by the heating device 4 in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3, and helps to improve the smoothness of the flow of the electrode slurry.

[0088] In some embodiments, the wall of the second processing conduit 3 is configured as a low-loss medium structure.

[0089] Low-loss dielectric structures refer to structures made of low-loss dielectric materials. Low-loss dielectric materials are insulating materials that can effectively reduce the conversion of electrical energy into heat or other forms of energy loss under high-frequency or high-electric-field environments, and have the characteristic of low dielectric loss.

[0090] By setting the second processing pipe 3 as a low-loss dielectric structure, the microwave energy emitted by the microwave heating module 41 can smoothly penetrate the wall of the second processing pipe 3 and act on the electrode paste in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3.

[0091] For example, the wall of the second processing pipe 3 can be made of low-loss dielectric materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, ceramic, borosilicate glass, or quartz fiber reinforced epoxy resin, so that the microwave energy emitted by the microwave heating module 41 can smoothly penetrate the wall of the second processing pipe 3 and act on the electrode paste in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3.

[0092] In some embodiments, the heating device 4 further includes a shielding structure 42 disposed outside the second processing pipe 3, the shielding structure 42 forming a cavity with an opening facing the second processing pipe 3, and the microwave heating module 41 disposed in the cavity.

[0093] The shielding structure 42 can be a structure used to prevent the microwave energy generated by the microwave heating module 41 from diffusing in all directions. The cavity can be a receiving space enclosed by the shielding structure 42, which is used to house the microwave heating module 41. The opening can be a notch made in the shielding structure 42 that connects to the cavity, allowing the microwave energy generated by the microwave heating module 41 to propagate in a specified direction through the opening. By setting the opening towards the second processing pipe 3, the microwave energy generated by the microwave heating module 41 can directionally heat the electrode paste in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3, which not only helps to reduce the waste of energy from the microwave heating module 41, but also reduces the impact of the microwave energy generated by the microwave heating module 41 on the surrounding environment.

[0094] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 The second processing pipe 3 includes a heating section 31, a first conveying section 32, and a second conveying section 33. The heating section 31 is connected between the first conveying section 32 and the second conveying section 33, and the second conveying section 33 is connected to the first processing pipe 1. The inner diameter of the heating section 31 is larger than the inner diameter of the first conveying section 32, and the inner diameter of the heating section 31 is larger than the inner diameter of the second conveying section 33. The opening is set towards the heating section 31.

[0095] The heating section 31, the first conveying section 32, and the second conveying section 33 are the three parts of the second processing pipe 3. The heating section 31 is connected between the first conveying section 32 and the second conveying section 33, and the second conveying section 33 is connected to the first processing pipe 1, so that the electrode slurry is sequentially conveyed along the first conveying section 32, the heating section 31, and the second conveying section 33 in the second processing pipe 3. By connecting the second conveying section 33 to the first processing pipe 1, the electrode slurry can smoothly flow into the first processing pipe 1 after being conveyed along the first conveying section 32, the heating section 31, and the second conveying section 33.

[0096] The inner diameter of the heating section 31 is larger than the inner diameter of the first conveying section 32, and the inner diameter of the heating section 31 is larger than the inner diameter of the second conveying section 33. This means that the heating section 31 is the part with the largest inner diameter in the second processing pipe 3. By setting it as the part with the largest inner diameter in the second processing pipe 3, the flow rate of the electrode slurry can be reduced when it flows through the heating section 31, so that the microwave heating module 41 can obtain a better heating effect on the electrode slurry, which is beneficial to ensuring that the electrode slurry flowing into the first processing pipe 1 has a higher temperature.

[0097] The following comparative experiments further illustrate the beneficial effects of the electrode slurry processing device provided in the specific embodiments of this application.

[0098] Example 1

[0099] Copper metal particles with an average particle size of 50 μm were added to a first preset mass of ternary slurry. The mixture was stirred in a container to uniformly disperse the copper metal particles, resulting in a copper metal content of 0.5 ppm in the ternary slurry. The ternary slurry containing copper metal particles was then flowed through an electrode slurry processing device at a preset flow rate. The electrode slurry processing device provided a voltage range of 10V-30V, and the temperature of the electrode slurry was raised to 45°C. The copper metal content and the particle size of the copper metal particles in the ternary slurry after treatment were measured. The copper metal content decreased to 50 ppb, and the average particle size of the copper metal particles decreased to 20 μm. The treated electrode slurry was used to fabricate electrode sheets and assemble them into a 0.9 Ah battery cell. The K value of the battery cell was tested, and the K value of the battery cell was within the range of 0.01 mV / h-0.04 mV / h.

[0100] Comparative Example 1

[0101] Copper metal particles with an average particle size of 50 μm were added to a first preset mass of ternary slurry. The mixture was stirred in a container to uniformly disperse the copper metal particles, resulting in a copper content of 0.5 ppm in the ternary slurry. Electrodes were fabricated using the ternary slurry containing copper metal particles that had not undergone electrode slurry treatment and were then assembled into a 0.9 Ah battery cell. The K value of the battery cell was tested and found to be greater than 0.06 mV / h.

[0102] Example 2

[0103] Iron metal particles with an average particle size of 50 μm were added to a first preset mass of ternary slurry. The mixture was stirred in a container to uniformly disperse the iron metal particles, resulting in an iron content of 0.5 ppm in the ternary slurry. The ternary slurry containing iron metal particles was then flowed through an electrode slurry processing device at a preset flow rate. The electrode slurry processing device provided a voltage range of 10V-30V, and the temperature of the electrode slurry was raised to 45°C. The iron content and particle size of the iron metal particles in the ternary slurry after treatment were measured. The iron content decreased to 50 ppb, and the average particle size of the iron metal particles decreased to 20 μm. The treated electrode slurry was used to fabricate electrode sheets and assemble them into a 0.9 Ah battery cell. The K value of the battery cell was tested, and the K value of the battery cell was within the range of 0.01 mV / h-0.04 mV / h.

[0104] Comparative Example 2

[0105] Iron metal particles with an average particle size of 50 μm were added to a first preset mass of ternary slurry. The mixture was stirred in a container to uniformly disperse the iron metal particles, resulting in an iron content of 0.5 ppm in the ternary slurry. Electrodes were fabricated using the ternary slurry containing iron metal particles that had not undergone electrode slurry treatment and were then assembled into a 0.9 Ah battery cell. The K value of the battery cell was tested and found to be greater than 0.06 mV / h.

[0106] Example 3

[0107] Zinc metal particles with an average particle size of 50 μm were added to a first preset mass of ternary slurry. The mixture was stirred in a container to uniformly disperse the zinc metal particles, resulting in a zinc metal content of 0.5 ppm in the ternary slurry. The ternary slurry containing zinc metal particles was then flowed through an electrode slurry processing device at a preset flow rate. The electrode slurry processing device provided a voltage range of 10V-30V, and the temperature of the electrode slurry was raised to 45°C. The zinc metal content and particle size of the zinc metal particles in the ternary slurry after treatment were measured. The zinc metal content decreased to 50 ppb, and the average particle size of the zinc metal particles decreased to 20 μm. Electrodes were fabricated using the treated electrode slurry and assembled into a 0.9 Ah battery cell. The K value of the battery cell was tested, and the K value of the battery cell was within the range of 0.01 mV / h-0.04 mV / h.

[0108] Comparative Example 3

[0109] Zinc metal particles with an average particle size of 50 μm were added to a first preset mass of ternary slurry. The mixture was stirred in a container to uniformly disperse the zinc metal particles, resulting in a zinc metal content of 0.5 ppm in the ternary slurry. Electrodes were fabricated using the ternary slurry containing zinc metal particles that had not undergone electrode slurry treatment and were then assembled into a battery cell with a capacity of 0.9 Ah. The K value of the battery cell was tested, and the K value of the battery cell was greater than 0.06 mV / h.

[0110] As can be seen from the above embodiments and comparative examples, using this electrode slurry processing device to process the electrode slurry can dissolve the elemental metals, reduce the content of elemental metals in the electrode slurry, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the electrode slurry and helps to improve the reliability of the manufactured battery cells.

[0111] Some embodiments of this application also provide an electrode slurry processing method, see reference. Figure 3 The electrode slurry treatment method includes the following steps:

[0112] S1, Provide the first processing pipeline 1.

[0113] As described in the aforementioned technical solution, the first processing pipe 1 provided in step S1 is used for conveying and processing the electrode slurry. By providing the first processing pipe 1, it is convenient to subsequently process the electrode slurry flowing through the first processing pipe 1.

[0114] S2. Allow the electrode slurry to flow through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1.

[0115] In step S2, the electrode slurry is transported and processed by flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1.

[0116] S3. Apply voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1.

[0117] In step S3 above, by applying voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, the copper, iron, zinc and other metal elements in the electrode slurry are ionized and further react with oxygen to form metal oxides or metal hydroxides, thereby transforming the metal elements into substances that do not have the risk of self-discharge. This reduces the content of metal elements in the electrode slurry, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the electrode slurry and helps to improve the reliability of the battery cells made from the electrode slurry.

[0118] In some embodiments, reference Figure 4 Before step S3, which applies voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, the electrode slurry processing method further includes the following steps:

[0119] S21. Heating the electrode slurry.

[0120] In step S21 above, heating the electrode slurry increases its temperature, which improves its conductivity and allows the metal elements in the slurry to be ionized more quickly under voltage, thus improving the processing efficiency of the electrode slurry.

[0121] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 Step S21, heating the electrode slurry, includes the following steps:

[0122] S211. Provide a second processing pipe 3 and connect the second processing pipe 3 upstream of the first processing pipe 1.

[0123] The second processing pipe 3 can be a pipe through which the electrode slurry flows, providing not only flow space for the electrode slurry but also processing space for the electrode slurry, so that the electrode slurry processing device can heat the electrode slurry while it is being transported.

[0124] In step S211 above, by connecting the second processing pipe 3 upstream of the first processing pipe 1, the electrode slurry can be transported into the first processing pipe 1 via the second processing pipe 3.

[0125] S212, make the electrode slurry flow through the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3.

[0126] In step S212 above, by allowing the electrode slurry to flow through the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3, it is convenient for the electrode slurry to flow into the first processing pipe 1 through the second processing pipe 3.

[0127] S213. Heating the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3.

[0128] In step S213 above, by heating the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the second processing pipe 3, the electrode slurry is heated before flowing into the first processing pipe 1, so that the electrode slurry flows into the first processing pipe 1 at a higher temperature, which helps to accelerate the reaction of the metal elements in the electrode slurry in the first processing pipe 1, accelerate the dissolution of the metal elements in the electrode slurry, and accelerate the ionization rate of metal elements such as copper, iron, and zinc.

[0129] In some embodiments, step S21 heating the electrode slurry includes heating the electrode slurry by means of microwave heating.

[0130] In the above scheme, the electrode slurry is heated by microwave heating, which allows microwave energy to penetrate the surface of the electrode slurry and directly heat the material inside the electrode slurry, thus improving the heating efficiency of the electrode slurry.

[0131] In some embodiments, an electrode needle 22 is provided in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, and the electrode needle 22 extends along the extension direction of the first processing pipe 1. Step S3 applies voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, which includes applying voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 through the electrode needle 22.

[0132] As described in the aforementioned technical solution, the electrode needle 22 can be a component for applying voltage to the electrode slurry. By providing the electrode needle 22 in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1, the electrode needle 22 can apply voltage to the electrode slurry by directly contacting it.

[0133] By extending the electrode needle 22 along the extension direction of the first processing pipe 1, the electrode needle 22 disposed in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 causes less obstruction to the flow of electrode slurry, and the resistance encountered by the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 is smaller.

[0134] Applying voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 in step S3 includes applying voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 through the electrode needle 22, so that the resistance encountered by the electrode slurry when flowing in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 is small.

[0135] Some embodiments of this application provide an electrode slurry processing apparatus, which includes a first processing pipe 1, a second processing pipe 3, an energizing device, and a heating device 4. The energizing device includes a power source and an electrode structure 2 disposed within the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1. The heating device 4 includes a microwave heating module 41 and a shielding structure 42. The shielding structure 42 is disposed outside the second processing pipe 3, and the microwave heating module 41 is disposed within the cavity formed by the shielding structure 42 and heats the electrode slurry in the second processing pipe 3 through an opening. In the above structure, the electrode slurry flowing through the inner cavity of the first processing pipe 1 is affected by the voltage applied by the electrode structure 2. The elemental metals in the slurry can be rapidly ionized and contact with oxygen to generate metal oxides or metal hydroxides, reducing the content of elemental metals in the electrode slurry, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the electrode slurry and helps to improve the reliability of the manufactured battery cells.

[0136] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electrode slurry processing device, characterized in that, include: A first processing conduit is used for flowing electrode slurry; An energizing device includes a power supply and an electrode structure. The power supply is electrically connected to the electrode structure. The electrode structure is disposed in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe and is used to apply voltage to the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the first processing pipe. The electrode structure includes a connecting part and an electrode needle. The electrode needle is connected to the wall of the first processing pipe through the connecting part and extends along the extension direction of the first processing pipe. The second processing pipeline includes a heating section, a first conveying section, and a second conveying section. The heating section is connected between the first conveying section and the second conveying section. The second conveying section is connected to the first processing pipeline and is located upstream of the first processing pipeline. The inner diameter of the heating section is larger than the inner diameter of the first conveying section and the inner diameter of the second conveying section. The heating device is connected to the second processing pipeline to heat the electrode slurry in the inner cavity of the heating section.

2. The electrode slurry processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part is configured as a disc-shaped structure, and the outer peripheral surface of the connecting part is connected to the inner wall surface of the first processing pipe. The connecting part is provided with a plurality of guide holes that extend along the extension direction of the first processing pipe, and the plurality of guide holes are spaced apart. A plurality of electrode needles are provided, and the plurality of electrode needles are spaced apart. The plurality of electrode needles are all located downstream of the connecting part.

3. The electrode slurry processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode needle is spaced apart from the wall of the first processing pipe. The electrode needle is electrically connected to the first electrode of the power supply. The wall of the first processing pipe is electrically connected to the second electrode of the power supply. The polarities of the first electrode and the second electrode are opposite.

4. The electrode slurry processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating device includes a microwave heating module, which is disposed outside the second processing pipe.

5. The electrode slurry processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The wall of the second processing pipe is configured as a low-loss medium structure.

6. The electrode slurry processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heating device further includes a shielding structure disposed outside the second processing pipe, the shielding structure forming a cavity with an opening facing the second processing pipe, and the microwave heating module disposed in the cavity.

7. The electrode slurry processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The opening is oriented toward the heating element.

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