Electrode and rechargeable lithium battery including same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electrode and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same. The electrode includes an electrode active material layer, where the electrode active material layer is a dry electrode film including an active material having a layer containing a catecholamine-based compound and a first binder having a layer containing a catecholamine-based compound.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0052582, filed on April 19, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same. BACKGROUND

[0004] As the rapid spread and popularization of electronic devices using batteries, such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and electric vehicles, the demand for rechargeable batteries having relatively high energy density and high capacity is rapidly increasing. Accordingly, research and development for improving the performance of such rechargeable batteries, such as lithium ion rechargeable batteries, are actively being conducted.

[0005] A rechargeable lithium battery is a battery including a positive electrode and a negative electrode each including an active material allowing intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions, and an electrolyte, and generating electric energy through an oxidation-reduction reaction occurring when lithium ions are intercalated into and deintercalated from the positive electrode and the negative electrode. For example, electric energy is generated when lithium ions are intercalated into the positive electrode and / or deintercalated from the negative electrode during a discharging process.

[0006] Nowadays, research for manufacturing an electrode including a dry electrode film not using a solvent is attracting significant attention and is actively being conducted. The dry electrode film generally includes an electrode active material, a binder, and / or the like, and is manufactured in the form of a film.

[0007] The information disclosed in this Background section is intended to provide an overview of technology. It can contain information that is not prior art to the present application. SUMMARY

[0008] One or more aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electrode including a dry electrode film and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same, the electrode providing an effect of suppressing a side reaction of a binder in the dry electrode film and reducing irreversible capacity loss.

[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and drawings or can be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrode includes an electrode active material layer, and the electrode active material layer can be a dry electrode film including an active material having a layer containing a catecholamine-based compound and a first binder having a layer containing a catecholamine-based compound.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the layer containing a catecholamine-based compound can be present on a surface of the active material and a surface of the first binder.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the layer containing a catecholamine-based compound can be present on a surface of the fiber of the first binder.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine-based compound can be included in the layer containing a catecholamine-based compound in an amount of about 95% by weight or more, based on a total weight of the layer containing a catecholamine-based compound of 100% by weight.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine-based compound can include one or more selected from dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, or a polymer thereof.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine-based compound can include polydopamine.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the polydopamine can include a repeating unit selected from one or more (e.g., any) of Chemical Formulas 1, 2, 3, and 4:

[0017] Chemical Formula 1

[0018]

[0019] Chemical Formula 2

[0020]

[0021] Chemical Formula 3

[0022]

[0023] Chemical Formula 4

[0024]

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the first binder can be included in the dry electrode film in a fibrillated state.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the first binder can include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a polyolefin, or a mixture thereof.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound-containing layer has a thickness in a range of about 0.1 nanometer (nm) to about 20 nm.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the dry electrode film can include about 80 wt% to about 99.5 wt% of the active material and about 0.5 wt% to 20 wt% of the first binder, based on a total weight of the dry electrode film of 100 wt%.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound-containing layer can be a protective layer.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the active material can be a positive active material or a negative active material.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the active material can include a carbon-based (carbon-based) negative active material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings are included to illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description given herein, to facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure. The present disclosure should not be limited based on the drawings, which are provided merely as examples. The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of some embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figures 1 to 4 Each is a schematic diagram showing a rechargeable lithium battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 is a photograph of a polydopamine-coated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-containing film manufactured in an example according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figures 6 to 8 shows Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis results of a dry electrode film of Example 1 (dotted line) and Comparative Example 1 (solid line) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 9 shows X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis results of a negative electrode of Comparative Example 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 10 shows XPS analysis results of a negative electrode of Example 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 11Results showing the relationship between the normalized capacity and the voltage of the battery having the electrode of Example and Comparative Example according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In Figure 11 In the graph, the dotted line indicates Example 1, the solid line indicates Comparative Example 1, and the double dotted line indicates Comparative Example 2.

[0039] Figure 12 Results showing the relationship between the normalized capacity and the voltage of the battery having the electrode of Example according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0040] Figure 13 Results showing the capacity of the battery according to the number of cycles thereof according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In Figure 13 In the graph, the • indicates Example 1, the ■ indicates Comparative Example 1, and the ▲ indicates Comparative Example 2.

[0041] Figure 14 Results showing the coulombic efficiency of the battery according to the number of cycles thereof according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In Figure 14 In the graph, the • indicates Example 1, the ■ indicates Comparative Example 1, and the ▲ indicates Comparative Example 2.

[0042] Figure 15 Results showing the evaluation of the ion resistance of the battery after 30 cycles according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In Figure 15 In the graph, the dotted line indicates Example 1, the solid line indicates Comparative Example 1, and the double dotted line indicates Comparative Example 2.

[0043] Figure 16 Results showing the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the negative electrode surface of the battery after 1 cycle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In Figure 16 In the graph, the left photograph shows the results of Comparative Example 1, the middle photograph shows the results of Example 1, and the right photograph shows the results of Comparative Example 2.

[0044] Figure 17 Results showing the SEM analysis of the negative electrode surface of the battery after 30 cycles according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In Figure 17 In the graph, the left photograph shows the results of Comparative Example 1, the middle photograph shows the results of Example 1, and the right photograph shows the results of Comparative Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms or words used in the present disclosure and claims should not be interpreted as limited to general or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted with meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure based on the principle that the applicant can appropriately define the concept of the term to best describe its disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely example embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical spirits of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be multiple equivalents and modifications of alternative embodiments when submitting this application.

[0046] In addition, the expressions “including”, “comprising” and “having” used in the present disclosure indicate the existence of the mentioned shapes, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements and / or their collections, and do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other shapes, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements and / or their collections.

[0047] In addition, to help understand the present disclosure, the drawings may not be drawn to scale and the sizes of some components may be exaggerated. Also, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components in different embodiments.

[0048] When two comparison objects are referred to as "the same," this means "substantially the same." Substantially the same may include variations that are considered low in the art, such as within 5%. Furthermore, when a parameter is described as uniform in a predetermined area, this may mean that the parameter is uniform from an average perspective.

[0049] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components (components), the components (components) are, of course, not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component (component) from another component (component). For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, a first component may also be a second component.

[0050] Throughout the disclosure, unless otherwise specifically indicated, each component may be singular or plural. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure."

[0051] In the present disclosure, if a configuration is described as being disposed / arranged "over (or under) a component" or "on (or under) a component" (e.g., when a configuration is described as being disposed / arranged "over (or under) a component" or "on (or under) a component"), this can mean not only that the configuration is disposed / arranged in contact with an upper surface (or a lower surface) of the component, but also that another (e.g., one or more intermediate) configuration can be interposed between the component and the configuration disposed on (or under) the component.

[0052] Further, if a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "linked" to another component (e.g., when a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "linked" to another component), it should be understood that although the components can be directly connected or linked to each other, another component (e.g., one or more intermediate components) can be "interposed" between the two components, or the two components can be "connected," "coupled," or "linked" through the other component. Further, if a component is described as being electrically connected to another component (e.g., when a component is described as being electrically connected to another component), this includes not only an embodiment in which the two components are directly connected, but also an embodiment in which the two components are connected with another device interposed therebetween.

[0053] Throughout the disclosure, unless specifically stated otherwise, "A and / or B" or "A / B" can refer to A, B, or A and B. That is, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of," "one or more of," and "selected from the group consisting of" when preceding the list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c," "at least one of selected from the group consisting of a, b, and c," "at least one of selected from a to c," and the like, can indicate a, b, c alone; a and b together (e.g., in a single implementation); a and c together (e.g., in a single implementation); b and c together (e.g., in a single implementation); a, b, and c together; or variations thereof. The " / " utilized herein can be interpreted as "and" or "or" depending on the situation. Unless specifically stated otherwise, "C to D" means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D.

[0054] The terms used in the present disclosure are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0055] Electrode

[0056] The electrode according to one or more embodiments can be a positive electrode or a negative electrode, depending on whether a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material is included as the electrode active material described herein.

[0057] For example, in one or more embodiments, the electrode can be a negative electrode.

[0058] The electrode according to one or more embodiments can include an electrode active material layer, and the electrode active material layer is a dry electrode film including: an active material having a layer containing a catecholamine compound; and a first binder having a layer containing a catecholamine compound.

[0059] In the electrode, by the active material and the first binder each having a layer containing a catecholamine compound, the initial efficiency and the cycle life of a battery including the electrode can be increased.

[0060] The first binder can include a fibrillatable binder. The fibrillatable binder can include a binder having a low lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level. In an electrode film including a binder having a low LUMO energy level, the reduction stability of the electrode film can be decreased due to the low LUMO energy level. The low reduction stability can cause a side reaction of the binder and weaken fibrillation, and thus deteriorate the binding performance and cause an irreversible capacity loss of a battery. For example, this can cause a decrease in the initial efficiency and the cycle life of a battery.

[0061] The layer containing a catecholamine compound is a protective layer, and is included in each of the active material and the first binder to suppress a side reaction and mitigate an irreversible capacity loss of a battery, thereby increasing the initial efficiency and the cycle life of the battery.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the binder having a low LUMO energy level can have a LUMO energy level of +8 eV or less, for example, a LUMO energy level in a range of 0 to +8 eV.

[0063] The layer containing a catecholamine compound can include a catecholamine compound. In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound can be included in the layer containing a catecholamine compound in an amount of about 95% by weight or more, for example, in an amount in a range of about 95% by weight to 100% by weight, for example, 100% by weight, based on a total weight of the layer containing a catecholamine compound of 100% by weight. Within the above range, there can be an effect of increasing the initial efficiency and the cycle life of a battery.

[0064] The catecholamine compound is a monoamine-based compound derived from catechol, and for example, can include one or more selected from the group consisting of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, or a polymer thereof. In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound can include dopamine.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound can be included in the layer containing a catecholamine compound as it is. In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound can be included in the layer containing a catecholamine compound as it is.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound can be included in the catecholamine compound-containing layer as one or more selected from an acid addition salt of the catecholamine compound and a base addition salt of the catecholamine compound.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound can be polymerized and included in the catecholamine compound-containing layer as an oligomer or a polymer thereof. In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound-containing layer can include polydopamine. The polydopamine can include a polymer obtained by polymerizing dopamine as a monomer.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the polydopamine can include a repeating unit selected from one or more (e.g., any) of Chemical Formulas 1, 2, 3, and 4:

[0069] Chemical Formula 1

[0070]

[0071] Chemical Formula 2

[0072]

[0073] Chemical Formula 3

[0074]

[0075] Chemical Formula 4

[0076]

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound-containing layer can have a thickness in a range of about 0.1 nm to about 20 nm, e.g., 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20 nm, about 1 nm to about 3 nm. Within the above range, an effect of increasing initial efficiency and lifespan of a battery can be provided, and resistance can not be increased.

[0078] According to one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound-containing layer can be present on a surface of the active material and a surface of the first binder. In this regard, the degree of suppressing side reactions can be higher. In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine compound-containing layer can be present on a surface of the first binder that can be fibrillated.

[0079] Hereinafter, the electrode active material layer will be described in detail.

[0080] The electrode active material layer can be a freestanding dry electrode film. The freestanding dry electrode film can refer to that the electrode powder including the electrode active material and the first binder is manufactured in the form of a strip or a sheet having a predetermined thickness.

[0081] According to one or more embodiments, the electrode active material can be a cathode active material (e.g., in the form of a particle).

[0082] As the cathode active material, a compound capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium (lithiated intercalation compound) can be used. For example, in one or more embodiments, one or more of a composite oxide of lithium and a metal selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0083] The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide. Non-limiting examples of the composite oxide can include a lithium nickel oxide, a lithium cobalt oxide, a lithium manganese oxide, a lithium iron phosphate compound, a lithium nickel manganese oxide not containing cobalt, or a combination (e.g., any suitable) thereof.

[0084] In one or more embodiments, a compound represented by any one of the following chemical formulas can be used: a A 1- b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b-c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1d G e O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-b G b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3(0≤f≤2); Li a FePO4(0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0085] In the foregoing chemical formulas, A can be nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), or a combination thereof (e.g., any suitable combination); X can be aluminum (Al), Ni, Co, Mn, chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), a rare earth element, or a combination thereof (e.g., any suitable combination); D can be oxygen (O), fluorine (F), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), or a combination thereof (e.g., any suitable combination); G can be Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), Sr, V, or a combination thereof (e.g., any suitable combination); and L 1 may be Mn, Al, or a combination thereof (e.g., any suitable combination).

[0086] According to one or more embodiments, the electrode active material can be a negative electrode active material (e.g., in the form of a particle).

[0087] The negative electrode active material can include a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, a lithium metal alloy, a material capable of doping and undoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0088] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions can be a carbon-based negative electrode active material, and can include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of crystalline carbon can include graphite, such as natural graphite and / or artificial graphite, and non-limiting examples of amorphous carbon can include soft carbon, hard carbon, meso-phase pitch carbonizate, and calcined coke.

[0089] In one or more embodiments, as a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, a Si-based (Si-based) negative electrode active material and / or a Sn-based (Sn-based) negative electrode active material can be used. The Si-based negative electrode active material can be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x < 2), a Si-based alloy, or a combination (e.g., any suitable combination) thereof.

[0090] The silicon-carbon composite can be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one or more embodiments, the silicon-carbon composite can have a form including silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on surfaces of the silicon particles.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, the silicon-carbon composite can further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite can include a core including crystalline carbon and silicon particles, and an amorphous carbon coating layer on surfaces of the core.

[0092] According to one or more embodiments, the negative electrode active material can include a carbon-based negative electrode active material. The carbon-based negative electrode active material can increase the degree of suppressing side reactions in the electrode.

[0093] The first binder is not particularly limited, as long as the first binder can be fibrillated in a dry electrode film manufacturing step, which will be described later in more detail. Fibrillation can refer to dividing a polymer into fine fibers. For example, fibrillation can be performed using mechanical shearing force or the like. The surface of the fibrillated polymer fiber can be unraveled, and a plurality of fine fibers can be generated. The generated fine fibers can cause the electrode active material and / or the conductive additive described later to entangle with each other, thereby enabling the manufacture of a dry electrode film.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the first binder can include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a polyolefin, or a mixture (e.g., any suitable mixture) thereof. In one or more embodiments, the first binder can include PTFE, and in one or more embodiments, the first binder can be PTFE. In one or more embodiments, PTFE can be included in an amount of about 60% by weight or more, for example, in an amount in a range of about 90% by weight to 100% by weight, or in an amount of 100% by weight, based on the total weight (e.g., 100% by weight total) of the first binder.

[0095] In one or more embodiments, the first binder can be included in the dry electrode film in a fibrillated state.

[0096] In one or more embodiments, in the dry electrode film, the electrode active material can be included in an amount ranging from about 80% by weight to about 99.5% by weight, for example, about 90% by weight to about 99.5% by weight, based on a total weight of 100% by weight of the dry electrode film, and the first binder can be included in an amount ranging from about 0.5% by weight to about 20% by weight, for example, about 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight, based on a total weight of 100% by weight of the dry electrode film. Within the above ranges, the dry electrode film can be easily manufactured, and an effect of increasing the adhesion strength between materials constituting the electrode due to the fibrillated binder can be present.

[0097] In one or more embodiments, the dry electrode film can further include a conductive additive.

[0098] The conductive additive is not particularly limited as long as the conductive additive is electrically conductive and does not cause a chemical change in the battery. For example, in one or more embodiments, the following can be used as the conductive additive: graphite such as natural graphite and / or artificial graphite; carbon black-based compounds such as carbon black, acetylene black, ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and / or thermal black (thermal cracking black); conductive fibers such as carbon fibers and / or metal fibers; fluorinated carbon; metal powders such as aluminum and / or nickel powders; conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide and / or potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives, and / or the like. In one or more embodiments, in order to uniformly mix the conductive additive and increase the electrical conductivity thereof, the conductive additive can include one or more selected from activated carbon, graphite, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes, and in one or more embodiments, the conductive additive can include activated carbon.

[0099] In one or more embodiments, in the dry electrode film, the electrode active material can be included in an amount ranging from about 80% by weight to about 99% by weight, for example, about 90% by weight to 99% by weight, based on a total weight of 100% by weight of the dry electrode film, the first binder can be included in an amount ranging from about 0.5% by weight to about 20% or 19.5% by weight, for example, about 0.5% by weight to about 10% or 9.5% by weight, and the conductive additive can be included in an amount ranging from about 0.5% by weight to about 20% or 19.5% by weight, for example, about 0.5% by weight to about 10% or 9.5% by weight, based on a total weight of 100% by weight of the dry electrode film. Within the above ranges, the dry electrode film can be easily manufactured, and an effect of imparting electrical conductivity can be present.

[0100] In one or more embodiments, the electrode active material layer can further include a second binder, and the second binder can include a non-fibrillatable binder. For example, the non-fibrillatable binder can include one or more selected from polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene.

[0101] The dry electrode film can be manufactured by the following steps (e.g., actions or tasks).

[0102] (a) a process (e.g., an action or a task) of preparing a powdery mixture including: an electrode active material; and a binder including a first binder;

[0103] (b) a process (e.g., an action or a task) of preparing a mixture mass by kneading the powdery mixture;

[0104] (c) a process (e.g., an action or a task) of obtaining an electrode powder by pulverizing the mixture mass;

[0105] (d) a process (e.g., an action or a task) of obtaining a film by calendering the electrode powder; and

[0106] (e) a process (e.g., an action or a task) of manufacturing a dry electrode film including an electrode active material on which a layer including a catecholamine-based compound is formed and a first binder on which a layer including a catecholamine-based compound is formed, by treating the film with a solution including a catecholamine-based compound (e.g., including dopamine).

[0107] First, an electrode active material and a binder including a first binder are mixed to prepare a powdery mixture. The mixing can be performed such that the electrode active material and the binder can be uniformly (e.g., substantially uniformly) distributed in the powdery mixture, and since the electrode active material and the binder are mixed in a powdery form, the mixing is not limited as long as simple mixing of the electrode active material and the binder is achieved. However, since the powdery mixture is used to manufacture a dry electrode film, the powdery mixture does not include (e.g., exclude) (e.g., any) solvent. The mixing can be performed by dry mixing, for example, by inputting the materials into a device such as a blender. In one or more embodiments, the powdery mixture can further include a conductive additive.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, although the mixing time is not particularly limited, the mixing can be performed for about 1 second to about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, although the mixing speed is not particularly limited, the mixing speed can be suitably and appropriately controlled in the range of about 3,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) to about 30,000 rpm. In one or more embodiments, in order to high uniformity and control the crystallinity of the binder resin, the electrode active material and the binder can be mixed at a speed of about 5,000 rpm to about 20,000 rpm for about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, for example, about 2 minutes, for example, at a speed of about 10,000 rpm to about 15,000 rpm for about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, using a mixer to manufacture a dry electrode film.

[0109] Next, the mixture obtained above is subjected to a kneading process for fibrillating the binder. Kneading is a step (e.g., an action or a task) of forming a mixture mass of 100% by weight solid content by combining or connecting the electrode active material and / or the conductive additive while the binder is fibrillated.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the kneading in step (b) can be controlled at a speed of about 10 rpm to about 100 rpm. In one or more embodiments, the kneading can be controlled at a speed of about 40 rpm to about 70 rpm. The kneading can be performed for about 1 minute to about 30 minutes. For example, in one or more embodiments, the kneading can be performed at a speed of about 40 rpm to about 70 rpm for about 3 minutes to about 7 minutes. Meanwhile, in the kneading, the shear rate can be controlled in a range of about 10 / s to about 500 / s. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the kneading can be performed for about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, and the shear rate can be controlled in a range of about 30 / s to about 100 / s.

[0111] In one or more embodiments, the kneading process can be performed at a high temperature and a pressure higher than or equal to an atmospheric pressure. In one or more embodiments, the kneading process can be performed at a pressure higher than an atmospheric pressure. In one or more embodiments, the kneading can be performed at a temperature in a range of about 70°C to about 200°C, or about 90°C to about 150°C.

[0112] In one or more embodiments, the kneading can be performed at a pressure higher than or equal to an atmospheric pressure, for example, at a pressure in a range of about 1 atm to about 3 atm, or at a pressure in a range of about 1.1 atm to about 3 atm. If the kneading is performed at an excessively high pressure and a shear force deviating from the above range (for example, when the kneading is performed at an excessively high pressure deviating from the above range), it can be inappropriate because an excessive shear force and pressure can cause the formed fibers to be cut, or the density of the mixture mass can be too high. That is, according to the present disclosure, if a low shear mixing process is performed at a high temperature and a pressure higher than or equal to an atmospheric pressure instead of performing a high shear mixing (for example, when a low shear mixing process is performed at a high temperature and a pressure higher than or equal to an atmospheric pressure instead of performing a high shear mixing), the intended effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0113] Next, a step (e.g., an action or a task) of obtaining an electrode powder by again pulverizing the mixture mass prepared by the kneading step is performed.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, the mixture mass prepared by kneading can be immediately calendered, but in these embodiments, the mixture mass can need to be prepared in the form of a thin film by pressing under strong pressure and high temperature, and thus, a problem in which the density of the film excessively increases or a film having a uniform density cannot be obtained can occur. Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, the prepared mixture mass undergoes a pulverization step.

[0115] The pulverization is not limited, and can be performed using a suitable pulverization device such as a blender or a grinder. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the pulverization speed can be controlled in the range of about 3,000 rpm to about 30,000 rpm. Meanwhile, the pulverization time can be suitably and appropriately controlled in the range of about 1 second to about 10 minutes. However, the pulverization speed and the pulverization time are not particularly limited to the above-mentioned ranges. For example, in one or more embodiments, the pulverization can be performed at a speed of about 5,000 rpm to about 20,000 rpm for about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes, or at a speed of about 10,000 rpm to about 18,000 rpm for about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes. Within the above-mentioned ranges, the pulverization can be sufficiently performed, thereby facilitating film formation and reducing the degree of fine powder generation.

[0116] The electrode powder is heated and pressed to manufacture a film. In one or more embodiments, the electrode powder obtained as the pulverization step is completed as above can be input to a calendering process.

[0117] The electrode powder is heated and pressed and processed into a sheet-type dry electrode film through the calendering process. The calendering process can be performed using a pair of calendering rolls facing each other. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the calendering process can be performed by a method in which the electrode powder passes between a plurality of calendering rolls.

[0118] In one or more embodiments, the electrode powder can be pre-processed before the calendering process is performed.

[0119] The pre-treatment process can be performed by a method in which heat is applied to the electrode powder to maintain the temperature of the electrode powder at about 80°C or higher, for example, at about 100°C or higher, for a predetermined amount of time. The pre-treatment process can be performed for about 1 minute or more, and the pre-treatment process time can be suitably and appropriately adjusted depending on the amount of the electrode powder. For example, in one or more embodiments, the temperature of the electrode powder can be maintained at about 80°C or higher for about 1 minute or more, or can be maintained at about 100°C or higher for about 1 minute or more. In one or more embodiments, in order to prevent deterioration of the electrode components (e.g., the binder resin) included in the electrode powder, the heating temperature of the electrode powder can be controlled to be lower than the melting point of the binder resin. For example, in one or more embodiments, the heating temperature of the electrode powder can be controlled to be lower than 320°C. The pre-treatment process can be performed using a commonly used heating device, such as a convection oven or an infrared heating device. Here, for example, the electrode powder does not stagnate while being stirred and heated.

[0120] Next, the film can be immersed in a solution containing a catecholamine compound (e.g., containing dopamine) and allowed to react to produce a dry electrode film including an active material having a layer containing a catecholamine compound and a first binder having a layer containing a catecholamine compound. In one or more embodiments, the production of the dry electrode film can be performed by a liquid phase reaction using a solution containing a catecholamine compound.

[0121] The layer containing a catecholamine compound can be prepared by treating the film with a solution containing a catecholamine compound. This will be described in detail later.

[0122] The layer containing a catecholamine compound can be prepared by the following steps (e.g., actions or tasks).

[0123] (a) a process (e.g., an action or a task) of preparing a solution containing a catecholamine compound; and

[0124] (b) a process (e.g., an action or a task) of producing a dry electrode film including an electrode active material on which a layer containing a catecholamine compound is formed and a first binder on which a layer containing a catecholamine compound is formed, using the solution containing a catecholamine compound and the film.

[0125] First, a solution containing a catecholamine compound is prepared.

[0126] In one or more embodiments, the solution containing a catecholamine compound can be a tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) buffer solution including dopamine chloride (dopamine hydrochloride).

[0127] The catecholamine-containing layer can be prepared by immersing the membrane in a prepared catecholamine-containing solution and allowing the membrane to react. In one or more embodiments, the catecholamine-containing layer can be prepared by immersing the membrane in a catecholamine-containing solution and aging the membrane at a temperature in the range of about 30° C. to about 100° C. for about 5 hours to about 24 hours.

[0128] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the dry electrode film may have a thickness in the range of about 100 micrometers (μm) to about 200 μm, but the thickness is not particularly limited thereto. For example, in one or more embodiments, the dry electrode film may have a thickness in the range of about 100 μm to about 150 μm.

[0129] The electrode may further include a current collector.

[0130] The current collector is not particularly limited as long as the current collector provides high conductivity and does not cause chemical changes in the battery. For example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, copper, copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, or a polymer substrate with a surface coated with a conductive metal and treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver and / or the like can be used as the current collector. In one or more embodiments, the current collector may also have fine irregularities formed on its surface to increase the adhesion of the electrode active material, and may be in one or more suitable forms such as a film, sheet, foil, net, porous body, foam and / or nonwoven.

[0131] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the current collector may have a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 50 μm, but the thickness is not particularly limited thereto. For example, in one or more embodiments, the current collector may have a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 20 μm.

[0132] Rechargeable lithium battery

[0133] According to one or more embodiments, a rechargeable lithium battery may include the electrode of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0134] In one or more embodiments, the rechargeable lithium battery may include a positive electrode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and a negative electrode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the rechargeable lithium battery may include a negative electrode and a positive electrode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the rechargeable lithium battery may include a positive electrode and a negative electrode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0135] The negative electrode can be manufactured using a composition including one or more of the above-described negative electrode active materials. The negative electrode active materials are the same as described herein. In one or more embodiments, the composition can further include a binder and / or a conductive agent. In one or more embodiments, the negative electrode can be manufactured by a wet process. The binder and the conductive agent can be selected from the usual types known to those skilled in the art.

[0136] The positive electrode can be manufactured using a composition including one or more of the above-described positive electrode active materials. The positive electrode active materials are the same as described herein. In one or more embodiments, the composition can further include a binder and / or a conductive agent. In one or more embodiments, the positive electrode can be manufactured by a wet process. The binder and the conductive agent can be selected from the usual types known to those skilled in the art.

[0137] The rechargeable lithium battery can further include an electrolyte solution.

[0138] In one or more embodiments, the rechargeable lithium battery can further include an electrolyte. The electrolyte for the rechargeable lithium battery can include a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0139] The non-aqueous organic solvent serves as a medium through which ions involved in electrochemical reactions of the battery are mobile and migrate.

[0140] The non-aqueous organic solvent can be a carbonate-based solvent, an ester-based solvent, an ether-based solvent, a ketone-based solvent, an alcohol-based solvent, an aprotic solvent, or a combination thereof (e.g., any suitable), and can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0141] In one or more embodiments, if a carbonate-based solvent is used (e.g., when a carbonate-based solvent is used), a cyclic carbonate and a chain carbonate can be used in combination.

[0142] A separator can be present between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, depending on the type of the rechargeable lithium battery. The separator can include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, a multi-layer film of two or more layers thereof, or a hybrid multi-layer film such as a polyethylene / polypropylene two-layer separator, a polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene three-layer separator, a polypropylene / polyethylene / polypropylene three-layer separator, and / or the like.

[0143] The separator can include a porous substrate and a coating layer including an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof (e.g., any suitable) on one or both (two opposite) surfaces of the porous substrate.

[0144] The porous substrate can be a film formed of any one selected from a polymer such as a polyolefin (such as polyethylene and / or polypropylene), a polyester (such as polyethylene terephthalate and / or polybutylene terephthalate), a polyacetal, a polyamide, a polyimide, a polycarbonate, a polyether ketone, a polyaryletherketone, a polyetherimide, a polyamideimide, a polybenzimidazole, a polyethersulfone, a polyphenylene ether, a cyclic olefin copolymer, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyethylene naphthalate, a glass fiber, polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., TEFLON), or any copolymer or mixture of two or more thereof.

[0145] The organic material can include a polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymer or a (meth)acrylic polymer.

[0146] The inorganic material can include inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite, and any combination thereof, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0147] The organic material and the inorganic material can be mixed in one coating layer, or coating layers including the organic material and coating layers including the inorganic material can be stacked.

[0148] Depending on the shape of the rechargeable lithium battery, the rechargeable lithium battery can be classified into a cylindrical battery, a prismatic battery, a pouch-type battery, a coin-type battery, and / or the like. Figures 1 to 4 Each is a schematic view illustrating a rechargeable lithium battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 a cylindrical battery is shown, Figure 2 a prismatic battery is shown, and Figure 3 a pouch-type battery is shown. 4 a pouch-type battery is shown. Referring to Figures 1 to 4 The rechargeable lithium battery 100 can include an electrode assembly 40 including a separator 30 between a positive electrode 10 and a negative electrode 20, and a case 50 in which the electrode assembly 40 is included. The positive electrode 10, the negative electrode 20, and the separator 30 can be impregnated with an electrolyte solution (not shown). In one or more embodiments, the rechargeable lithium battery 100 can include a sealing member 60 sealing the case 50, as shown in Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, as shown in Figure 2 The rechargeable lithium battery 100 can include a positive electrode lead tab 11, a positive electrode terminal 12, a negative electrode lead tab 21, and a negative electrode terminal 22, as shown in Figure 3 4 ​As shown in FIG. 1, the rechargeable lithium battery 100 can include electrode tabs 70, which can be, for example, a positive electrode tab 71 and a negative electrode tab 72, which serve as an electrical path for leading out the electric current formed in the electrode assembly 40 to the outside.

[0149] As non-limiting examples, the rechargeable lithium battery according to one or more embodiments can be applied to automobiles, mobile phones, and / or various types of electrical devices.

[0150] The rechargeable lithium battery described above can be used to manufacture a battery pack. The battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes an assembly of electrically connected individual batteries and a pack case that accommodates the same. The battery pack can further include components for electrical connection of the batteries such as bus bars, a cooling unit, external terminals, etc.

[0151] In one or more embodiments, the battery pack can be installed in, for example, a vehicle. For example, the vehicle can be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle can be a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes the battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle operates by receiving electric power from the battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0152] Hereinafter, examples and comparative examples of the present disclosure will be described. However, the following examples are merely example embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples.

[0153] Example 1

[0154] Manufacture of dry electrode film

[0155] 97.5% by weight of artificial graphite as a negative active material and 2.5% by weight of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a binder were input into a blender without any solvent and mixed at 10,000 rpm for 1 minute to obtain a mixture. The obtained mixture was input into a kneader and kneaded at 110°C at a speed of 60 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain a mixture lump, which was then input into a blender to be pulverized at 10,000 rpm for 40 seconds to obtain an electrode powder. Then, the electrode powder was repeatedly pressed using a calender roll (roll diameter: 200 mm, roll temperature: 80°C) to obtain an active material layer (thickness: 150 µm).

[0156] Preparation of dopamine-containing solution

[0157] Dopamine chloride and a Tris buffer solution were mixed to prepare a dopamine-containing solution (pH 8.5).

[0158] Manufacture of electrode

[0159] The prepared active material layer was immersed in a solution containing dopamine and aged to produce a dry electrode film (thickness: 150 μm) having a polydopamine-containing layer formed on each of the negative electrode active material and the PTFE binder. The produced dry electrode film was laminated on a carbon-coated copper current collector to produce an electrode.

[0160] Figure 5 is a photograph of a PTFE-containing film coated with a polydopamine-containing layer. Referring to Figure 5 , the relatively large quadrangular shapes in the center indicate PTFE-containing films coated with a polydopamine-containing layer, and the scattered diamond shapes indicate Kimtec sheets. As shown in Figure 5 , it can be confirmed that a polydopamine-containing layer is coated on PTFE.

[0161] Example 2

[0162] An electrode was produced in substantially the same manner as in Example 1, except that in Example 2, 98 wt% of artificial graphite as a negative electrode active material and 2 wt% of PTFE as a binder were used.

[0163] Example 3

[0164] An electrode was produced in substantially the same manner as in Example 1, except that in Example 3, 99 wt% of artificial graphite as a negative electrode active material and 1 wt% of PTFE as a binder were used.

[0165] Comparative Example 1

[0166] An electrode active material layer was prepared in substantially the same manner as in Example 1, and an electrode was produced in substantially the same manner as in Example 1, except that the prepared electrode active material layer was laminated on a carbon-coated copper current collector without a process of immersing the prepared electrode active material layer in a solution containing dopamine.

[0167] Comparative Example 2

[0168] A solution containing dopamine was prepared in substantially the same manner as in Example 1. PTFE particles were added to the prepared solution containing dopamine and treated by an immersion method to form a polydopamine-coated layer (cladding layer) on the surfaces of the PTFE particles.

[0169] The 97.5% by weight of artificial graphite as a negative active material and 2.5% by weight of PTFE on which a prepared polydopamine coating layer was formed as a binder were input to a blender and mixed at 10,000 rpm for 1 minute to obtain a mixture. The obtained mixture was input to a kneader and kneaded at 110°C at a speed of 60 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain a mixture mass, and then the mixture mass was input to a blender and pulverized at 10,000 rpm for 60 seconds to obtain an electrode powder. Then, the electrode powder was repeatedly pressed using a calender roll (roll diameter: 200 mm, roll temperature: 80°C) to obtain a dry electrode film (thickness: 150 µm). In the dry electrode film, a polydopamine-containing layer was not formed on the negative active material.

[0170] The manufactured dry electrode film was laminated on a carbon-coated copper current collector to manufacture an electrode.

[0171] The dry electrode films and the electrodes manufactured in the examples and the comparative examples were each evaluated for the following physical properties.

[0172] FT-IR analysis of polydopamine-coated PTFE film

[0173] FT-IR analysis was performed on the polydopamine-coated PTFE films of the examples and the comparative examples each (analysis device: Thermo Scientific Nicolet Is50), and the results thereof are shown in Figures 6 to 8 As shown in Figures 6 to 8 , it can be confirmed that, in Example 1, a polydopamine-containing layer was formed due to exhibiting absorbance of different intensities at the same wavelength compared to Comparative Example 1.

[0174] XPS analysis of negative electrode

[0175] XPS analysis was performed on the negative electrodes of the examples and the comparative examples each. The XPS analysis was performed using a Thermo Scientific K-Alpha X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy device. The results thereof are shown in Figure 9 and 10 Comparing Figure 9 (Comparative Example 1) and Figure 10 (Example 1), it can be confirmed that, Figure 10 the C-OH peak in corresponds to the catechol group in dopamine, and that, Figure 9 compared to Figure 10 , the ratio of the CF2 peak to the C-C peak is lower. In this way, it can be confirmed that a dopamine-containing layer was formed on the negative electrode of Example 1.

[0176] Evaluation of initial efficiency of battery

[0177] LiCoNiAl of 97% by weight as a positive active material, 1.5% by weight of carbon nanotube as a conductive additive, and 1.5% by weight of polyvinylidene fluoride were mixed, and water was added to the mixture to prepare a positive electrode slurry. The prepared positive electrode slurry was coated on an aluminum foil, and the positive electrode slurry and the aluminum foil were dried and roll-pressed to manufacture a positive electrode.

[0178] Using the positive electrode and the negative electrode manufactured in the examples and comparative examples, using a polyethylene separator (STAR 20, Asahi) as a separator, and using a mixed solvent of ethylene carbonate (EC), methyl ethyl carbonate (EMC), and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) having a volume ratio of 3:3:4 in which 1.15 M LiPF6 is dissolved as an electrolyte, a corresponding lithium-ion rechargeable battery having a capacity of 2,000 mAh was manufactured.

[0179] The manufactured lithium-ion rechargeable batteries were each charged from 2.8 V at a constant current of 0.2 C to an upper limit voltage of 4.3 V at 25℃, each charged at a constant voltage until the current decreased to 0.05 C, which is a termination condition, and then each discharged at 0.2 C until the voltage decreased to a discharge cut-off voltage of 3.0 V, to measure an initial discharge capacity. The efficiency was calculated as a ratio of (1st discharge capacity) to (1st charge capacity). The results thereof are shown in Table 1. Figure 11 and 12 of Table 1.

[0180] Table 1

[0181] 1st charge capacity (mAh / g) 1st discharge capacity (mAh / g) Efficiency (%) Example 1 379.04 348.97 92.1 Example 2 372.40 346.89 93.15 Example 3 358.46 336.68 93.92 Comparative Example 1 386.56 338.21 87.4 Comparative Example 2 381.83 339.59 89.1

[0182] As shown in Table 1 and Figure 11 and 12 , it can be confirmed that the initial efficiency is improved in the electrode of the examples compared to the electrodes of Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0183] Evaluation of the service life of the battery

[0184] The batteries were each manufactured in the same manner as described above. The above cycle was repeated 1 to 50 times. The results thereof are shown in Table 1. Figure 13 and 14 .

[0185] As shown in Figure 13 and 14 , it can be seen that the capacity and coulombic efficiency are higher for the same cycle number in the battery including the electrode of the examples compared to the battery including the electrode of the comparative examples.

[0186] Evaluation of the ion resistance according to the cycle number of the battery

[0187] The batteries were each manufactured in the same manner as described above. The above cycle was repeated 1 to 50 times. Then, the ion resistance was evaluated. The ion resistance was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results thereof are shown in Figure 15 Figs. 10A and 10B.

[0188] As shown in Figure 15 It was found that, in the battery including the electrode of the example, the resistance was lower for the same number of cycles compared to the battery including the electrode of the comparative example.

[0189] SEM evaluation of the electrode according to the number of cycles of the battery

[0190] The batteries were each manufactured in the same manner as described above. The above cycle was repeated 1 and 30 times. Then, SEM analysis was performed on the surface of the dry film-containing electrode, and the results thereof are shown in Figure 16 and 17 Figs. 10A and 10B.

[0191] As shown in Figure 16 and 17 It was found that, in the electrode of the comparative example, a byproduct was locally generated on the surface of the PTFE fiber formed near the graphite active material, but not in the example.

[0192] According to the present disclosure, the electrode includes a dry electrode film including a catecholamine compound, and provides an effect of increasing the initial efficiency and the service life of the battery.

[0193] However, the effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the present disclosure provided herein.

[0194] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, "about" or "approximately" also includes the stated value, and means within an acceptable range of deviations for the particular value in question, as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art considering the measurement at issue and the error in measurement associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% relative to the stated value.

[0195] In the context of the present disclosure, the term "use" can be considered synonymous with the term "utilize," unless otherwise defined.

[0196] Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same entire number of increments within the range. For example, a range of 1.0 to 10.0 is intended to include all sub-ranges, e.g., 2.4 to 7.6, within the same entire number of 10.0 increments, which is to say, there is a minimum of 1.0 and a maximum of 10.0 with a minimum of 1.0 and a maximum of 10.0. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges recited herein.

[0197] Battery (e.g., dry electrode) manufacturing devices, battery packs, battery management system (BMS) devices, and / or any other related devices or components according to embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, components of the devices can be formed on one integrated circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC chips. Further, components of the devices can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on one substrate. Further, components of the devices can be processes or threads running on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, which execute computer program instructions and interact with other system components for performing the functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which can be implemented using standard memory devices such as random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer readable media such as CD-ROM, flash drive, etc. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that functions of the various computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or functions of a particular computing device can be distributed across one or more other computing devices, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0198] In view of the entire disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various suitable features of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined, in part or whole, with each other, and can be technically interlocked and operated in various suitable ways, and the embodiments can be implemented in any suitable way independently of or in combination with each other, unless otherwise specified or implied.

[0199] The present disclosure has been described only using some embodiments and drawings, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can make various modifications and changes within the technical spirit of the present disclosure and the scope equivalent thereto of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electrode comprising: an electrode active material layer, wherein the electrode active material layer is a dry electrode film including an active material having a layer containing a catecholamine compound and a first binder having a layer containing a catecholamine compound. 2.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the layer containing a catecholamine compound is on a surface of the active material and a surface of the first binder. 3.The electrode according to claim 2, wherein the layer containing a catecholamine compound is on a surface of a fiber of the first binder. 4.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the catecholamine compound is in the layer containing a catecholamine compound in an amount of about 95% by weight or more, based on a total weight of the layer containing a catecholamine compound of 100% by weight. 5.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the catecholamine compound includes one or more selected from dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, or a polymer thereof. 6.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the catecholamine compound includes polydopamine.

7. The electrode of claim 6, wherein, the polydopamine includes a repeating unit selected from one or more of Chemical Formulas 1, 2, 3, and 4: Chemical Formula 1 Chemical Formula 2 Chemical Formula 3 Chemical Formula 4 8.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the first binder is in a fibrillated state in the dry electrode film. 9.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the first binder includes polytetrafluoroethylene, a polyolefin, or a mixture thereof. 10.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the layer containing a catecholamine compound has a thickness in a range of about 0.1 nm to about 20 nm. 11.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the dry electrode film includes about 80% by weight to about 99.5% by weight of the active material and about 0.5% by weight to about 20% by weight of the first binder, based on a total weight of the dry electrode film of 100% by weight. 12.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the layer containing a catecholamine compound is a protective layer. 13.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the active material is a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material. 14.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the active material includes a carbon-based negative electrode active material. 15.The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is an electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery. 16.A rechargeable lithium battery including the electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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