Thermal insulation sheet for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery module including thermal insulation sheet

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery module including the same. A thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a first base layer, a first aerogel-containing layer, a second aerogel-containing layer, and a third aerogel-containing layer stacked together. The first aerogel-containing layer and the third aerogel-containing layer each include a fibrous support, an aerogel, and a binder, and the second aerogel-containing layer includes an aerogel and a binder.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0057494, filed on April 30, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to thermal insulation sheets for rechargeable lithium batteries and rechargeable lithium battery modules including thermal insulation sheets. Background Technology

[0004] With the increasing use of batteries in electronic devices (such as mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, etc.), the demand for rechargeable batteries with high energy density and high capacity (e.g., rechargeable lithium batteries) is gradually increasing. Therefore, improving the performance of rechargeable lithium batteries is beneficial.

[0005] Rechargeable lithium batteries typically include a positive electrode and a negative electrode (which contain active materials capable of inserting and deintercalating lithium ions), and generate electrical energy through oxidation and reduction reactions when lithium ions are inserted into and deintercalated from the positive and negative electrodes.

[0006] Multiple rechargeable lithium batteries may be included to form a rechargeable lithium battery module. In a rechargeable lithium battery module, it may be advantageous to impede or block heat propagation and / or heat transfer between adjacent battery cells in the event of thermal runaway and / or ignition. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One example implementation includes a thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery, the thermal insulation sheet having desired or improved thermal insulation and compression properties.

[0008] Another example implementation includes a rechargeable lithium battery module that includes a thermal insulation sheet for the rechargeable lithium battery.

[0009] According to one example embodiment, a thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery includes stacked (e.g., sequentially stacked) first base layer, first aerogel layer, second aerogel layer, and third aerogel layer. The first and third aerogel layers each include a fiber support, aerogel, and a binder, and the second aerogel layer includes aerogel and a binder.

[0010] According to another example implementation, a rechargeable lithium battery module includes a plurality of battery cells facing each other, and a thermal insulation sheet for the rechargeable lithium battery between the plurality of battery cells. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery according to another example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a rechargeable lithium battery module according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a rechargeable lithium battery module according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to an example embodiment is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0016] Figure 6 A view illustrating a battery pack according to an example implementation.

[0017] Figure 7 A view illustrating a battery pack according to an example implementation.

[0018] Figure 8 Views illustrating a vehicle body and body components according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 Views illustrating a vehicle body and body components according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail. However, these embodiments are presented as examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0021] Unless otherwise stated herein, when a component (such as a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc.) is described as being disposed "on" another component, it includes not only cases where the component is "directly on" another component, but also cases where other components are present in between.

[0022] Unless otherwise stated herein, the singular may also include the plural. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, “A or B” may indicate “including A, including B, or including both A and B”.

[0023] In this specification, "combinations thereof" may refer to mixtures, stacks, complexes, copolymers, alloys, blends, and reaction products of the components.

[0024] When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in conjunction with numerical values ​​in this specification, the relevant numerical values ​​are expected to include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated value. When a range is specified, the range includes all values ​​increasing in increments such as 0.1%.

[0025] Thermal insulation sheet (also known as thermal insulation pad) for rechargeable lithium batteries

[0026] A thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery according to an example embodiment includes stacked (e.g., sequentially stacked) first base layer, first aerogel layer, second aerogel layer, and third aerogel layer. The first and third aerogel layers each include a fiber support, aerogel, and a binder, and the second aerogel layer includes aerogel and a binder.

[0027] According to one example embodiment, the thermal insulation sheet may further include a second base layer stacked on a third aerogel layer.

[0028] By comprising a stack of a first aerogel layer, a second aerogel layer, and a third aerogel layer stacked together (e.g., stacked together in the order described), the thermal insulation sheet can exhibit desired or improved compressive properties and desired or improved thermal insulation.

[0029] In this document, "desired or improved compression characteristics" indicates, for example, a compression ratio of about 20% or greater, such as 25% or greater, 50% or greater, or in the range of 50% to 70%, as measured in the experimental examples below. Desired or improved compression characteristics increase battery stability by absorbing the pressure of adjacent battery cells during the cell degradation and expansion process.

[0030] The following describes in detail a thermal insulation sheet according to an example embodiment.

[0031] First Basic Layer

[0032] The first base layer can support the first aerogel layer, the second aerogel layer and the third aerogel layer of the thermal insulation sheet.

[0033] The first base layer may be or include at least one of the following: a membrane, a thin film, and a sheet formed from or including the following: a resin, a metallic inorganic material, an inorganic material other than a metallic inorganic material, and a composite thereof.

[0034] The resin may include, for example, one or more of the following: polyolefin resins (such as polyethylene or polypropylene); polystyrene resins; polyester resins (such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate); polyamide resins; and polyimide resins.

[0035] Metallic inorganic materials may include, for example, one or more of copper, nickel, cobalt, iron, chromium, vanadium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, molybdenum, tungsten, iridium, silver, gold, and platinum. Depending on need or preference, metallic inorganic materials may undergo anti-corrosion treatment, insulation treatment, etc.

[0036] Inorganic materials other than metallic inorganic materials may include one or more of calcium carbonate, talc, and mica.

[0037] According to one example implementation, the thermal insulation sheet may include an inorganic material other than a metallic inorganic material as a first base layer; for example, the first base layer may include a mica sheet. The mica sheet can improve the thermal insulation properties and durability of the thermal insulation sheet.

[0038] The first base layer may have a thickness in the range of 0.01 mm to 5.0 mm, for example, 0.1 mm to 3 mm, 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or 0.3 mm to 1 mm. Within the above range, the first base layer may be included in the thermal insulation sheet.

[0039] A stack of a first aerogel layer, a second aerogel layer, and a third aerogel layer

[0040] By including a stack on a first base layer, a thermal insulation sheet can exhibit desired or improved compressive properties and thermal insulation. For example, when multiple aerogel layers are stacked on a first base layer, a first aerogel layer, a second aerogel layer, and a third aerogel layer can be stacked (e.g., sequentially) on the first base layer, with the first and third aerogel layers, including a fiber support, aerogel, and a binder, located at the outermost portion of the stack, and a second aerogel layer, including aerogel and a binder but without a fiber support, located in the core of the stack. As a result, the thermal insulation and compressive properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved.

[0041] According to one example implementation, the stack may be a three-layer stack comprising a first aerogel layer, a second aerogel layer, and a third aerogel layer.

[0042] According to one example embodiment, based on the total weight of the stack, the fiber support of the stack can be included in an amount ranging from about 10 wt% to about 80 wt%, for example, from about 20 wt% to about 70 wt%. Within this range, compression properties and thermal insulation properties can be easily improved. In this document, the content of "fiber support" refers to the total content of fiber support included in the first aerogel layer, the second aerogel layer, and the third aerogel layer.

[0043] First aerogel layer

[0044] The first aerogel layer may be or include a separate layer independent of the first base layer. In this document, "a separate layer independent of the first base layer" means that the first aerogel layer is not formed in the first base layer by means of impregnation or the like, but rather that the first base layer and the first aerogel layer are formed as substantially completely separate and discontinuous layers.

[0045] The first aerogel-containing layer includes a fiber support, aerogel, and a binder.

[0046] The fiber support can help support the first aerogel layer and improve the compressibility of the thermal insulation sheet.

[0047] The fiber support may be or include wool felt or chopped strand felt.

[0048] The fibers constituting the fiber support may include one or more of natural fibers, glass fibers (e.g., glass wool), carbon fibers, graphite fibers, mineral fibers, and polymer fibers. For example, the compressive properties of the fiber support can be further improved by using glass fibers.

[0049] Natural fibers may be or include fibers made from or including the following: hemp, jute, flax, coconut fiber, kenaf, and cellulose, or one or more of these. Mineral fibers may be or include fibers made from or including the following: basalt, wollastonite, alumina, silica, slag, and rock, or one or more of these. Polymer fibers may be or include fibers made from or including the following: nylon; polyimide; polyamide; polybenzimidazole; polybenzoxazole; polyamide-imide; polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate) and polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), or one or more of these.

[0050] For example, the fiber support may be or include glass wool.

[0051] The fibers in the fiber support may have an aspect ratio in the range of about 1 to about 5000, for example, 300 to 5000 or 2.5 to 2500. Within these ranges, a first aerogel layer can be firmly formed, and the durability of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved. In this document, "aspect ratio" refers to the ratio of the length of the fiber to the diameter of the fiber in the fiber support.

[0052] The fibers in the fiber support may have a length ranging from about 50 μm to about 20,000 μm, for example, from 100 μm to 5,000 μm or from 3,000 μm to 50,000 μm. Within this range, a first aerogel layer can be firmly formed, and the durability of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved. In this document, when the fiber cross-section is circular, "diameter" may refer to the diameter of the cross-section, and when the cross-section is not circular, "diameter" may refer to the longest diameter of the cross-section.

[0053] The amount of fiber support that may be included is in the range of about 5 wt% to about 70 wt% of the first aerogel-containing layer. For example, the amount of fiber support that may be included is in the range of 25 wt% to 60 wt%, 10 wt% to 50 wt%, or 30 wt% to 50 wt% of the first aerogel-containing layer. Within the above ranges, the flexibility and durability of the thermal insulation sheet can be easily improved.

[0054] Aerogel can provide thermal insulation for the first aerogel-containing layer.

[0055] According to one example embodiment, the aerogel may have a density of approximately 500m. 2 / g~approximately 1000m 2 Specific surface area in the range of / g. For example, the specific surface area can be 500m². 2 / g~950m 2 / g、550m 2 / g~950m 2 / g or 600m 2 / g~900m 2 Within the range of / g, heat transfer and thermal propagation between multiple battery cells can be easily reduced or prevented. In this paper, "specific surface area" can refer to the specific surface area based on Brunol-Emmett-Taylor (BET) specific surface area analysis, i.e., BET specific surface area.

[0056] According to one example embodiment, the aerogel may have an average particle size in the range of about 5 μm to about 200 μm. For example, the aerogel may have an average particle size in the range of about 10 μm to about 100 μm or about 20 μm to about 50 μm. Within these ranges, heat transfer between multiple battery cells can be easily delayed by improving the thermal insulation properties of the thermal insulation sheet. In this document, "average particle size" refers to the average particle size D. 50 It refers to the diameter of particles that constitute 50% of the total volume in the particle size distribution. Average particle size D 50 The particle size distribution can be measured using methods known to those skilled in the art, such as using a particle size analyzer or using transmission electron microscopy or scanning electron microscopy. Alternatively, a measuring device can be used to measure the particle size distribution using dynamic light scattering, and the number of particles within each particle size range can be counted by performing data analysis, from which D can be calculated. 50 Value, to obtain the average particle size D 50Value. Optionally, laser diffraction can be used to measure particle size distribution. When measuring average particle size by laser diffraction, for example, the average particle size D based on 50% of the particle size distribution in the measuring device can be calculated by dispersing the particles to be measured in a dispersion medium, then introducing the dispersion medium into a commercially available laser diffraction particle size measurement device (e.g., Microtrac MT 3000), and radiating ultrasound at approximately 28 kHz with an output power of 60 W. 50 .

[0057] The amount of aerogel that may be included is in the range of about 10 wt% to about 90 wt% of the first aerogel-containing layer. For example, the amount of aerogel that may be included is in the range of 30 wt% to 70 wt%, 40 wt% to 80 wt%, or 40 wt% to 60 wt% of the first aerogel-containing layer. Within the above ranges, the thermal insulation properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved.

[0058] Adhesives can easily improve the dust resistance of thermal insulation sheets.

[0059] According to one example embodiment, the adhesive may be or include an aqueous adhesive. Aqueous adhesives have high solubility in water, among the solvents described below, thus facilitating the formation of the first aerogel layer.

[0060] According to one example embodiment, the waterborne adhesive may include one or more of cationic water-soluble polymers, anionic water-soluble polymers, and nonionic water-soluble polymers.

[0061] Cationic water-soluble polymers may be or include polymers having functional groups (such as at least one of amino, ammonium, phosphonium, thiophonium, and their salts), for example, polymers having amino groups. For example, cationic water-soluble polymers may include one or more of polyethyleneamine and polyamine.

[0062] Anionic water-soluble polymers may be or include polymers having functional groups (such as at least one of carboxylic acid groups, sulfonic acid groups, ester groups, phosphate ester groups, and their salts), for example, polymers having carboxylic acid groups. For example, anionic water-soluble polymers may be polymaleic acid.

[0063] Nonionic water-soluble polymers may include one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyurethane, and polyester. Nonionic water-soluble polymers may be or include water-dispersible polymers or water-based polymers.

[0064] According to one example embodiment, the binder may include one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, as well as a mixture of one or more of polyurethane and polyester. In this case, dispersion properties may be provided by one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, and fire-resistant properties may be provided by one or more of polyurethane and polyester.

[0065] For example, one or more of polyvinyl alcohol and polyurethane may be included as a binder.

[0066] According to one example embodiment, one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone are in a weight ratio of one or more of polyurethane and polyester to about 1:1 to about 1:5, for example, 1:1 to 1:4 or 1:2 to 1:3. Within these ranges, the thermal insulation, dustproofing, fire resistance, and mechanical properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved.

[0067] The amount of adhesive that may be included is in the range of about 0.3 wt% to about 25 wt% of the first aerogel-containing layer. Within this range, the effects of the above-mentioned thermal insulation sheet can be easily achieved. For example, the amount of adhesive that may be included is in the range of about 0.5 wt% to about 20 wt%, 2 wt% to 15 wt%, or 8 wt% to 15 wt% of the first aerogel-containing layer. Within this range, the dustproof properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be easily improved.

[0068] According to one example embodiment, the total amount of fiber support, aerogel and binder may be about 95 wt% or more of the first aerogel-containing layer, for example, it may be 95 wt% to 100 wt%, 99 wt% to 100 wt% or 100 wt% of the first aerogel-containing layer.

[0069] The first aerogel layer may further include one or more of a dispersant and a silane compound.

[0070] The dispersant can improve the dispersion of aerogel in the composition used for the first aerogel layer, thereby ensuring the manufacture of a first aerogel layer in which the fiber support and aerogel are substantially uniformly dispersed.

[0071] Dispersants may include one or more of surfactants and phosphate salts. Surfactants may include one or more of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. Surfactants may include one or more of natural surfactants (such as lecithin) and nonnatural surfactants (such as chemicals). Phosphate salts may be or include phosphate salts.

[0072] The amount of the dispersant that may be included is in the range of about 0.1 wt% to about 6 wt% of the first aerogel layer. For example, the amount of the dispersant that may be included is in the range of 0.1 wt% to 5 wt% or 0.1 wt% to 3 wt% of the first aerogel layer. Within the above range, the composition for the first aerogel layer can be manufactured at low cost and a thermally insulating sheet with further improved thermal insulation, durability and dust resistance can be provided.

[0073] According to one example embodiment, the weight ratio of the binder and dispersant may be from about 1:0.001 to about 1:0.7, for example, 1:0.001 to 1:0.67, 1:0.001 to 1:0.5, or 1:0.001 to 1:0.3. Within these ranges, when both the binder and dispersant are included, a first aerogel-containing layer in which the aerogel is further uniformly dispersed can be produced.

[0074] Silane compounds can improve the dispersibility of aerogel in the first aerogel layer.

[0075] According to one example embodiment, silane compounds may include one or more of the following: alkyltrialkoxysilanes (such as methyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, ethyltriethoxysilane, or octadecyltrimethoxysilane), epoxytrialkoxysilanes (such as glycidyltrioxymethylsilane), and unsaturated trialkoxysilanes (such as propyl 3-(trimethoxysilyl)methacrylate).

[0076] The first aerogel layer may further include typical additives known to those skilled in the art. These additives include one or more of the following: wetting agents, emulsifiers, compatibilizers, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters, stabilizers, antioxidants, acid or basic trapping agents, metal deactivators, defoamers, antistatic agents, tackifiers, adhesion promoters, binders, flame retardants, impact modifiers, pigments, dyes, colorants, and deodorants.

[0077] According to one example embodiment, the first aerogel-containing layer may have a thickness in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, for example, 0.1 mm to 5 mm, 0.3 mm to 1 mm, or 0.1 mm to 1 mm. Within the above range, the first aerogel-containing layer may be included in a thermal insulation sheet.

[0078] The first aerogel layer can be formed using a composition comprising a fiber support, an aerogel, and a binder. The composition for the first aerogel layer may further comprise one or more of a dispersant, a silane compound, and an additive.

[0079] In one example embodiment, based on the solids content, the composition for the first aerogel-containing layer may include a fiber support in an amount ranging from about 5 wt% to about 70 wt%, for example, 25 wt% to 60 wt%, 10 wt% to 50 wt%, or 30 wt% to 50%; an aerogel in an amount ranging from about 10 wt% to about 90 wt%, for example, 30 wt% to 70 wt%, 40 wt% to 80 wt%, or 40 wt% to 60 wt%; and an adhesive in an amount ranging from about 0.3 wt% to about 25 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 20 wt%, 2 wt% to 15 wt%, or 8 wt% to 15 wt%.

[0080] The following describes in detail an example method for manufacturing the first aerogel layer.

[0081] Second aerogel layer

[0082] The second aerogel layer comprises an aerogel and a binder. The second aerogel layer is substantially the same as the first aerogel layer, except that the second aerogel layer substantially does not include a fiber support.

[0083] According to one example embodiment, the content of the fiber support in the second aerogel layer may be about 0 wt%. In this document, "fiber support" is substantially the same as that described in the first aerogel layer.

[0084] Aerogel can provide thermal insulation for a second aerogel-containing layer.

[0085] According to one example embodiment, the aerogel may have a density of approximately 500m. 2 / g~approximately 1000m 2 Specific surface area in the range of / g. For example, the specific surface area can be 500m². 2 / g~950m 2 / g、550m 2 / g~950m 2 / g or 600m 2 / g~900m 2 Within the range of / g, heat transfer and heat propagation between multiple battery cells can be easily reduced or prevented.

[0086] According to one example embodiment, the aerogel may have an average particle size in the range of about 5 μm to about 200 μm. For example, the aerogel may have an average particle size in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm or 20 μm to 50 μm. Within these ranges, heat transfer between multiple battery cells can be easily delayed by improving the thermal insulation properties of the thermal insulation sheet.

[0087] According to one example embodiment, the total amount of aerogel and binder may be about 95 wt% or more of the second aerogel-containing layer, for example, it may be 95 wt% to 100 wt%, 99 wt% to 100 wt% or 100 wt% of the second aerogel-containing layer.

[0088] The aerogel content in the second aerogel layer can be greater than that in the first or third aerogel layer. Therefore, the thermal insulation sheet can easily exhibit the desired or improved thermal insulation properties.

[0089] According to one example embodiment, the amount of aerogel that may be included is in the range of about 50 wt% to about 99 wt% of the second aerogel-containing layer. For example, the amount of aerogel that may be included is in the range of 60 wt% to 99 wt% or 60 wt% to 90 wt% of the second aerogel-containing layer. Within these ranges, the thermal insulation properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved.

[0090] Adhesives can easily improve the dust resistance of thermal insulation sheets.

[0091] According to one example embodiment, the adhesive may be or include an aqueous adhesive. Aqueous adhesives have high solubility in water, among the solvents described below, thus facilitating the formation of a second aerogel layer.

[0092] According to one example embodiment, the aqueous binder may include one or more of a cationic water-soluble polymer, anionic water-soluble polymer, and nonionic water-soluble polymer. The cationic water-soluble polymer, anionic water-soluble polymer, and nonionic water-soluble polymer are substantially the same as those described for the first aerogel layer.

[0093] According to one example implementation, the water-based adhesive may be or include polyvinyl alcohol.

[0094] According to one example embodiment, the water-based binder may include one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, as well as a mixture of one or more of polyurethane and polyester. For example, dispersion properties may be provided by one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, and fire-resistant properties may be provided by one or more of polyurethane and polyester. For example, a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and polyurethane may be included.

[0095] According to one example embodiment, one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone are in a weight ratio of one or more of polyurethane and polyester to about 1:1 to about 1:5, for example, 1:1 to 1:4 or 1:2 to 1:3. Within these ranges, the thermal insulation, dustproofing, fire resistance, and mechanical properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved.

[0096] The amount of adhesive that may be included is in the range of about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% of the second aerogel-containing layer. For example, the amount of adhesive that may be included is in the range of 1 wt% to 40 wt%, 10 wt% to 40 wt%, or 10 wt% to 30 wt% of the second aerogel-containing layer. Within the above ranges, the dustproof properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be easily improved.

[0097] The second aerogel layer may further include one or more of a dispersant and a silane compound.

[0098] The dispersant improves the dispersion of aerogel in the composition used for the second aerogel layer, thereby ensuring the manufacture of a second aerogel layer in which the aerogel is uniformly dispersed. The specific type of dispersant is substantially the same as that described for the first aerogel layer.

[0099] The amount of the dispersant that may be included is in the range of about 0.1 wt% to about 6 wt% of the second aerogel layer. For example, the amount of the dispersant that may be included is in the range of 0.1 wt% to 5 wt% or 0.1 wt% to 3 wt% of the second aerogel layer. Within the above range, compositions for the second aerogel layer can be manufactured at low cost and provide thermally insulating sheets with further improved thermal insulation, durability, and dust resistance.

[0100] According to one example embodiment, the weight ratio of binder and dispersant may be from about 1:0.001 to about 1:0.7, for example, 1:0.001 to 1:0.67, 1:0.001 to 1:0.5, or 1:0.001 to 1:0.3. Within the above range, when both binder and dispersant are included, a second aerogel-containing layer in which the aerogel is further uniformly dispersed can be manufactured.

[0101] Silane compounds can improve the dispersibility of aerogel in the second aerogel layer. The specific types of silane compounds are basically the same as those described above.

[0102] The second aerogel layer may further include typical additives known to those skilled in the art. The specific types of additives are substantially the same as those described for the first aerogel layer.

[0103] According to one example implementation, the thickness of the second aerogel layer may be greater than the thickness of each of the first and third aerogel layers. In this case, the effects described above for the thermal insulation sheet can be easily achieved.

[0104] According to one example embodiment, the second aerogel-containing layer may have a thickness in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, for example, 0.1 mm to 5 mm or 1 mm to 3 mm. Within these ranges, the second aerogel-containing layer may be included in a thermal insulation sheet.

[0105] The second aerogel-containing layer can be formed using a composition comprising an aerogel and a binder. The composition for the second aerogel-containing layer may further comprise one or more of a dispersant, a silane compound, and an additive.

[0106] In one example embodiment, based on the solids content, the composition for the second aerogel-containing layer may include an aerogel in an amount ranging from about 50 wt% to about 99 wt%, for example, 60 wt% to 99 wt% or 60 wt% to 90 wt%, and an adhesive in an amount ranging from about 1 wt% to about 50 wt%, for example, 1 wt% to 40 wt% or 10 wt% to 30 wt%. Within these ranges, the dustproof properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be easily improved.

[0107] The method for manufacturing the second aerogel layer is described in detail below.

[0108] Third aerogel layer

[0109] The third aerogel-containing layer includes a fiber support, aerogel, and a binder.

[0110] The fiber support can easily support the third aerogel layer and improve the compressibility of the thermal insulation sheet.

[0111] For example, the fiber support may be or include wool felt or chopped strand felt.

[0112] The fibers constituting the fiber support may include one or more of natural fibers, glass fibers (e.g., glass wool), carbon fibers, graphite fibers, mineral fibers, and polymer fibers. For example, the compressive properties of the fiber support can be further improved by using glass fibers.

[0113] Natural fibers may be or include fibers made from or including the following: hemp, jute, flax, coconut fiber, kenaf, and cellulose, or one or more of these. Mineral fibers may be or include fibers made from or including the following: basalt, wollastonite, alumina, silica, slag, and rock, or one or more of these. Polymer fibers may be or include fibers made from or including the following: nylon; polyimide; polyamide; polybenzimidazole; polybenzoxazole; polyamide-imide; polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate) and polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), or one or more of these.

[0114] For example, the fiber support may be or include glass wool.

[0115] The fibers in the fiber support may have an aspect ratio in the range of about 1 to about 5000, for example, 300 to 5000 or 2.5 to 2500. Within these ranges, a third aerogel layer can be firmly formed, and the durability of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved.

[0116] The fibers in the fiber support can have a length in the range of about 50 μm to about 20,000 μm, for example, 100 μm to 5,000 μm or 3,000 μm to 50,000 μm. Within this range, a third aerogel layer can be firmly formed, and the durability of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved.

[0117] The fibers in the fiber support can have diameters ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 20 μm, for example, 0.1 μm to 15 μm, 0.1 μm to 5 μm, 1 μm to 15 μm, or 3 μm to 10 μm. Within these ranges, a third aerogel layer can be firmly formed, and the durability of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved. In this document, when the fiber cross-section is circular, "diameter" can refer to the diameter of the cross-section, and when the cross-section is not circular, "diameter" can refer to the longest diameter of the cross-section.

[0118] The amount of fiber support that may be included is in the range of about 5 wt% to about 70 wt% of the third aerogel-containing layer. For example, the amount of fiber support that may be included is in the range of 25 wt% to 60 wt% or 30 wt% to 50 wt% of the third aerogel-containing layer. Within these ranges, the flexibility and durability of the thermal insulation sheet can be easily improved.

[0119] Aerogel can provide thermal insulation for the third aerogel-containing layer.

[0120] According to one example embodiment, the aerogel may have a density of approximately 500m. 2 / g~approximately 1000m 2 Specific surface area in the range of / g. For example, the specific surface area can be 500m².2 / g~950m 2 / g、550m 2 / g~950m 2 / g or 600m 2 / g~900m 2 Within the range of / g, heat transfer and heat propagation between multiple battery cells can be easily reduced or prevented.

[0121] According to one example embodiment, the aerogel may have an average particle size in the range of about 5 μm to about 200 μm. For example, the aerogel may have an average particle size in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm or 20 μm to 50 μm. Within these ranges, heat transfer between multiple battery cells can be easily delayed by improving the thermal insulation properties of the thermal insulation sheet.

[0122] The amount of aerogel that may be included is in the range of about 10 wt% to about 90 wt% of the third aerogel-containing layer. For example, the amount of aerogel that may be included is in the range of 30 wt% to 70 wt% or 40 wt% to 60 wt% of the third aerogel-containing layer. Within the above ranges, the thermal insulation properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved.

[0123] Adhesives can easily improve the dust resistance of thermal insulation sheets.

[0124] According to one example embodiment, the adhesive may be or include an aqueous adhesive. Aqueous adhesives have high solubility in water, among the solvents described below, thus facilitating the formation of a third aerogel layer.

[0125] According to one example embodiment, the waterborne adhesive may include one or more of cationic water-soluble polymers, anionic water-soluble polymers, and nonionic water-soluble polymers.

[0126] Cationic water-soluble polymers may be or include polymers having functional groups (such as at least one of amino, ammonium, phosphonium, thiophonium, and their salts), for example, polymers having amino groups. For example, cationic water-soluble polymers may include one or more of polyethyleneamine and polyamine.

[0127] Anionic water-soluble polymers may be or include polymers having functional groups (such as at least one of carboxylic acid groups, sulfonic acid groups, ester groups, phosphate ester groups, and their salts), for example, polymers having carboxylic acid groups. For example, anionic water-soluble polymers may be polymaleic acid.

[0128] Nonionic water-soluble polymers may include one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyurethane, and polyester. Nonionic water-soluble polymers may be or include water-dispersible polymers or water-based polymers.

[0129] According to one example embodiment, the binder may include one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, as well as a mixture of one or more of polyurethane and polyester. In this case, dispersion properties may be provided by one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, and fire-resistant properties may be provided by one or more of polyurethane and polyester.

[0130] For example, one or more of polyvinyl alcohol and polyurethane may be included as a binder.

[0131] According to one example embodiment, one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone are in a weight ratio of one or more of polyurethane and polyester to about 1:1 to about 1:5, for example, 1:1 to 1:4 or 1:2 to 1:3. Within these ranges, the thermal insulation, dustproofing, fire resistance, and mechanical properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be improved.

[0132] The amount of adhesive that may be included is in the range of about 0.3 wt% to about 25 wt% of the third aerogel layer. For example, the amount of adhesive that may be included is in the range of 0.5 wt% to 20 wt%, 2 wt% to 15 wt%, or 8 wt% to 15 wt% of the third aerogel layer. Within the above ranges, the dustproof properties of the thermal insulation sheet can be easily improved.

[0133] According to one example embodiment, the total amount of fiber support, aerogel and binder may be about 95 wt% or more of the third aerogel-containing layer, for example, it may be 95 wt% to 100 wt%, 99 wt% to 100 wt% or 100 wt% of the third aerogel-containing layer.

[0134] The third aerogel layer may further include one or more of a dispersant, a silane compound, and an additive. The dispersant, silane compound, and additive may each be substantially the same as those described for the first aerogel layer.

[0135] According to one example embodiment, the third aerogel layer may have a thickness in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, for example, 0.1 mm to 5 mm or 0.1 mm to 1 mm. Within the above range, the third aerogel layer may be included in a thermal insulation sheet.

[0136] The third aerogel layer can be formed using a composition comprising a fiber support, an aerogel, and a binder. The composition for the third aerogel layer may further comprise one or more of a dispersant, a silane compound, and an additive.

[0137] In one example embodiment, based on solids content, the composition for the third aerogel layer may include a fiber support in an amount ranging from about 5 wt% to about 70 wt%, for example, 25 wt% to 60 wt% or 30 wt% to 50%; an aerogel in an amount ranging from about 10 wt% to about 90 wt%, for example, 30 wt% to 70 wt% or 40 wt% to 60 wt%; and an adhesive in an amount ranging from about 0.3 wt% to about 25 wt%, for example, about 0.5 wt% to about 20 wt%, 2 wt% to 15 wt%, or 8 wt% to 15 wt%.

[0138] The method for forming the third aerogel layer is described in detail below.

[0139] Second Basic Layer

[0140] The second base layer can support the first aerogel layer, the second aerogel layer and the third aerogel layer of the thermal insulation sheet.

[0141] The second base layer may be stacked on the third aerogel layer. The third aerogel layer may be or include a separate layer independent of the second base layer. In this document, "a separate layer independent of the second base layer" means that the third aerogel layer is not formed in the second base layer by means of impregnation or the like, but rather that the second base layer and the third aerogel layer are formed as substantially completely separate and discontinuous layers.

[0142] The second base layer may be formed of or include at least one of membranes, thin films, and sheets, wherein at least one of the membranes, thin films, and sheets is formed of or includes at least one of resins, metallic inorganic materials, inorganic materials other than metallic inorganic materials, and composites thereof. The resins, metallic inorganic materials, and inorganic materials other than metallic inorganic materials are substantially the same as those in the first base layer.

[0143] According to one example implementation, the thermal insulation sheet may include an inorganic material other than a metallic inorganic material as a second base layer, for example, including a mica sheet as the second base layer. The mica sheet can improve the thermal insulation properties and durability of the thermal insulation sheet.

[0144] The second base layer may have a thickness in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm, for example, 0.3 mm to 5 mm or 0.5 mm to 3 mm. Within the above range, the second base layer may be included in the thermal insulation sheet.

[0145] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery according to an example embodiment.

[0146] refer to Figure 1 The thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery may include a first base layer 110A, and a first aerogel layer 120A, a second aerogel layer 120B, and a third aerogel layer 120C stacked on the first base layer 110A (e.g., stacked sequentially).

[0147] refer to Figure 2 The thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery may include a first base layer 110A, a second base layer 110B formed facing the first base layer 110A, and a first aerogel layer 120A, a second aerogel layer 120B, and a third aerogel layer 120C stacked (e.g., stacked sequentially) on the first base layer 110A between the first base layer 110A and the second base layer 110B.

[0148] The following describes a method for manufacturing a thermally insulating sheet according to an example embodiment.

[0149] A method for manufacturing a thermal insulation sheet may include preparing a composition for a first aerogel layer comprising a fiber support, an aerogel, and a binder, and a composition for a third aerogel layer; preparing a composition for a second aerogel layer comprising an aerogel and a binder; forming a first aerogel layer on a first base layer using the composition for the first aerogel layer; forming a second aerogel layer on the first aerogel layer using the composition for the second aerogel layer; and forming a third aerogel layer on the second aerogel layer using the composition for the third aerogel layer.

[0150] One or more of the compositions for the first aerogel-containing layer and the compositions for the third aerogel-containing layer include a fiber support, an aerogel, and a binder. The fiber support, aerogel, and binder are the same as those described above.

[0151] The compositions for the first aerogel layer and the compositions for the third aerogel layer may further include one or more of the above-mentioned dispersants, silane compounds, and additives.

[0152] The compositions for the first aerogel layer, the second aerogel layer, and the third aerogel layer may further include a solvent.

[0153] Solvents may include one or more of polar solvents and non-polar solvents.

[0154] Polar solvents may include water, alcohol solvents, or combinations thereof. Water may include, for example, at least one of purified water, ultrapure water, and combinations thereof. Alcohol solvents may include, for example, one or more of methanol, ethanol, propanol, pentanol, butanol, hexanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and glycerol.

[0155] Nonpolar solvents may include hydrocarbon solvents. For example, hydrocarbon solvents may include one or more of aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents (such as alkane solvents (e.g., hexane, pentane, and heptane)) and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents (such as toluene and benzene).

[0156] For example, the solvent may include water. Including water as a solvent can effectively reduce raw material costs and post-processing costs.

[0157] A solvent may be included so that the weight ratio of the solvent to the total solids content of the composition for the first aerogel layer or the composition for the third aerogel layer is in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:90. For example, the weight ratio of the solvent to the total solids content of the composition for the first aerogel layer or the composition for the third aerogel layer may be in the range of about 1:1 to about 10:1, 1.5:1 to 5:1, or 2:1 to 4:1. Within the above ranges, the composition for the first aerogel layer or the composition for the third aerogel layer can be coated by controlling the viscosity of the composition for the first aerogel layer or the composition for the third aerogel layer. The composition for the first aerogel layer and the composition for the third aerogel layer can be prepared using a fiber support, aerogel, and binder.

[0158] According to one example embodiment, the preparation of the composition for the first aerogel layer and the composition for the third aerogel layer may include preparing a first mixed solution by mixing an adhesive and a solvent, preparing a second mixed solution by mixing the aerogel with the first mixed solution, and preparing the composition for the first aerogel layer and the composition for the third aerogel layer by mixing a fiber support with the second mixed solution. When preparing the first mixed solution, a dispersant, silane compound additive, etc., may be additionally mixed.

[0159] A mixer may be used when mixing in each of the preparation of the first mixed solution, the preparation of the second mixed solution, and the preparation of the composition for the first aerogel layer and the composition for the third aerogel layer. Examples of mixers may include planetary mixers, thinky mixers, etc.

[0160] A planetary mixer may include one or more types of planetary blades and one or more types of high-speed dispersing blades. The planetary blades and high-speed dispersing blades rotate continuously about their axes. The rotational speed can be expressed as revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0161] According to one example embodiment, the planetary mixer may include a first blade and a second blade with different axes of rotation. For example, the first blade may be a low-speed blade, and the second blade may be a high-speed blade. Hereinafter, low speed and high speed are relative rotational speeds. For example, the first blade may be an open blade, and the second blade may be a despair blade. The rotational speed of the first blade may be in the range, for example, about 10 rpm to about 100 rpm or 10 rpm to 60 rpm. The rotational speed of the second blade may be in the range of about 100 rpm to about 2000 rpm.

[0162] The above-described mixer can also be used to prepare compositions for the second aerogel layer.

[0163] The first, second, and third aerogel layers can be manufactured by applying and drying the compositions for the first, second, and third aerogel layers, respectively. Drying can be performed at temperatures ranging from about 25°C to about 100°C, 45°C to 90°C, or 60°C to 85°C. Within these ranges, the first, second, and third aerogel layers can be formed with desired or improved mechanical strength without the use of separate adhesive components or adhesives, while reducing or preventing peeling between the first base layer and the first aerogel layer, between the first and second aerogel layers, and between the second and third aerogel layers.

[0164] According to one example implementation, a second base layer may be additionally stacked on the composition applied for the third aerogel layer prior to drying.

[0165] Rechargeable lithium battery module

[0166] Another example implementation includes a rechargeable lithium battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells facing each other, and a thermal insulation sheet for the rechargeable lithium battery between the plurality of battery cells.

[0167] Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are perspective views and exploded perspective views of a rechargeable lithium battery module according to an example embodiment.

[0168] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 A rechargeable lithium battery module may include a plurality of battery cells 100 facing each other and a thermal insulation sheet 200 between the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0169] The thermal insulating sheet 200 for a rechargeable lithium battery has a plate shape. One surface of the thermal insulating sheet 200 can contact one surface of a battery cell 100, and the other surface of the thermal insulating sheet 200 opposite to one surface of the thermal insulating sheet 200 can contact one surface of another battery cell 100.

[0170] The battery cell 100 may include a housing 50 configured to house an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode (see [reference]). Figure 5 ), a cover plate 60 connected to the housing 50 to seal the housing 50, and positive electrode terminals 12 and negative electrode terminals 22 electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly and protruding to the outside of the cover plate 60.

[0171] The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a layer of positive electrode active material on the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or conductive additives.

[0172] The content of positive electrode active material can be in the range of about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% relative to 100 wt% of positive electrode active material layer, and the content of binder and conductive additive can each be in the range of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% relative to 100 wt% of positive electrode active material layer.

[0173] Al foil may be used as the positive electrode current collector, but the positive electrode current collector is not limited to this.

[0174] As a positive electrode active material, it may include compounds capable of reversibly inserting and de-intercalating lithium (lithiation-intercalated compounds). For example, it may include one or more composite oxides of lithium and metals (such as or including at least one of cobalt, manganese, nickel and combinations thereof).

[0175] The composite oxide may be or include lithium transition metal composite oxides. Examples of composite oxides may include at least one of lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free nickel manganese oxides, and combinations thereof.

[0176] As an example, compounds represented by any of the following chemical formulas can constitute complex oxides. Li 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 1 d 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).

[0177] In the above chemical formulas, A is or includes at least one of Ni, Co, Mn, and combinations thereof; X is or includes at least one of Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof; D is or includes at least one of O, F, S, P, and combinations thereof; G is or includes at least one of Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, and combinations thereof; and L 1 It may include at least one of Mn, Al, and combinations thereof.

[0178] The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer on the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material, and may further include a binder and / or a conductive additive.

[0179] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may include from about 90 wt% to about 99.5 wt% of a negative electrode active material, from about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of a binder, and from about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of a conductive additive.

[0180] The negative electrode active material includes at least one of a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, a lithium metal alloy, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, and a transition metal oxide.

[0181] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions is or includes a carbon-based negative electrode active material, and may include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite (such as natural graphite or artificial graphite), and examples of amorphous carbon may include at least one of soft carbon, hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, and calcined coke.

[0182] The material capable of doping and dedoping lithium may include a Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material. The Si-based negative electrode active material may be or include silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x ≤ 2), a Si-based alloy, and a combination thereof.

[0183] The silicon-carbon composite may be or include a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to an exemplary embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may have a form including silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0184] The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include: a core including crystalline carbon and silicon particles, and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0185] The binder may include a non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof. When an aqueous binder is included as the binder in the negative electrode active material layer, a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity may be further included.

[0186] As the negative electrode current collector, at least one of a copper foil, a nickel foil, a stainless steel foil, a titanium foil, a nickel foam, a copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal, and a combination thereof may be included.

[0187] The electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0188] Non-aqueous organic solvents are configured such that ions participating in the electrochemical reactions of the battery can pass through the medium in which they move.

[0189] The non-aqueous organic solvent may be or include at least one of carbonate solvents, ester solvents, ether solvents, ketone solvents, alcohol solvents, aprotic solvents, and combinations thereof. It may include only any one of the above as a non-aqueous organic solvent, or it may be mixed and include two or more of the above as non-aqueous organic solvents.

[0190] For example, when carbonate solvents are included, cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates may be mixed and included.

[0191] Depending on the type of rechargeable lithium battery, a separator may be present between the positive and negative electrodes. It may include at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride separators, or two or more multilayer films thereof as the separator.

[0192] The diaphragm may include a porous substrate and a coating located on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate and may include an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof.

[0193] Organic materials may include polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0194] Inorganic materials may include inorganic particles, such as or including at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite, and combinations thereof, but are not limited thereto.

[0195] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed in a single coating, or can exist in the form of a coating comprising organic materials and a coating comprising inorganic materials stacked together.

[0196] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a battery cell 100 according to one embodiment is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0197] refer to Figure 5 The battery cell 100 may include: an electrode assembly 40 including a positive electrode 10, a negative electrode 20 and a separator 30 inserted between the positive electrode 10 and the negative electrode 20; a housing 50 for housing the electrode assembly 40; a positive electrode lead connector 11 connected to the positive electrode 10; a positive electrode terminal 12 connected to the positive electrode lead connector 11; a negative electrode lead connector 21 connected to the negative electrode 20; and a negative electrode terminal 22 connected to the negative electrode lead connector 21.

[0198] A rechargeable lithium battery module according to one example embodiment may be applicable to, for example, vehicles, mobile phones and / or various other forms of electronic devices, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0199] The rechargeable lithium battery module according to the above example embodiments may be included in the manufactured battery pack.

[0200] Figure 6 A view illustrating a battery pack according to an example implementation.

[0201] Figure 7 A view illustrating a battery pack according to an example implementation.

[0202] A battery pack 2000 according to an example embodiment includes a kit of multiple electrically connected independent rechargeable lithium battery modules and a packaging housing that houses the kit of multiple electrically connected independent rechargeable lithium battery modules. In the accompanying drawings, for ease of explanation, the description of components (such as buses, cooling units, external terminals, etc.) for the electrical connections of the rechargeable lithium battery modules has been omitted.

[0203] For example, battery pack 2000 may include multiple battery modules 1000 (e.g., including those referenced above). Figure 5 The description includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery module and a packaging housing 2100 for housing the battery module 1000. For example, the packaging housing 2100 may include a first packaging housing 2101 and a second packaging housing 2102 connected to each other in a direction facing each other, with multiple battery modules 1000 inserted therebetween. The multiple battery modules 1000 may be electrically connected to each other using a bus 2200, or the multiple battery modules 1000 may be electrically connected in series or in parallel, or by a combination of series and parallel connections, to obtain the required electrical output.

[0204] Figure 8 Views illustrating a vehicle body and body components according to an example embodiment.

[0205] Figure 9 Views illustrating a vehicle body and body components according to an example embodiment.

[0206] Based on the above reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The battery pack 2000 described in one example embodiment may be installed in a vehicle 3000. For example, the vehicle 3000 may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 3000 may be, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0207] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As illustrated herein, a vehicle 3000 according to an example embodiment includes a battery module 1000 and / or a battery pack 2000 including the battery module 1000 according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The vehicle 3000 operates by receiving power from the battery module 1000 and / or the battery pack 2000 including the battery module 1000 according to an example embodiment of this disclosure.

[0208] The following describes embodiments and comparative examples of the present disclosure. However, the following embodiments are merely implementations of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0209] Example 1

[0210] Preparation of compositions for the first aerogel layer and compositions for the third aerogel layer

[0211] A first mixed solution was prepared by adding polyvinyl alcohol (Sigma Aldrich, PVA) as a binder to ultrapure water as a solvent, and the first mixed solution was mixed sequentially with an open blade at 30 rpm and with a despa blade at 700 rpm. Aerogel (BET specific surface area: 800 m²) was then used. 2 A second mixed solution was prepared by adding (g) to the first mixed solution, and the second mixed solution was mixed sequentially at 70 rpm with an open blade and at 1500 rpm with a despa blade. Compositions for the first and third aerogel-containing layers were prepared by adding glass wool to the second mixed solution and mixing the composition sequentially at 30 rpm with an open blade and at 1200 rpm with a despa blade. A planetary mixer (D&Tech, PT-005) was used for mixing.

[0212] The compositions prepared for the first aerogel layer and the composition prepared for the third aerogel layer are each in the form of slurries and, based on solid content, each comprises 80 wt% aerogel, 10 wt% glass wool, and 10 wt% polyvinyl alcohol.

[0213] Composition for preparing the second aerogel layer

[0214] A first mixed solution was prepared by adding polyvinyl alcohol (Sigma Aldrich) as a binder to ultrapure water as a solvent, and the first mixed solution was mixed sequentially with an open blade at 30 rpm and with a despa blade at 700 rpm. The aerogel (BET specific surface area: 800 m²) was then used. 2(g) was added to the first mixed solution, and the composition for the second aerogel layer was prepared by mixing the composition sequentially at 70 rpm with an open blade and at 1500 rpm with a despa blade. A planetary mixer (D&Tech, PT-005) was used for mixing.

[0215] The composition prepared for the second aerogel-containing layer is in the form of a slurry and, based on the solids content, comprises 90 wt% aerogel and 10 wt% polyvinyl alcohol, and does not include glass wool.

[0216] Manufacturing thermal insulation sheets

[0217] The prepared composition for the first aerogel layer was applied to a 0.1 mm thick mica sheet (Famica) as the first base layer and dried at 60 °C for 24 hours.

[0218] The prepared composition for the third aerogel layer was applied to a 0.1 mm thick mica sheet (Famica) as the second base layer and dried at 60 °C for 24 hours.

[0219] After the prepared composition for the second aerogel layer is applied onto the dried composition for the first aerogel layer, a second base layer of the composition for the third aerogel layer is applied by stacking and rolling.

[0220] Then, a thermal insulation sheet stack was manufactured by drying the stack at 60°C for 24 hours, in the order of mica sheet / first aerogel layer (thickness: 0.5 mm) / second aerogel layer (thickness: 1.8 mm) / third aerogel layer (thickness: 0.5 mm) / mica sheet. In this case, the total thickness of the aerogel layers is 2.8 mm, and the thickness of the thermal insulation sheet is 3 mm.

[0221] Examples 2 to 4

[0222] The thermal insulation sheet was manufactured in essentially the same manner as in Example 1, except that, in Example 1, the content of each component in the first aerogel layer and the third aerogel layer was changed as shown in Table 1 below.

[0223] Example 5

[0224] The thermal insulation sheet was manufactured in essentially the same manner as in Example 1, except that in Example 1, water-dispersible polyurethane (Sigma Aldrich, PU) was used instead of polyvinyl alcohol when preparing the composition for the first aerogel layer and the composition for the third aerogel layer.

[0225] Example 6

[0226] The thermal insulation sheet was manufactured in essentially the same manner as in Example 1, except that in Example 1, when preparing the composition for the first aerogel layer and the composition for the third aerogel layer, a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and water-dispersible polyurethane (in a weight ratio of 1:1) was used instead of polyvinyl alcohol.

[0227] Examples 7 and 8

[0228] The thermal insulation sheet was manufactured in essentially the same manner as in Example 1, except that, as shown in Table 1 below, the content of each component of the first aerogel layer and the third aerogel layer was changed.

[0229] Comparative Example 1

[0230] The composition for the first aerogel layer prepared in Example 1 was applied to a mica sheet (Famica) with a thickness of 0.1 mm, and the 0.1 mm thick mica sheets (Famica) were stacked on top of the composition for the first aerogel layer and coated using a roll forming method. Then, a thermal insulation sheet was manufactured by drying the stack at 60°C for 24 hours in the order of mica sheet / first aerogel layer (thickness: 2.8 mm) / mica sheet. In this case, the thickness of the aerogel layer is 2.8 mm, and the thickness of the thermal insulation sheet is 3 mm.

[0231] Comparative Example 2

[0232] The composition for the second aerogel layer prepared in Example 1 was applied to a mica sheet (Famica) with a thickness of 0.1 mm, and mica sheets (Famica) with a thickness of 0.1 mm were stacked on top of the composition for the second aerogel layer and coated using a roll forming method. Then, a thermal insulation sheet was manufactured by drying the stack at 60°C for 24 hours in the order of mica sheet / second aerogel layer (thickness: 2.8 mm) / mica sheet. In this case, the thickness of the aerogel layer is 2.8 mm, and the thickness of the thermal insulation sheet is 3 mm.

[0233] Comparative Example 3

[0234] The compositions for the first aerogel layer and the composition for the second aerogel layer were prepared in substantially the same manner as in Example 1, and a thermally insulating sheet was fabricated by stacking the following layers in the order of mica sheet / second aerogel layer (thickness: 0.5 mm) / first aerogel layer (thickness: 1.8 mm) / second aerogel layer (thickness: 0.5 mm) / mica sheet. In this case, the total thickness of the aerogel layers was 2.8 mm, and the thickness of the thermally insulating sheet was 3 mm.

[0235] The following physical properties (experimental examples) were evaluated for the thermal insulation sheets manufactured in the embodiments and comparative examples.

[0236] (1) Thermal insulation (unit: °C): Each thermal insulation sheet is inserted between a pair of 1mm thick aluminum plates facing each other. The thermal insulation sheets are placed on a hot press, and the upper plate of the hot press is heated to 350 °C, while the lower plate of the hot press is kept at its initial temperature of 40 °C without heating. Then, a pressure of 20kN is applied to the lower plate of the hot press, and the temperature of the lower plate of the hot press is measured after 11 minutes. The lower the temperature of the lower plate of the hot press, the better the thermal insulation.

[0237] (2) Compression Ratio (unit: %): By setting a zero point, each thermal insulation sheet was inserted between 1mm thick aluminum plates, and then the compression force was increased from 0kN to 80kN using a UTM device, with the degree of compression measured at a compression rate of 0.02m / sec. After measuring the thickness T1 of the thermal insulation sheet with a compression of 5kN and the thickness T2 of the thermal insulation sheet with a compression of 40kN, the compression ratio was calculated using (T1-T2) / T1×100.

[0238] Table 1

[0239]

[0240] In Table 1, "-" indicates "not applicable".

[0241] As shown in Table 1, because reaching 300°C requires a long time, the thermal insulation sheet of the embodiment has the desired or improved thermal insulation, and because it has a high compressibility, it has the desired or improved mechanical properties. On the other hand, because the compressibility of the thermal insulation sheet of the comparative example is less than that of the thermal insulation sheet of the embodiment, the mechanical properties of the thermal insulation sheet of the comparative example may be less than those of the thermal insulation sheet of the embodiment.

[0242] During the degradation and expansion of individual battery cells, the thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery can absorb the pressure from adjacent battery cells by providing a high compressibility, thereby increasing the stability of the rechargeable lithium battery. By providing desired or improved thermal insulation properties, the thermal insulation sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery according to an example embodiment can reduce or suppress heat propagation and / or heat transfer in the rechargeable lithium battery module, thereby increasing the stability of the rechargeable lithium battery module.

[0243] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be modified in any form within the scope of the claims, the specific embodiments of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings, and such modifications also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A thermally insulating sheet for a rechargeable lithium battery, the thermally insulating sheet comprising: First basic layer, First aerogel layer, The second aerogel layer, and The third aerogel layer, The first base layer, the first aerogel layer, the second aerogel layer, and the third aerogel layer are stacked together. The first aerogel-containing layer and the third aerogel-containing layer each include a fiber support, an aerogel, and a first binder, and The second aerogel-containing layer includes an aerogel and a second binder.

2. The thermal insulation sheet according to claim 1, wherein the second base layer is further stacked on the third aerogel-containing layer.

3. The thermal insulation sheet according to claim 1, wherein the content of the fiber support in the second aerogel-containing layer is 0 wt%.

4. The thermal insulation sheet according to claim 1, wherein the first aerogel-containing layer comprises a separate layer independent of the first base layer.

5. The thermal insulation sheet according to claim 2, wherein the third aerogel layer comprises a separate layer independent of the second base layer.

6. The thermal insulation sheet according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first adhesive and the second adhesive comprises one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyurethane, and polyester.

7. The thermal insulation sheet according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the fiber support containing the first aerogel layer and the fiber support containing the third aerogel layer each comprises glass wool.

8. The thermal insulation sheet according to claim 1, wherein the first aerogel layer and the third aerogel layer each comprise, in an amount ranging from 5 wt% to 70 wt%, the aerogel in an amount ranging from 10 wt% to 90 wt%, and the first adhesive in an amount ranging from 0.3 wt% to 25 wt%.

9. The thermal insulation sheet according to claim 1, wherein the second aerogel layer comprises the aerogel in an amount ranging from 50 wt% to 99 wt% of the second aerogel layer and the second adhesive in an amount ranging from 1 wt% to 50 wt% of the second aerogel layer.

10. The thermal insulation sheet according to claim 1, wherein the first base layer comprises a mica sheet.

11. The thermal insulation sheet according to claim 2, wherein the second base layer comprises a mica sheet.

12. A rechargeable lithium battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells facing each other; as well as A thermal insulation sheet between the plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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