Dispersants for cathode active materials

Abstract

A first aspect of the invention relates to a cathode active material dispersion, the invention relates to a composition comprising at least one dispersant obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising: at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and / or a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphorylating agent with at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and at least one phosphorylating agent and / or a dispersant obtained or obtainable by reacting at least one phosphorylating agent with a compound having a hydroxyl group; and optionally at least one compound having one hydroxyl group, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of polyglycerols, modified polyglycerols, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates, polyesters, polyethers, polyether-ester copolymers, and mixtures of two or more thereof. A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a cathode active material dispersion according to the invention and a third aspect of the invention relates to a coated cathode comprising a coating based on a cathode active material dispersion according to a first aspect of the invention and an electrically conductive substrate. A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for preparing a coated cathode. A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a lithium ion battery comprising at least one coated cathode. A sixth aspect of the invention relates to the use of a cathode active material dispersion of a first aspect of the invention for producing a coated cathode for a lithium ion battery. A seventh aspect of the invention relates to a sodium ion battery comprising at least one cathode. An eighth aspect of the invention relates to the use of a cathode active material dispersion according to the invention for producing a coated cathode for a sodium-ion battery.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The first aspect of the present application relates to a cathode active material dispersion comprising at least one dispersant obtainable or obtained from a mixture comprising at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and / or a dispersant obtainable or obtained from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and at least one phosphating agent and / or a dispersant obtainable or obtained from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group; and optionally at least one compound having one hydroxyl group, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of polyglycerol, modified polyglycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyester, polyether, polyether-ester copolymer and mixtures of two or more thereof. The present application further relates to a coated cathode comprising a coating based on the cathode active material dispersion. BACKGROUND

[0002] Secondary batteries have been widely used. Coated cathodes are often used in secondary batteries. Coated cathodes comprise a current collector having a cathode active material layer. The cathode active material layer is prepared by applying a cathode material dispersion comprising an electrode active material, a conductive material, a binder on an electrode current collector, followed by drying, and then rolling.

[0003] Solid cathode active material dispersions tend to aggregate rather than being uniformly distributed in the slurry.

[0004] The electrode active material dispersion can be associated with a high viscosity which leads to difficulties in handling. The increase in the viscosity of the electrode active material dispersion also limits the amount of electrode active material that can be incorporated into the dispersion.

[0005] Furthermore, the electrode active material dispersion can not have storage stability. The viscosity of the electrode active material dispersion rapidly increases upon storage due to gelation.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide a dispersant which can solve the above-mentioned problems associated with cathode active material dispersions.

[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the present application to provide a dispersant which provides a cathode active material dispersion having a low viscosity. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a dispersant which provides a stable cathode active material dispersion and a dispersion containing a large amount of cathode active material. SUMMARY

[0008] Surprisingly, it was found that cathode active material dispersions having a low viscosity are provided by dispersants obtainable from a mixture as defined in detail below. These cathode active material dispersions are stable and they are able to accommodate a large amount of cathode active material.

[0009] Thus, a first aspect of the present application relates to a cathode active material dispersion comprising

[0010] a. at least one cathode active material;

[0011] b. at least one carbon-based conductive material;

[0012] c. at least one dispersant;

[0013] d. at least one binder; and

[0014] e. a dispersion medium;

[0015] wherein the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising

[0016] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and / or a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphorylating agent with at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0017] at least one phosphorylating agent and / or a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphorylating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group;

[0018] optionally at least one compound having one hydroxyl group;

[0019] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of polyglycerol, modified polyglycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyester, polyether, polyether-ester copolymer and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0020] A second aspect of the present application relates to a process for preparing the cathode active material dispersion of the present application, the process comprising

[0021] mixing the at least one cathode active material, at least one carbon-based conductive material, the dispersion medium and the at least one binder; and

[0022] adding the at least one dispersant as defined in the first aspect of the present application to the mixture obtained in the preceding step and homogenizing the mixture.

[0023] A third aspect of the present application relates to a coated cathode comprising a coating based on the cathode active material dispersion of the first aspect of the present application and a conductive substrate.

[0024] A fourth aspect of the present application relates to a process for preparing a coated cathode, the process comprising

[0025] a. coating the cathode active material dispersion of the first aspect of the present application onto a conductive substrate; and

[0026] b. drying the coated electrically conductive substrate;

[0027] wherein the electrically conductive substrate is preferably an aluminum foil.

[0028] A fifth aspect of the present application relates to a lithium-ion battery comprising at least one coated cathode according to the third aspect of the present application or a coated cathode obtained or obtainable from the method of the fourth aspect of the present application, the coated cathode comprising a coating based on the cathode active material dispersion of the first aspect of the present application.

[0029] A sixth aspect of the present application relates to the use of the cathode active material dispersion of the first aspect of the present application for the preparation of a coated cathode for a lithium-ion battery.

[0030] A seventh aspect of the present application relates to a sodium-ion battery comprising at least one cathode according to the third aspect of the present application or a cathode obtained or obtainable from the method of the fourth aspect of the present application, the cathode comprising a coating based on the cathode active material dispersion of the first aspect of the present application.

[0031] A further eighth aspect of the present application relates to the use of the cathode active material dispersion of the present application for the preparation of a coated cathode for a sodium-ion battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Before the compositions and formulations of the present application are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular compositions and formulations described, as such may of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present application will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0033] If in the following a group is defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments, this means that a group comprising only those embodiments is also encompassed, preferably. Furthermore, the terms 'first','second', 'third' or 'a', 'b', 'c' etc. used in the specification and claims, are used as modifiers for distinguishing between like elements of the application and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the application described herein are capable of operating in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. In case the terms 'first','second', 'third' or '(A)', '(B)' and '(C)', or '(a)', '(b)', '(c)', '(d)', 'i', 'ii' etc. relate to steps of a method or use or test, there is no time or time interval coherence between the steps, unless otherwise indicated in the application as set forth above or below, that is, the steps can be carried out simultaneously or there can be time intervals of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or even years between such steps.

[0034] Furthermore, ranges defined throughout this specification are also inclusive of the endpoints, that is, a range of 1 to 10 means that both 1 and 10 are included in the range. For the avoidance of doubt, the applicant is entitled to any equivalent of any claim to which applicant is entitled under the applicable law.

[0035] In the following passages different aspects of the application are defined in greater detail. Each aspect so defined can be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous can be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

[0036] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the application. Thus, appearances of the phrase 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but can refer to different embodiments.

[0037] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. In addition, while some embodiments described herein include some features but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the application, and form different embodiments, as will be understood by those in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claims can be used in combination with any of the examples, features and / or embodiments described herein.

[0038] Thus, a first aspect of the present application relates to a cathode active material dispersion comprising

[0039] a. at least one cathode active material;

[0040] b. at least one carbon-based conductive material;

[0041] c. at least one dispersant;

[0042] d. at least one binder; and

[0043] e. a dispersion medium;

[0044] wherein the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising

[0045] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and / or a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0046] at least one phosphating agent and / or a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group;

[0047] optionally at least one compound having one hydroxyl group;

[0048] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of polyglycerol, modified polyglycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyester, polyether, polyether-ester copolymer, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0049] In preferred embodiments, the cathode active material dispersion comprises

[0050] a. at least one cathode active material;

[0051] b. at least one carbon-based conductive material;

[0052] c. at least one dispersant;

[0053] d. at least one binder; and

[0054] e. N-methylpyrrolidone as dispersing medium;

[0055] wherein at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture as defined above.

[0056] In the context of the present invention, the term "active material" and similar terms as used in the context of a lithium ion battery means a substance that is a source of lithium ions or can receive and accept lithium ions. In the context of a 'cathode active material' of a lithium ion battery cell, the active material is a source of lithium ions, such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, etc. In the context of an anode of a lithium ion battery cell, the active material is a recipient of lithium ions, such as graphite.

[0057] In the context of the present invention, the term "cathode" and similar terms as used in the context of a lithium ion battery means the positive electrode in a discharge cycle. Lithium in a lithium ion battery is in the cathode. The cathode is the electrode within the battery that undergoes reduction during discharge.

[0058] In the context of the present invention, the term 'battery' and similar terms means a collection of battery cells or battery cell assemblies ready for use. A battery typically contains a suitable housing, electrical interconnects, and possibly electronics to control and protect the battery cells from failure (e.g., fire, thermal runaway, explosion, loss of charge, etc.). The simplest battery is a single battery cell. A battery can be a primary battery (i.e., not rechargeable) and a secondary battery (i.e., rechargeable).

[0059] In the context of the present invention, the term "binder polymer" and similar terms as used in the context of a lithium ion battery means a polymer that holds active material particles together within an electrode of a lithium ion battery to maintain a strong connection between the electrode and a contact. Binder polymers are generally inert to the substances they come into contact with within a lithium ion battery during discharge, charge, and storage.

[0060] In the context of the present invention, the term "battery cell" and similar terms means a basic electrochemical unit containing an electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte.

[0061] In the context of the present invention, the term "conductive agent" and similar terms as used in the context of a lithium ion battery means a substance that facilitates the flow of ions between electrodes of a battery cell.

[0062] In the context of the present invention, the term "dispersant" and similar terms means a substance added to a suspension (typically colloidal) to improve the separation of particles and prevent settling or clumping.

[0063] In the context of the present invention, the term "lithium-ion battery" and similar terms mean a rechargeable (i.e. secondary) battery in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge and return during charging.

[0064] In the context of the present invention, the term "separator" and similar terms as used in the context of a lithium-ion battery mean a thin, porous membrane that physically separates the anode and the cathode. The main function of the separator is to prevent physical contact between the anode and the cathode while facilitating lithium-ion transport within the battery cell.

[0065] As defined above, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of polyglycerol, modified polyglycerol, polyvinyl alcohol or polyacrylate (preferably polyacrylate having multiple hydroxyl groups) and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0066] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of polyether, polyester or polyether-ester copolymer having 2 terminal hydroxyl groups and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0067] In some embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a sugar having 3 to 6 hydroxyl groups.

[0068] In some embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from polyglycerol, modified polyglycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyester, polyether, polyether-ester copolymer or sugar.

[0069] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is polyglycerol having a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 700 to 1500 mgKOH / g. Polyglycerol has 3 to 20 unit repeat monomer units.

[0070] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is polyglycerol having a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 950 to 990 mgKOH / g.

[0071] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is polyglycerol having a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 870 to 910 mgKOH / g.

[0072] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is an epsilon-caprolactone-modified polyglycerol copolymer having a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 300 to 800 mgKOH / g. The epsilon-caprolactone-modified polyglycerol copolymer is obtained or obtainable by reacting epsilon-caprolactone with a polyglycerol having a hydroxyl number in the range of 700 to 1500 mgKOH / g.

[0073] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is an ethylhexyl glycidyl ether-modified polyglycerol copolymer having a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 300 to 800 mgKOH / g. The ethylhexyl glycidyl ether-modified polyglycerol copolymer is obtainable by reacting ethylhexyl glycidyl ether with a polyglycerol having a hydroxyl number in the range of 700 to 1500 mgKOH / g.

[0074] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a polyvinyl alcohol having a weight average molecular weight according to DIN 55672-2 in the range of 5,000 to 500,000 g / mol.

[0075] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a polyacrylate selected from poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate), or poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate-co-butyl acrylate) having a weight average molecular weight according to DIN 55672-1 in the range of 1000 to 50,000 g / mol and a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 200 to 500 mgKOH / g.

[0076] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from a polyester, a polyether, or a polyether-polyester copolymer.

[0077] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a homodelta-sarcosinolactone having a weight average molecular weight determined according to DIN 55672-2 in the range of 500 to 2,000 g / mol and a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 800 to 1200 mgKOH / g.

[0078] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a poly-8-gluconolactone having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 500 to 5,000 g / mol determined according to DIN 55672-2 and a hydroxyl number in the range of 500 to 1000 mgKOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2. The poly-8-gluconolactone is obtained or obtainable by polymerization of 8-gluconolactone.

[0079] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a copolymer of 8-gluconolactone and 8-caprolactone having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 500 to 5,000 g / mol determined according to DIN 55672-2 and a hydroxyl number in the range of 500 to 1000 mgKOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2. The copolymer is obtainable by polymerization of 8-gluconolactone and 8-caprolactone.

[0080] In preferred embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a hyperbranched polyester having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 1000 to 5,000 g / mol determined according to DIN 55672-1 and a hydroxyl number in the range of 300 to 800 mgKOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2.

[0081] In some embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from sugars.

[0082] In some embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is lactose monohydrate.

[0083] In preferred embodiments, the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture, preferably from the reaction of the mixture, the mixture comprising

[0084] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0085] at least one phosphonating agent;

[0086] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the polyols as defined above.

[0087] In preferred embodiments, the cathode active material dispersion according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising

[0088] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups;

[0089] at least one phosphonating agent; and

[0090] - at least one further polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; or

[0091] - at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group;

[0092] or

[0093] is obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising

[0094] - a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group; and

[0095] - a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; or

[0096] - at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and at least one phosphating agent;

[0097] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and the at least one further polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups are independently selected from the polyols as defined above.

[0098] In preferred embodiments, the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture, preferably from the reaction of the mixture, the mixture comprising

[0099] - at least two polyols each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0100] - at least one phosphating agent;

[0101] wherein the at least two polyols each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups are independently selected from the polyols as defined above.

[0102] In preferred embodiments, the at least two polyols each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups are mixed in a ratio in the range of 1 : 10 to 10 : 1, preferably in the range of 1 : 5 to 5 : 1, more preferably in the range of 1 : 3 to 3 : 1, based on weight.

[0103] In preferred embodiments, the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture, preferably from the reaction of the mixture, the mixture comprising

[0104] - at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0105] - at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group; and

[0106] - at least one phosphating agent;

[0107] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the polyols as defined above.

[0108] In preferred embodiments, the at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group is a polymeric compound having 1 hydroxyl group, preferably selected from a polyester, a polyether or a polyether-polyester copolymer.

[0109] wherein:

[0110] R is selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C4to C22alkyl, linear or branched C4to C22alkenyl, C6to C12cycloalkyl, C7to C12aralkyl, a group having the formula C m H 2m+1 (O-C n H 2n ) x a group having the formula C m H 2m+1 [O-C(=O)-C v H 2v ] x a group having the formula C m H 2m+1 (O-C n H 2n ) x [O-C(=O)-C v H 2v ] y a group,

[0111] wherein for each group:

[0112] m is an integer selected from the range of 1 to 22,

[0113] n is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 4,

[0114] x, y are independently integers selected from the range of 1 to 25, and

[0115] v is an integer selected from the range of 4 to 6.

[0116] In preferred embodiments, the at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group is a polymeric compound having 1 hydroxyl group, preferably selected from a polyester, a polyether or a polyether-polyester copolymer.

[0117] In preferred embodiments, the at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group is a polymeric compound having 1 hydroxyl group, preferably selected from a polyester, a polyether or a polyether-polyester copolymer.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, at least one polymer having one hydroxyl group is a polyether-polyester copolymer, preferably based on lactone and monohydroxy polyether, wherein the lactone is preferably selected from proprolactone, δ-valerolactone, γ-valerolactone and ε-caprolactone, and the monohydroxy polyether is preferably a poly(C1 to C5 alkylene glycol) monoC1 to C5 alkyl ether having repeating monomer units in the range of 3 to 20, wherein more preferably, at least one polymer having one hydroxyl group is a polyether-polyester copolymer based on ε-caprolactone and tri(ethylene glycol) monoethyl ether.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, at least one polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and at least one polymer having one hydroxyl group are mixed in a weight ratio in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably in the range of 1:5 to 5:1, and more preferably in the range of 1:3 to 3:1.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, at least one dispersant is obtained from, or is preferably obtained by, a reaction of the mixture, the mixture comprising

[0121] - At least one polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups;

[0122] - at least one phosphorylating agent; and

[0123] - A dispersant obtained or available by reacting at least one phosphorylating agent with a compound having a hydroxyl group;

[0124] At least one of the polyols having at least two hydroxyl groups is as defined above, and the dispersant is as defined above.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, at least one dispersant is obtained or is available from a mixture comprising the following components.

[0126] - A dispersant obtained or available by reacting at least one phosphorylating agent with at least one polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups; and

[0127] - A dispersant obtained or available by reacting at least one phosphorylating agent with a compound having a hydroxyl group;

[0128] The dispersant is a dispersant as defined above.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, at least one phosphorylating agent is selected from polyphosphoric acid and phosphorus pentoxide.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, at least one phosphorylating agent is a polyphosphate.

[0131] In preferred embodiments, the weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups to the at least one phosphating agent is in the range of 10 : 1 to 1 : 5; more preferably 5 : 1 to 1 : 5; and even more preferably 5 : 1 to 1 : 2.

[0132] In preferred embodiments, the weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups to the at least one phosphating agent is 1 : 1.

[0133] In preferred embodiments, the weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups to the at least one phosphating agent is 2 : 1.

[0134] In preferred embodiments, the weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups to the at least one phosphating agent is 1.4 : 1.

[0135] In preferred embodiments, the weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups to the at least one phosphating agent is 4 : 1.

[0136] In preferred embodiments, the weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups to the at least one phosphating agent is 1 : 1.4.

[0137] In preferred embodiments, the weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups to the at least one phosphating agent is 3.3 : 1.

[0138] In preferred embodiments, the weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups to the at least one phosphating agent is 1 : 1.5.

[0139] In preferred embodiments, the content of the at least one dispersant is in the range of 0.01 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%. More preferably, the content of the at least one dispersant is in the range of 0.05 wt.% to 5.0 wt.%; even more preferably in the range of 0.1 wt.% to 2.0 wt.%; and most preferably in the range of 0.1 wt.% to 1.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0140] In preferred embodiments, the content of the at least one dispersant is 0.13 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0141] In preferred embodiments, the acid value of the at least one dispersant is in the range of 200 mgKOH / g to 1000 mgKOH / g according to DIN 53402:1990-09.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO).

[0143] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one cathode active material is lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

[0144] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the at least one cathode active material is in the range of 30 wt.% to 80 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the at least one cathode active material is 61.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0146] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one cathode active material is selected from NaO.NiO.22CoO.11MnO.66O2, the polyanionic compound Na3V2(PO4)3, and Na x Fe2(CN)6.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one cathode active material is the layered transition metal oxide NaO.NiO.22CoO.11MnO.66O2.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one cathode active material is the polyanionic compound Na3V2(PO4)3.

[0149] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one cathode active material is the Prussian blue analogue Na x Fe2(CN)6.

[0150] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the at least one cathode active material is in the range of 30 wt.% to 80 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0151] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one carbon-based conductive material is selected from carbon black, graphite, and carbon nanotubes.

[0152] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one carbon-based conductive material is carbon black.

[0153] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the at least one carbon-based conductive material is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0154] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the at least one carbon-based conductive material is 2.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one binder is polyvinylidene fluoride.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the at least one binder is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0157] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the at least one binder is 2.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0158] In a preferred embodiment, the dispersion medium is selected from NMP and water.

[0159] In a preferred embodiment, the dispersion medium is NMP.

[0160] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the dispersion medium is in the range of 5.0 wt.% to 50.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0161] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the dispersion medium is 35.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0162] In a preferred embodiment, the viscosity of the cathode active material dispersion calculated after 1 hour of preparation according to DIN 51810-2 is in the range of 10 s -1 down to 1000 to 50,000 mPas; even more preferably in the range of 1000 to 25000; and most preferably in the range of 2000 to 15000.

[0163] More preferably, the viscosity of the cathode active material dispersion calculated after 1 hour of preparation according to DIN 51810-2 is in the range of 10 s -1 down to 1000 to 50,000 mPas; even more preferably in the range of 1000 to 25000; and most preferably in the range of 2000 to 15000.

[0164] In a preferred embodiment, the viscosity increase of the cathode active material dispersion during a period of 1 hour to 24 hours from its preparation according to DIN 51810-2 is in the range of 5.0% to 100.0%.

[0165] More preferably, the viscosity increase of the cathode active material dispersion during a period of 1 hour to 24 hours from its preparation according to DIN 51810-2 is in the range of 5.0% to 70.0%.

[0166] Even more preferably, the viscosity increase of the cathode active material dispersion according to DIN 51810-2 during a time period from 1 hour to 24 hours from its preparation is in the range of 5.0% to 50.0%.

[0167] Second aspect - Method for preparing a cathode active material dispersion

[0168] A second aspect of the present application relates to a method for preparing the cathode active material dispersion of the present application, the method comprising

[0169] - mixing at least one cathode active material, at least one carbon-based conductive material, a dispersion medium and at least one binder; and

[0170] - adding at least one dispersant as defined in the first aspect of the present application to the mixture obtained in the preceding step and homogenizing the mixture.

[0171] All details, embodiments and preferences disclosed above in the part relating to the first aspect of the present application also apply to the second aspect of the present application.

[0172] In preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of polyglycerol, modified polyglycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyester, polyether, polyetherester and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0173] In some embodiments, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of polyglycerol, modified polyglycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyester, polyether, polyetherester or sugar.

[0174] In preferred embodiments of the method, the content of the at least one dispersant in the cathode active material dispersion is in the range of 0.01 wt.% to 5.0 wt.%.

[0175] In preferred embodiments of the method, the acid value of the at least one dispersant is in the range of 200 mgKOH / g to 1000 mgKOH / g according to DIN 53402:1990-09.

[0176] In preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is polyglycerol having a hydroxyl value according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 700 to 1500 mgKOH / g. The polyglycerol has 3 to 20 units of repeating monomer units.

[0177] In preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is polyglycerol having a hydroxyl value according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 950 to 990 mgKOH / g.

[0178] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a polyglycerol having a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 870 to 910 mgKOH / g.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a modified polyglycerol copolymer, is an epsilon-caprolactone modified polyglycerol copolymer having a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 300 to 800 mgKOH / g. The epsilon-caprolactone modified polyglycerol copolymer is obtainable by reacting epsilon-caprolactone with a polyglycerol having a hydroxyl number in the range of 700 to 1500 mgKOH / g.

[0180] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is an ethylhexyl glycidyl ether modified polyglycerol copolymer having a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 300 to 800 mgKOH / g. The ethylhexyl glycidyl ether modified polyglycerol copolymer is obtainable by reacting ethylhexyl glycidyl ether with a polyglycerol having a hydroxyl number in the range of 700 to 1500 mgKOH / g.

[0181] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a polyvinyl alcohol having a weight average molecular weight according to DIN 55672-2 in the range of 5,000 to 500,000 g / mol.

[0182] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a homopoly-δ-gluconolactone having a weight average molecular weight determined according to DIN 55672-2 in the range of 500 to 2,000 g / mol and a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 800 to 1200 mgKOH / g.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a poly-δ-gluconolactone having a weight average molecular weight determined according to DIN 55672-2 in the range of 500 to 5,000 g / mol and a hydroxyl number according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2 in the range of 500 to 1000 mgKOH / g. The poly-δ-gluconolactone is obtained or obtainable by polymerizing δ-gluconolactone.

[0184] In preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a copolymer of δ-gluconolactone and ε-caprolactone having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 500 to 5,000 g / mol determined according to DIN 55672-2 and a hydroxyl number in the range of 500 to 1000 mgKOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2. The copolymer is obtained or obtainable by polymerizing δ-gluconolactone and ε-caprolactone.

[0185] In preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a hyperbranched polyester having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 1000 to 5,000 g / mol determined according to DIN 55672-1 and a hydroxyl number in the range of 300 to 800 mgKOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2.

[0186] In some embodiments of the method, the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is lactose monohydrate.

[0187] In preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO).

[0188] In preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one cathode active material is lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

[0189] In preferred embodiments of the method, the content of the at least one cathode active material is in the range of 30 wt.% to 80 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0190] In preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one cathode active material is the layered transition metal oxide NaO.NiO.22CoO.11MnO.66O2.

[0191] In preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one cathode active material is the polyanionic compound Na3V2(PO4)3).

[0192] In preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one cathode active material is the Prussian blue analogue Na x Fe2(CN)6.

[0193] In preferred embodiments of the method, the content of the at least one cathode active material is in the range of 30 wt.% to 80 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0194] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one carbon-based conductive material is selected from the group consisting of carbon black, graphite and carbon nanotubes.

[0195] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one carbon-based conductive material is carbon black.

[0196] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the at least one carbon-based conductive material is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0197] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture, preferably from the reaction of the mixture, the mixture comprising

[0198] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0199] at least one phosphating agent;

[0200] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the polyols as defined above.

[0201] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising

[0202] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups;

[0203] at least one phosphating agent; and

[0204] at least one further polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; or

[0205] at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group;

[0206] or

[0207] from a mixture comprising

[0208] a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group; and

[0209] a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; or

[0210] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and at least one phosphating agent;

[0211] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and the at least one further polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups are independently selected from the polyols as defined above.

[0212] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture, preferably from a reaction of the mixture, the mixture comprising

[0213] at least two polyols each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0214] at least one phosphonating agent;

[0215] wherein the at least two polyols each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups are independently selected from the polyols as defined above.

[0216] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the at least two polyols each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups are mixed in a ratio in the range of 1 : 10 to 10 : 1, preferably in the range of 1 : 5 to 5 : 1, more preferably in the range of 1 : 3 to 3 : 1, based on weight.

[0217] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture, preferably from a reaction of the mixture, the mixture comprising

[0218] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0219] at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group; and

[0220] at least one phosphonating agent;

[0221] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the polyols as defined above.

[0222] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group has the formula R-OH

[0223] wherein:

[0224] R is selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C4 to C22 alkyl, linear or branched C4 to C22 alkenyl, C6 to C12 cycloalkyl, C7 to C12 aralkyl, a group having the formula C m H 2m+1 (O-C n H 2n ) x a group having the formula C m H 2m+1 [O-C(=O)-C v H 2v ] x a group having the formula C m H 2m+1 (O-C n H 2n ) x [O-C(=O)-Cv H 2v ] y a radical of the formula

[0225] wherein for each radical:

[0226] m is an integer selected from the range of 1 to 22,

[0227] n is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 4,

[0228] x, y are independently integers selected from the range of 1 to 25, and

[0229] v is an integer selected from the range of 4 to 6.

[0230] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group is a polymer having 1 hydroxyl group, preferably selected from a polyester, a polyether or a polyether-polyester copolymer.

[0231] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group is a polyether having 1 hydroxyl group, preferably a mono Ci to C5 alkyl ether of a poly C2 to C5 alkylene glycol having in the range of 3 to 25 repeating monomer units, more preferably a monomethyl ether of polyethylene glycol having in the range of 5 to 15 repeating monomer units.

[0232] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one polymer having 1 hydroxyl group is a polyether-polyester copolymer, preferably based on a lactone and a mono-hydroxyl polyether, wherein the lactone is preferably selected from propiolactone, δ-valerolactone, γ-valerolactone and ε-caprolactone, and the mono-hydroxyl polyether is preferably a poly(Ci to C5 alkylene glycol) mono Ci to C5 alkyl ether having in the range of 3 to 20 repeating monomer units, wherein more preferably the at least one polymer having 1 hydroxyl group is a polyether-polyester copolymer based on ε-caprolactone and tri(ethylene glycol) monoethyl ether.

[0233] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one polyol each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and the at least one polymer having 1 hydroxyl group are mixed in a ratio in the range of 1 : 10 to 10 : 1 by weight, preferably in the range of 1 : 5 to 5 : 1, more preferably in the range of 1 : 3 to 3 : 1.

[0234] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture, preferably from the reaction of the mixture, the mixture comprising

[0235] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups;

[0236] at least one phosphating agent; and

[0237] - a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group;

[0238] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is as defined above, and the dispersant is a dispersant as defined above.

[0239] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising

[0240] - a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0241] - a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group;

[0242] wherein the dispersant is a dispersant as defined above.

[0243] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the at least one phosphating agent is selected from polyphosphoric acid and phosphorous pentoxide.

[0244] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups relative to the at least one phosphating agent is in the range of 5 : 1 to 1 : 5.

[0245] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the at least one binder is polyvinylidene fluoride.

[0246] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the content of the at least one binder is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0247] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the dispersing medium is selected from NMP and water.

[0248] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the dispersing medium is NMP.

[0249] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the content of the dispersing medium is in the range of 5.0 wt.% to 50.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0250] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the viscosity of the cathode active material dispersion calculated 1 hour after preparation according to DIN 51810-2 is in the range of 10 s -1 to 100,000 mPas.

[0251] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the viscosity increase of the cathode active material dispersion during a time period from 1 hour to 24 hours from its preparation is in the range of 5.0% to 100.0%.

[0252] According to a further aspect, the present application relates to a method, preferably to a method as described above, comprising the step of converting the cathode active material dispersion obtainable or obtained by the method described herein, or the coated cathode obtainable or obtained by the method described herein, or the chemical material obtainable or obtained by the method described herein, to obtain a product.

[0253] Preferably, the product is selected from the group consisting of:

[0254] - a building block or monomer; or

[0255] - a polymer, preferably polymer A, a polymer composition, preferably polymer composition A, or a polymer product, preferably polymer product A; or

[0256] - a cleaning polymer, a cleaning surfactant, a soil release compound, a cleaning biocide, or a composition or formulation thereof; or

[0257] - an agrochemical composition, an agrochemical formulation adjuvant, or an agrochemical active ingredient; or

[0258] - an active pharmaceutical ingredient or an intermediate thereof, a pharmaceutical excipient, an animal feed additive, a human food additive, a dietary supplement, a fragrance chemical or a fragrance composition; or

[0259] - an aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably a polyurethane or a polyurethane- poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer dispersion; an emulsion, a binder for paper and fiber coatings, a UV-curable acrylic polymer for hot melts and coatings, a polyisocyanate, a hyperbranched polyester polyol, a polymeric dispersant for inorganic binder compositions, an unsaturated polyester polyol, or a 100% curable composition; or

[0260] - a cosmetic surfactant, an emollient, a wax, a cosmetic polymer, a UV filter, a further cosmetic ingredient, or a composition or formulation thereof; or

[0261] - a polymer B, a polymer composition B, a coating composition, a further functional composition, a foil, a molded body, a coating, or a coated substrate.

[0262] With regard to the method of obtaining the product, it is preferred that:

[0263] The content of the cathode active material dispersion or coated cathode or chemical material in the product Omega is 1 wt-% or more, preferably 2 wt-% or more, more preferably 5 wt-% or more, more preferably 15 wt-% or more, more preferably 30 wt-% or more, more preferably 40 wt-% or more, more preferably 60 wt-% or more, more preferably 80 wt-% or more, more preferably 90 wt-% or more, more preferably 95 wt-% or more; and / or

[0264] The content of the cathode active material dispersion or coated cathode chemical material in the product Omega is 100 wt-% or less, preferably 95 wt-% or less, more preferably 90 wt-% or less, more preferably 50 wt-% or less, more preferably 25 wt-% or less, more preferably 10 wt-% or less; and

[0265] It is more preferred that the respective content is determined based on identity preservation and / or segregation and / or mass balance and / or book and claim chain of custody models, preferably on mass balance, preferably on International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standards.

[0266] The publication Prior Art Disclosure [Present Technical Disclosure]; Issue 684; Paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] ; ISSN: 2198-4786; Publication Date: February 12, 2024 shall be considered as reference RF1 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferably, the product Omega is a product as described in reference RF1 Paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] . Preferably, the process described herein is further a process for producing a product.

[0267] The conversion steps to obtain the product Omega preferably comprise one or more steps as described below and can be carried out by conventional methods well known to the person skilled in the art. The conversion steps preferably comprise one or more steps selected from:

[0268] Recycling, preferably depolymerization, gasification, pyrolysis and / or steam cracking; and / or

[0269] Purification, preferably crystallization, (solvent) extraction, distillation, evaporation, hydrotreatment, absorption, adsorption and / or subjected to ion exchangers; and / or

[0270] Assembly, preferably foaming, synthesis, chemical transformation, chemical conversion, polymerization and / or blending; and / or

[0271] Forming, preferably foaming, extrusion and / or molding; and / or

[0272] Finishing, preferably coating and / or smoothing.

[0273] In addition, one or more steps are described in detail in references RF1 paragraphs

[1000] through

[8005] .

[0274] As used in the context of the product Ω herein, the term "monomer" includes molecules that can react with each other to form polymer chains by polymerization. Monomers are preferably selected from the group consisting of: (meth)acrylic acid, salts of (meth)acrylic acid; particularly sodium, potassium, and zinc salts; (meth)acrylaldehyde and (meth)acrylates. (Meth)acrylates containing 1 to 22 carbon atoms, particularly 1 to 8 carbon atoms, are preferred. The terms (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylaldehyde, or (meth)acrylate refer to acrylic acid, acrolein, or acrylates, and where applicable, also refer to methacrylic acid, methacrolein, or methacrylates. Furthermore, monomers may be selected from hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid.

[0275] The building blocks may further be intermediate compounds. As used in the context of the product Ω herein, the term "intermediate compound" includes organic reagents that are applied to form compounds with higher molecular complexity. Intermediate compounds may, for example, be selected from the group consisting of phosgene, polyisocyanates, and propylene oxide. Polyisocyanates are particularly aromatic diisocyanates and polyisocyanates, preferably toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and / or diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI).

[0276] The building blocks and monomers, as well as one or more typical transformation steps used to obtain the building blocks or monomers, are described in more detail in paragraphs

[1000] through

[1012] of reference RF1.

[0277] As used in the context of product Ω herein, the term “polymer A” includes thermoplastics (e.g., polyamides or thermoplastic polyurethanes), thermosetting plastics (e.g., polyurethanes), elastomers (e.g., polybutadiene) or copolymers or mixtures thereof, and is defined in more detail in paragraphs

[2001] through

[2007] of reference RF1.

[0278] The term "polymer composition A" as used in the context of the product Ω herein includes all compositions comprising a polymer as described above and one or more additives (e.g. reinforcing agents, colorants, modifiers and / or flame retardants) and is more particularly defined in paragraph

[2008] of reference RF1.

[0279] The term "polymer product A" as used in the context of the product Ω herein includes any product comprising a polymer A and / or a polymer composition A as described above and is more particularly defined in paragraphs

[2009] and

[2010] of reference RF1.

[0280] The one or more steps to obtain a polymer (preferably polymer A), a polymer composition (preferably polymer composition A) or a polymer product (preferably polymer product A) are more particularly described in paragraph

[2011] of reference RF1.

[0281] The term "industrial polymer" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes rheology, polycarboxylate, alkoxylated polyalkylenamine, alkoxylated polyalkylenimine, polyether, dye inhibition and soil release cleaning polymers as defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3035] to

[3044] of reference document RF1. The term "industrial surfactant" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes non-ionic, anionic and amphoteric industrial surfactants as defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3008] to

[3034] of reference document RF1. The term "industrial soil removal compound" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes non-phosphate based builders (NPB) and phosphonates (CoP) as described in more detail in paragraphs

[3001] to

[3005] of reference document RF1. The term "industrial biocide" as used in the context of the product Omega herein refers to a compound that kills or inhibits the growth or reproduction of microorganisms as defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3006] to

[3007] of reference document RF1. The term "industrial solvent" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes alkyl amides, alkyl lactamides, alkyl esters, lactate esters, alkyl diesters, cyclic alkyl diesters, cyclic carbonates, aromatic aldehydes and aromatic esters as defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3045] to

[3055] of reference document RF1. The term "industrial dispersant" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes anionic and non-ionic industrial dispersants as defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3056] to

[3058] of reference document RF1. The term "composition and / or formulation thereof" in relation to an industrial polymer, industrial surfactant, soil removal compound and / or industrial biocide refers to an industrial composition and / or institutional product and / or fabric and home care product and / or personal care product as defined in more detail in paragraph

[3059] of reference document RF1. One or more conversion steps to obtain an industrial polymer, industrial surfactant, soil removal compound and / or industrial biocide are defined in more detail in paragraph

[3060] of reference document RF1. Conversion steps of an industrial composition or formulation to obtain an industrial polymer, industrial surfactant, soil removal compound and / or industrial biocide are defined in more detail in paragraph

[3061] of reference document RF1.

[0282] The term "agrochemical composition" as used in the context of the product Omega herein typically relates to a composition comprising an agrochemically active ingredient and at least one agrochemical formulation auxiliary. Examples of agrochemical compositions, active ingredients and auxiliaries are described in more detail in paragraph

[4001] of reference document RF1.

[0283] The agrochemical compositions can be in the form of any customary formulation. These agrochemical compositions are prepared in a known manner, for example as described by Mollet and Grubemann, Formulation technology, Wiley VCH, Weinheim, 2001, or Knowles, New developments in crop protection product formulation, Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005. One or more conversion steps to obtain the agrochemically active ingredient and the auxiliaries can be carried out analogously to one or more production steps of its analogues based on petrochemicals or other precursors not obtained by recycling processes. Furthermore, the conversion of the compounds mentioned in the sections "Polymers" and "Cosmetic surfactants, emollients, waxes, cosmetic polymers, UV filters, further cosmetic ingredients or compositions or formulations thereof" can be carried out as described in these sections and in the corresponding paragraphs of reference RF1.

[0284] The term active pharmaceutical ingredient and / or intermediates thereof as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes substances which provide pharmacological activities or other direct actions in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or to affect the structure or any function of the body. Intermediates are isolated products generated during a multi-step synthesis route of an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The term pharmaceutical excipient as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes compounds or mixtures of compounds used in compositions for a variety of pharmaceutical applications, which are themselves essentially non-pharmacologically active. Active pharmaceutical ingredient and / or intermediates thereof and pharmaceutical excipients are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5001] of reference RF1.

[0285] One or more conversion steps to obtain the active pharmaceutical ingredient and / or intermediates thereof and the pharmaceutical excipients can include one or more synthesis steps and can be carried out by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0286] The term animal feed additive, human food additive, dietary supplement as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes vitamins, provitamins and active metabolites thereof, including intermediates and precursors, especially vitamin A, B, E, D, K and esters thereof like acetate, propionate, palmitate or alcohols thereof like retinol or salts thereof and any combination thereof; tetraterpenes, especially isoprenoids like carotenoids and xanthophylls, including intermediates and precursors thereof and mixtures and derivatives thereof, especially beta-carotene, canthaxanthin, citranaxanthin, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, apo-carotenals and any combination thereof; organic acids, especially formic acid, propionic acid and salts thereof like sodium, calcium or ammonium salts and any combination thereof, such as but not limited to formic acid and sodium formate, propionic acid and ammonium propionate, formic acid and propionic acid, formic acid and sodium formate and mixtures of propionic acid, propionic acid and sodium propionate and formic acid and sodium formate; glycerol esters of carboxylic acids and short and medium chain fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid like omega-6 fatty acid (C18:2) methyl ester and 1,2-propanediol and beverage stabilizers like polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers or polyvinylimidazole / polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymers. Animal feed additives, human food additives and dietary supplements are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5002] of reference RF1.

[0287] The one or more conversion steps to obtain the animal feed additive, human food additive, dietary supplement can include one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0288] The term aroma chemical and aroma composition as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes volatile organic substances with a molecular weight between 70-250 g / mol, including a carbon skeleton of C5-C 16 atoms of carbon, including linear, branched, cyclic (e.g. ring size C5-C 18 ), bicyclic or tricyclic aliphatic chains, but not necessarily containing one or more unsaturated structural elements like double bonds, triple bonds, aromatic or heteroaromatic and preferably one or more further functional groups selected from alcohol, ether, ester, ketone, aldehyde, acetal, carboxylic acid, nitrile, thiol, amine. In one aspect, the aroma chemical is a terpene-based aroma chemical, for example selected from monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids, diterpenes, triterpenes or tetraterpenes. The aroma chemical can be combined with further aroma chemicals to obtain an aroma composition. Aroma chemicals and aroma compositions are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5003] of reference RF1.

[0289] The one or more conversion steps to obtain the aroma chemical and aroma composition can include one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0290] The term "aqueous polymer dispersion" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes one or more aqueous compositions comprising one or more dispersed polymers and is defined in more detail in the section entitled "Aqueous Polymer Dispersions"

[6001] of reference RF1. The one or more dispersed polymers can be selected from one or more acrylic emulsion polymers, one or more styrene acrylic emulsion polymers, one or more styrene butadiene dispersions, one or more aqueous dispersions comprising composite particles, one or more acrylate alkyd hybrid dispersions, one or more polyurethanes (including UV-curable polyurethanes) and one or more polyurethane-poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymers. The term "emulsion polymer" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes one or more polymers made by free radical emulsion polymerization. The one or more aqueous polyurethane dispersions are defined in more detail in the section entitled "Polyurethane Dispersions"

[6002] of reference RF1. The one or more UV-curable polyurethanes are defined in more detail in section

[6017] of reference RF1. The one or more polyurethane-poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymers are defined in more detail in section

[6016] of reference RF1.

[0291] The term "polymeric dispersant" as used in the context of the product Omega herein preferably includes one or more polymers comprising polyether side chains, in particular one or more polycarboxylate ether polymers and one or more condensation products as defined in more detail in paragraph

[6020] of reference RF1 entitled "Polymeric Dispersants".

[0292] The one or more conversion (polymerization) steps to obtain one or more aqueous polymer dispersions comprising one or more emulsion polymers are defined in more detail in section

[6003] of reference RF1 entitled "Emulsion Polymerization".

[0293] The one or more conversion (polymerization) steps to obtain one or more aqueous polyurethane dispersions are defined in more detail in section

[6014] of reference RF1 entitled "Process for the preparation of aqueous polyurethane dispersions" and section

[6017] entitled "UV-curable aqueous polyurethane dispersions, their preparation and use and compositions containing them".

[0294] The one or more compositions and uses of one or more aqueous polymer dispersions and one or more polymeric dispersants are defined in more detail in the following sections of reference RF1:

[0295] section

[6004] entitled "Use of aqueous polymer dispersions",

[0296] Section entitled "Adhesives for building and construction coatings"

[6005]

[0297] Section entitled "Adhesives for paper coatings"

[6006]

[0298] Section entitled "Adhesives for fiber bonding"

[6007]

[0299] Section entitled "Adhesive polymers and adhesive compositions"

[6008]

[0300] Section entitled "Aqueous polyurethane dispersions suitable for coating compositions"

[6015]

[0301] Section entitled "Aqueous polyurethane-poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer dispersions suitable for coating compositions"

[6016]

[0302] Section entitled "Aqueous UV-curable polyurethane dispersions, their preparation and use, and compositions containing them"

[6017]

[0303] Section entitled "Inorganic adhesive compositions comprising polymeric dispersants and use thereof"

[6018]

[6019] 100% curable coating compositions.

[0304] One or more UV-crosslinkable poly(meth)acrylates and their use are defined in more detail in Section entitled "UV-crosslinkable poly(meth)acrylates for UV-curable solventless hot-melt adhesives and their use for the preparation of pressure sensitive self-adhesive articles"

[6009] of reference RF1.

[0305] One or more polyisocyanates, one or more compositions comprising the same and their use are defined in more detail in Section entitled "Polyisocyanates"

[6010] of reference RF1.

[0306] One or more hyperbranched polyester polyols and their use are defined in more detail in Section entitled "Organic solvent-based hyperbranched polyester polyols suitable for coating compositions"

[6011] of reference RF1. One or more conversion steps to obtain the hyperbranched polyester polyols are defined in more detail in Section entitled "Preparation of organic solvent-based hyperbranched polyester polyols"

[6012] of reference RF1. One or more coating compositions comprising one or more hyperbranched polyester polyols, one or more polyisocyanates and one or more additives and substrates coated therewith are defined in more detail in Section entitled "Two-component coating compositions based on organic solvents comprising hyperbranched polyester polyols and polyisocyanates"

[6013] of reference RF1.

[0307] One or more unsaturated polyester polyols, one or more solvent-based coating compositions comprising the unsaturated polyester polyols and one or more substrates for coating with the one or more coating compositions are defined in more detail in the section

[6018] of reference RF1 entitled "Organic solvent-based coating compositions comprising unsaturated polyester polyols".

[0308] One or more 100% curable coating compositions are defined in more detail in section

[6019] of reference RF1.

[0309] One or more polymeric dispersants for inorganic binder compositions are defined in more detail in section

[6020] of reference RF1. One or more inorganic binder compositions comprising polymeric dispersants and the use thereof are defined in more detail in section

[6021] of reference RF1. One or more conversion steps to obtain one or more polymeric dispersants are defined in more detail in section

[6020] of reference RF1. The term "inorganic binder composition" comprising one or more polymeric dispersants as used in the context of the product Omega herein preferably includes in particular hydraulic setting compositions and compositions comprising calcium sulphate and is defined in more detail in section

[6021] of reference RF1 entitled "Inorganic binder compositions comprising polymeric dispersants and the use thereof". Particular one or more construction material formulations comprising one or more polymeric dispersants or one or more construction products produced from construction material formulations comprising polymeric dispersants are disclosed in more detail in section

[6021] of reference RF1.

[0310] The term "cosmetic surfactant" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes nonionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7002] of reference RF1. The term "emollient" as used in the context of the product Omega herein refers to a compound used to protect, moisturize and / or lubricate the skin and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7003] of reference RF1. The term "wax" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes pearlescent and opacifying agents and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7004] of reference RF1. The term "cosmetic polymer" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes any polymer that can be used as an ingredient in a cosmetic formulation and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7005] of reference RF1. The term "UV filter" as used in the context of the product Omega herein refers to a compound that blocks or absorbs ultraviolet light and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7006] of reference RF1. The term "further cosmetic ingredient" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes any ingredient suitable for use in the preparation of a cosmetic formulation. Several sources disclose cosmetically acceptable ingredients. For example, the database Cosing on the internet page of the European Commission discloses cosmetic ingredients and the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook edited by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) discloses cosmetic ingredients. The term "compositions and / or formulations thereof" in relation to cosmetic surfactants, emollients, waxes, cosmetic polymers, UV filters and / or further cosmetic ingredients refers to personal care and / or cosmetic compositions or formulations defined in more detail in paragraph

[7007] of reference RF1. One or more conversion steps to obtain a cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter or further cosmetic ingredient are defined in more detail in paragraph

[7008] of reference RF1.

[0311] The terms "polymer B", "polymer composition B", "coating composition", "further functional composition", "foil", "molded body", "coating" and "coated substrate" are well known to the person skilled in the art and are defined in more detail in paragraphs

[8000] to

[8005] of reference RF1.

[0312] Third aspect - Coated cathode

[0313] A third aspect of the present application relates to a coated cathode comprising a coating based on a cathode active material dispersion according to the present application and an electrically conductive substrate.

[0314] All details, embodiments and preferences disclosed for the first aspect of the present application and the second aspect of the present application also apply to the third aspect of the present application.

[0315] In a preferred embodiment of the coated cathode, the electrically conductive substrate is an aluminum foil.

[0316] Fourth aspect - Method for preparing a coated cathode

[0317] A fourth aspect of the present application relates to a method for preparing a coated cathode, the method comprising

[0318] - applying a cathode active material dispersion according to the present application onto an electrically conductive substrate; and

[0319] - drying the coated electrically conductive substrate;

[0320] wherein the electrically conductive substrate is preferably an aluminum foil.

[0321] All details, embodiments and preferences disclosed for the first aspect of the present application, the second aspect of the present application and the third aspect of the present application also apply to the fourth aspect of the present application.

[0322] According to a further aspect, the present application relates to a method, preferably to a method as described above, the method (further) comprising the step of converting the coated cathode obtainable or obtained by the method described herein or the chemical material obtainable or obtained by the method described herein to obtain a product.

[0323] Preferably, the product is selected from the group consisting of:

[0324] - a building block or monomer; or

[0325] - a polymer, preferably a polymer A, a polymer composition, preferably a polymer composition A, or a polymeric product, preferably a polymeric product A; or

[0326] - a cleaning polymer, a cleaning surfactant, a soil release compound, a cleaning biocide or a composition or formulation thereof; or

[0327] - an agrochemical composition, an agrochemical formulation adjuvant or an agrochemical active ingredient; or

[0328] - an active pharmaceutical ingredient or an intermediate thereof, a pharmaceutical excipient, an animal feed additive, a human food additive, a dietary supplement, an aroma chemical or an aroma composition; or

[0329] - an aqueous polymeric dispersion, preferably a polyurethane or a polyurethane- poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymeric dispersion; an emulsion, a binder for paper and fiber coatings, a UV-curable acrylic polymer for hot melts and coatings, a polyisocyanate, a hyperbranched polyester polyol, a polymeric dispersant for inorganic binder compositions, an unsaturated polyester polyol or a 100% curable composition; or

[0330] - Cosmetic surfactants, emollients, waxes, cosmetic polymers, UV filters, other cosmetic ingredients, or combinations thereof or formulations thereof; or

[0331] - Polymer B, polymer composition B, coating composition, other functional composition, foil, molded body, coating or coated substrate.

[0332] The preferred method for obtaining product Ω is:

[0333] The content of coated cathode or chemical material in product Ω is 1 wt% or more, preferably 2 wt% or more, more preferably 5 wt% or more, more preferably 15 wt% or more, more preferably 30 wt% or more, more preferably 40 wt% or more, more preferably 60 wt% or more, more preferably 80 wt% or more, more preferably 90 wt% or more, more preferably 95 wt% or more; and / or

[0334] The content of coated cathode or chemical material in product Ω is 100 wt% or less, preferably 95 wt% or less, more preferably 90 wt% or less, more preferably 50 wt% or less, more preferably 25 wt% or less, more preferably 10 wt% or less; and

[0335] More preferably, the corresponding content is determined based on a chain of custody model of identity preservation and / or separation and / or quality balance and / or certificate declaration, preferably based on quality balance, and preferably based on the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.

[0336] Publication Prior Art Disclosure; Issue 684; Paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] ; ISSN: 2198-4786; Publication Date: February 12, 2024, shall be regarded as reference RF1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferably, the product Ω is the product as described in paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] of reference RF1. Preferably, the method described herein is further a method for producing the product.

[0337] The conversion step for obtaining product Ω preferably includes one or more steps as described below, and can be performed by conventional methods well known to those skilled in the art. The conversion step preferably includes one or more steps selected from the following:

[0338] Recycling, preferably depolymerization, gasification, pyrolysis and / or steam cracking; and / or

[0339] purification, preferably crystallization, (solvent) extraction, distillation, evaporation, hydrogen treatment, absorption, adsorption and / or subjecting to ion exchangers; and / or

[0340] assembly, preferably foaming, synthesis, chemical conversion, chemical transformation, polymerization and / or compounding; and / or

[0341] shaping, preferably foaming, extruding and / or molding; and / or

[0342] finishing, preferably coating and / or smoothing.

[0343] Further, one or more steps are described in detail in reference RF1 paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] .

[0344] The term "monomer" as used in the context of the product Ω herein includes molecules which can react with each other by polymerization to form a polymer chain. The monomers are preferably selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, salts of (meth)acrylic acid; in particular sodium, potassium and zinc salts; (meth)acrylaldehyde and (meth)acrylate esters. (Meth)acrylate esters comprising 1 to 22 carbon atoms, in particular comprising 1 to 8 carbon atoms, are preferred. The term (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylaldehyde or (meth)acrylate relates to acrylic acid, acrylaldehyde or acrylate ester and, where applicable, also to methacrylic acid, methacrylaldehyde or methacrylate ester. Furthermore, the monomers can be selected from hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid.

[0345] The building block can further be an intermediate compound. The term "intermediate compound" as used in the context of the product Ω herein includes organic reagents which are applied to form compounds with a higher molecular complexity. The intermediate compounds may, for example, be selected from the group consisting of phosgene, polyisocyanates and propylene oxide. The polyisocyanates are in particular aromatic diisocyanates and polyisocyanates, preferably toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and / or diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI).

[0346] The building blocks and the monomers and one or more typical conversion steps to obtain the building blocks or monomers are described in more detail in reference RF1 paragraphs

[1000] to

[1012] .

[0347] The term "polymer A" as used in the context of the product Ω herein includes thermoplastics (e.g. polyamides or thermoplastic polyurethanes), thermosets (e.g. polyurethanes), elastomers (e.g. polybutadiene) or copolymers or mixtures thereof and is defined in more detail in reference RF1 paragraphs

[2001] to

[2007] .

[0348] The term "polymer composition A" as used in the context of the product Ω herein includes all compositions comprising a polymer as described above and one or more additives (e.g. reinforcing agents, colorants, modifiers and / or flame retardants) and is more particularly defined in paragraph

[2008] of reference RF1.

[0349] The term "polymer product A" as used in the context of the product Ω herein includes any product comprising a polymer A and / or a polymer composition A as described above and is more particularly defined in paragraphs

[2009] and

[2010] of reference RF1.

[0350] One or more steps to obtain a polymer (preferably polymer A), a polymer composition (preferably polymer composition A) or a polymer product (preferably polymer product A) are more particularly described in paragraph

[2011] of reference RF1.

[0351] The term "industrial polymer" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes rheology, polycarboxylate, alkoxylated polyalkyleneamine, alkoxylated polyalkyleneimine, polyether, dye inhibition and soil release cleaning polymers as defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3035] to

[3044] of reference document RF1. The term "industrial surfactant" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes non-ionic, anionic and amphoteric industrial surfactants as defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3008] to

[3034] of reference document RF1. The term "industrial soil removal compound" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes non-phosphate based builders (NPB) and phosphonates (CoP) as described in more detail in paragraphs

[3001] to

[3005] of reference document RF1. The term "industrial biocide" as used in the context of the product Omega herein refers to a compound that kills or inhibits the growth or reproduction of microorganisms as defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3006] to

[3007] of reference document RF1. The term "industrial solvent" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes alkyl amides, alkyl lactamides, alkyl esters, lactate esters, alkyl diesters, cyclic alkyl diesters, cyclic carbonates, aromatic aldehydes and aromatic esters as defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3045] to

[3055] of reference document RF1. The term "industrial dispersant" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes anionic and non-ionic industrial dispersants as defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3056] to

[3058] of reference document RF1. The term "composition and / or formulation thereof" in relation to an industrial polymer, industrial surfactant, soil removal compound and / or industrial biocide refers to an industrial composition and / or institutional product and / or fabric and home care product and / or personal care product as defined in more detail in paragraph

[3059] of reference document RF1. One or more transformation steps to obtain an industrial polymer, industrial surfactant, soil removal compound and / or industrial biocide are defined in more detail in paragraph

[3060] of reference document RF1. Transformation steps of an industrial composition or formulation to obtain an industrial polymer, industrial surfactant, soil removal compound and / or industrial biocide are defined in more detail in paragraph

[3061] of reference document RF1.

[0352] The term "agrochemical composition" as used in the context of the product Omega herein typically relates to a composition comprising an agrochemically active ingredient and at least one agrochemical formulation auxiliary. Examples of agrochemical compositions, active ingredients and auxiliaries are described in more detail in paragraph

[4001] of reference document RF1.

[0353] The agrochemical compositions can be in the form of any conventional formulation. These agrochemical compositions are prepared in a known manner, for example as described by Mollet and Grubemann, Formulation technology, Wiley VCH, Weinheim, 2001, or Knowles, New developments in crop protection product formulation, Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005. One or more conversion steps to obtain the agrochemically active ingredient and the auxiliaries can be carried out analogously to one or more production steps of its analogues based on petrochemicals or other precursors not obtained by recycling processes. Furthermore, the conversion of the compounds mentioned in the sections "Polymers" and "Cosmetic surfactants, emollients, waxes, cosmetic polymers, UV filters, further cosmetic ingredients or compositions or formulations thereof" can be carried out as described in these sections and in the corresponding paragraphs of reference RF1.

[0354] The term active pharmaceutical ingredient and / or intermediates thereof as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes substances which provide pharmacological activities or other direct actions in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or to affect the structure or any function of the body. Intermediates are isolated products generated during a multi-step synthesis route of an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The term pharmaceutical excipient as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes compounds or mixtures of compounds used in compositions for a variety of pharmaceutical applications, which are themselves essentially non-pharmacologically active. Active pharmaceutical ingredient and / or intermediates thereof and pharmaceutical excipients are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5001] of reference RF1.

[0355] One or more conversion steps to obtain the active pharmaceutical ingredient and / or intermediates thereof and the pharmaceutical excipients can include one or more synthesis steps and can be carried out by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0356] The term animal feed additive, human food additive, dietary supplement as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes vitamins, provitamins and active metabolites thereof, including intermediates and precursors, especially vitamin A, B, E, D, K and esters thereof like acetate, propionate, palmitate or alcohols thereof like retinol or salts thereof and any combination thereof; tetraterpenes, especially isoprenoids like carotenoids and xanthophylls, including intermediates and precursors thereof and mixtures and derivatives thereof, especially beta-carotene, canthaxanthin, citranaxanthin, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, apo-carotenals and any combination thereof; organic acids, especially formic acid, propionic acid and salts thereof like sodium, calcium or ammonium salts and any combination thereof, such as but not limited to formic acid and sodium formate, propionic acid and ammonium propionate, formic acid and propionic acid, formic acid and sodium formate and mixtures of propionic acid, propionic acid and sodium propionate and formic acid and sodium formate; glycerol esters of carboxylic acids and short and medium chain fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid like omega-6 fatty acid (C18:2) methyl ester and 1,2-propanediol and beverage stabilizers like polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers or polyvinylimidazole / polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymers. Animal feed additives, human food additives and dietary supplements are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5002] of reference RF1.

[0357] The one or more conversion steps to obtain the animal feed additive, human food additive, dietary supplement can include one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0358] The term fragrance chemical and fragrance composition as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes volatile organic substances with a molecular weight between 70-250 g / mol, including a carbon skeleton of C5-C 16 atoms of carbon, the carbon skeleton including linear, branched, cyclic (e.g. ring size C5-C 18 ), bicyclic or tricyclic aliphatic chains, but not necessarily containing one or more unsaturated structural elements like double bonds, triple bonds, aromatic or heteroaromatic and preferably one or more further functional groups selected from alcohol, ether, ester, ketone, aldehyde, acetal, carboxylic acid, nitrile, thiol, amine. In one aspect, the fragrance chemical is a terpene-based fragrance chemical, for example selected from monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids, diterpenes, triterpenes or tetraterpenes. The fragrance chemical can be combined with further fragrance chemicals to obtain a fragrance composition. Fragrance chemicals and fragrance compositions are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5003] of reference RF1.

[0359] The one or more conversion steps to obtain the fragrance chemical and fragrance composition can include one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0360] The term "aqueous polymer dispersion" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes one or more aqueous compositions comprising one or more dispersed polymers and is defined in more detail in the section entitled "Aqueous Polymer Dispersions"

[6001] of reference RF1. The one or more dispersed polymers can be selected from one or more acrylic emulsion polymers, one or more styrene acrylic emulsion polymers, one or more styrene butadiene dispersions, one or more aqueous dispersions comprising composite particles, one or more acrylate alkyd hybrid dispersions, one or more polyurethanes (including UV-curable polyurethanes) and one or more polyurethane-poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymers. The term "emulsion polymer" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes one or more polymers made by free radical emulsion polymerization. The one or more aqueous polyurethane dispersions are defined in more detail in the section entitled "Polyurethane Dispersions"

[6002] of reference RF1. The one or more UV-curable polyurethanes are defined in more detail in section

[6017] of reference RF1. The one or more polyurethane-poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymers are defined in more detail in section

[6016] of reference RF1.

[0361] The term "polymeric dispersant" as used in the context of the product Omega herein preferably includes one or more polymers comprising polyether side chains, in particular one or more polycarboxylate ether polymers and one or more condensation products as defined in more detail in paragraph

[6020] of reference RF1 entitled "Polymeric Dispersants".

[0362] The one or more conversion (polymerization) steps to obtain one or more aqueous polymer dispersions comprising one or more emulsion polymers are defined in more detail in section

[6003] of reference RF1 entitled "Emulsion Polymerization".

[0363] The one or more conversion (polymerization) steps to obtain one or more aqueous polyurethane dispersions are defined in more detail in section

[6014] of reference RF1 entitled "Process for the preparation of aqueous polyurethane dispersions" and section

[6017] entitled "UV-curable aqueous polyurethane dispersions, their preparation and use and compositions containing them".

[0364] The one or more compositions and uses of one or more aqueous polymer dispersions and one or more polymeric dispersants are defined in more detail in the following sections of reference RF1:

[0365] section

[6004] entitled "Use of aqueous polymer dispersions",

[0366] Section entitled "Adhesives for building and construction coatings"

[6005]

[0367] Section entitled "Adhesives for paper coatings"

[6006]

[0368] Section entitled "Adhesives for fiber bonding"

[6007]

[0369] Section entitled "Adhesive polymers and adhesive compositions"

[6008]

[0370] Section entitled "Aqueous polyurethane dispersions suitable for coating compositions"

[6015]

[0371] Section entitled "Aqueous polyurethane-poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer dispersions suitable for coating compositions"

[6016]

[0372] Section entitled "Aqueous UV-curable polyurethane dispersions, their preparation and use, and compositions containing them"

[6017]

[0373] Section entitled "Inorganic adhesive compositions comprising polymeric dispersants and use thereof"

[6018]

[6019] 100% curable coating compositions.

[0374] One or more UV-crosslinkable poly(meth)acrylates and their use are defined in more detail in Section entitled "UV-crosslinkable poly(meth)acrylates for UV-curable solventless hot-melt adhesives and their use for the preparation of pressure sensitive self-adhesive articles"

[6009] of reference RF1.

[0375] One or more polyisocyanates, one or more compositions comprising them and their use are defined in more detail in Section entitled "Polyisocyanates"

[6010] of reference RF1.

[0376] One or more hyperbranched polyester polyols and their use are defined in more detail in Section entitled "Organic solvent-based hyperbranched polyester polyols suitable for coating compositions"

[6011] of reference RF1. One or more conversion steps to obtain the hyperbranched polyester polyols are defined in more detail in Section entitled "Preparation of organic solvent-based hyperbranched polyester polyols"

[6012] of reference RF1. One or more coating compositions comprising one or more hyperbranched polyester polyols, one or more polyisocyanates and one or more additives and substrates coated therewith are defined in more detail in Section entitled "Organic solvent-based two-component coating compositions comprising hyperbranched polyester polyols and polyisocyanates"

[6013] of reference RF1.

[0377] One or more unsaturated polyester polyols, one or more solvent-based coating compositions comprising the unsaturated polyester polyols and one or more substrates for coating with the one or more coating compositions are defined in more detail in the section

[6018] of reference RF1 entitled "Organic solvent-based coating compositions comprising unsaturated polyester polyols".

[0378] One or more 100% curable coating compositions are defined in more detail in section

[6019] of reference RF1.

[0379] One or more polymeric dispersants for inorganic binder compositions are defined in more detail in section

[6020] of reference RF1. One or more inorganic binder compositions comprising polymeric dispersants and the use thereof are defined in more detail in section

[6021] of reference RF1. One or more conversion steps to obtain one or more polymeric dispersants are defined in more detail in section

[6020] of reference RF1. The term "inorganic binder composition" comprising one or more polymeric dispersants as used in the context of the product Omega herein preferably includes in particular hydraulic setting compositions and compositions comprising calcium sulphate and is defined in more detail in section

[6021] of reference RF1 entitled "Inorganic binder compositions comprising polymeric dispersants and the use thereof". Particular one or more construction material formulations comprising one or more polymeric dispersants or one or more construction products produced from construction material formulations comprising polymeric dispersants are disclosed in more detail in section

[6021] of reference RF1.

[0380] The term "cosmetic surfactant" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes nonionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7002] of reference RF1. The term "emollient" as used in the context of the product Omega herein refers to a compound used to protect, moisturize and / or lubricate the skin and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7003] of reference RF1. The term "wax" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes pearlescent and opacifying agents and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7004] of reference RF1. The term "cosmetic polymer" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes any polymer that can be used as an ingredient in a cosmetic formulation and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7005] of reference RF1. The term "UV filter" as used in the context of the product Omega herein refers to a compound that blocks or absorbs ultraviolet light and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7006] of reference RF1. The term "further cosmetic ingredient" as used in the context of the product Omega herein includes any ingredient suitable for use in the preparation of a cosmetic formulation. Several sources disclose cosmetically acceptable ingredients. For example, the database Cosing on the internet page of the European Commission discloses cosmetic ingredients and the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook edited by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) discloses cosmetic ingredients. The term "compositions and / or formulations thereof" in relation to cosmetic surfactants, emollients, waxes, cosmetic polymers, UV filters and / or further cosmetic ingredients refers to personal care and / or cosmetic compositions or formulations defined in more detail in paragraph

[7007] of reference RF1. One or more conversion steps to obtain a cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter or further cosmetic ingredient are defined in more detail in paragraph

[7008] of reference RF1.

[0381] The terms "polymer B", "polymer composition B", "coating composition", "other functional composition", "foil", "molded body", "coating" and "coated substrate" are well known to the person skilled in the art and are defined in more detail in paragraphs

[8000] to

[8005] of reference RF1.

[0382] Fifth aspect - Lithium ion battery

[0383] A fifth aspect of the present application relates to a lithium-ion battery comprising at least one cathode according to the third aspect of the present application or a cathode obtained or obtainable as from the method of the fourth aspect of the present application.

[0384] All details, embodiments and preferred embodiments disclosed for the first aspect of the application, the second aspect of the application, the third aspect of the application and the fourth aspect of the application also apply to the fifth aspect of the application.

[0385] Sixth aspect - Use of a cathode active material dispersion

[0386] The sixth aspect of the application relates to the use of the cathode active material dispersion according to the application for the production of a coated cathode for a lithium ion battery.

[0387] According to the sixth aspect, the application also relates to a method for the production of a coated cathode for a lithium ion battery, the method comprising applying a cathode active material dispersion to an electrically conductive substrate.

[0388] All details, embodiments and preferred embodiments disclosed for the first aspect of the application, the second aspect of the application, the third aspect of the application, the fourth aspect of the application and the fifth aspect of the application also apply to the sixth aspect of the application.

[0389] Seventh aspect - Sodium ion battery

[0390] The seventh aspect of the application relates to a sodium ion battery comprising at least one cathode according to the application.

[0391] All details, embodiments and preferred embodiments disclosed for the first aspect of the application, the second aspect of the application, the third aspect of the application, the fourth aspect of the application, the fifth aspect of the application and the sixth aspect of the application also apply to the seventh aspect of the application.

[0392] Eighth aspect - Use of a cathode active material dispersion for preparing a coated cathode for a sodium ion battery Figure 1

[0393] The eighth aspect of the application relates to the use of the cathode active material dispersion according to the application for the production of a coated cathode for a sodium ion battery.

[0394] According to the eighth aspect, the application also relates to a method for the production of a coated cathode for a sodium ion battery, the method comprising applying a cathode active material dispersion to an electrically conductive substrate.

[0395] All details, embodiments and preferred embodiments disclosed for the first aspect of the application, the second aspect of the application, the third aspect of the application, the fourth aspect of the application, the fifth aspect of the application, the sixth aspect of the application and the seventh aspect of the application also apply to the eighth aspect of the application.

[0396] The application provides one or more of the following advantages:

[0397] - The cathode active material dispersion according to the present application can incorporate a high amount of cathode active material.

[0398] - The cathode active material dispersion of the present application has a low viscosity.

[0399] - The cathode active material dispersion of the present application has a high storage stability as evidenced by the viscosity after 24 hours of storage.

[0400] The present application is further illustrated by the following groups of examples and combinations of examples resulting from the dependencies and cross-references as indicated. In particular, it should be noted that in each case where a series of examples is mentioned, for example in the context of the term "cathode active material dispersion as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4", each example of this series is intended to be explicitly disclosed to the skilled person, i.e. the wording of this term is to be understood by the skilled person as synonymous to "cathode active material dispersion as described in any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3 and 4". Further, it should be explicitly noted that the following groups of examples represent appropriate structural parts of the general description of preferred aspects of the present application and thus appropriately support but do not represent the claims of the present application.

[0401] 1. A cathode active material dispersion comprising

[0402] a. at least one cathode active material;

[0403] b. at least one carbon-based conductive material;

[0404] c. at least one dispersant;

[0405] d. at least one binder; and

[0406] e. a dispersion medium;

[0407] wherein the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising:

[0408] - at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and / or a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphorylating agent with at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0409] - at least one phosphorylating agent and / or a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphorylating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group;

[0410] - optionally at least one compound having one hydroxyl group;

[0411] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of polyglycerol, modified polyglycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyester, polyether, polyether-ester copolymer and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0412] 2. The cathode active material dispersion according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of polyglycerol, modified polyglycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0413] 3. The cathode active material dispersion according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a polyglycerol having repeat monomer units in the range of 3 to 20 and a hydroxyl number in the range of 700-1500 mg KOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2.

[0414] 4. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a modified polyglycerol copolymer obtainable by reacting e-caprolactone with a polyglycerol having repeat monomer units in the range of 3 to 20; wherein the e-caprolactone-polyglycerol copolymer has a hydroxyl number in the range of 300-800 mg KOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2.

[0415] 5. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a modified polyglycerol copolymer obtainable by reacting ethylhexyl glycidyl ether with a polyglycerol having repeat monomer units in the range of 3 to 20; wherein the copolymer has a hydroxyl number in the range of 300-800 mg KOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2.

[0416] 6. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a polyvinyl alcohol having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 5,000 to 500,000 g / mol according to DIN 55672-2.

[0417] 7. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a polyacrylate selected from poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) or poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate-co-butyl acrylate) having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 1000 g / mol to 50,000 g / mol according to DIN 55672-1 and a hydroxyl number in the range of 200-500 mg KOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2.

[0418] 8. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from a polyester, a polyether or a polyether-polyester copolymer.

[0419] 9. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a homo-δ-gluconolactone having a weight average molecular weight of 500 g / mol to 2,000 g / mol determined according to DIN 55672-2 and a hydroxyl number in the range of 800-1200 mgKOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2.

[0420] 10. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a copolymer obtained or obtainable by polymerization of δ-gluconolactone with ε-caprolactone having a weight average molecular weight of 500 g / mol to 5,000 g / mol determined according to DIN 55672-2 and a hydroxyl number in the range of 500-1000 mgKOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2.

[0421] 11. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is a hyperbranched polyester having a weight average molecular weight of 1000 g / mol to 5,000 g / mol determined according to DIN 55672-1 and a hydroxyl number in the range of 300-800 mgKOH / g according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2.

[0422] 12. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture, preferably from the reaction of a mixture, comprising

[0423] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0424] at least one phosphonating agent;

[0425] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the polyols as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 11.

[0426] 13. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising

[0427] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups;

[0428] at least one phosphonating agent; and

[0429] at least one further polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; or

[0430] at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group;

[0431] or

[0432] is obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising

[0433] at least one dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group; and

[0434] at least one dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; or

[0435] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and at least one phosphating agent;

[0436] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and the at least one further polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups are independently selected from the polyols as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 11.

[0437] 14. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a reaction, preferably from the reaction, of a mixture comprising

[0438] at least two polyols each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0439] at least one phosphating agent;

[0440] wherein the at least two polyols each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups are independently selected from the polyols as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 11.

[0441] 15. The cathode active material dispersion according to embodiment 14, wherein the at least two polyols each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups are mixed in a ratio in the range of 1 : 10 to 10 : 1 by weight, preferably in the range of 1 : 5 to 5 : 1, more preferably in the range of 1 : 3 to 3 : 1.

[0442] 16. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a reaction, preferably from the reaction, of a mixture comprising

[0443] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0444] at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group; and

[0445] at least one phosphating agent;

[0446] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is selected from the polyols as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 12.

[0447] 17. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12 or 16, wherein the at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group has the formula R-OH

[0448] wherein:

[0449] R is selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C4to C22alkyl, linear or branched C4to C22alkenyl, C6to C12cycloalkyl, C7to C12aralkyl, a group having the formula C m H 2m+1 (O-C n H 2n ) x a group having the formula C m H 2m+1 [O-C(=O)-C v H 2v ] x a group having the formula C m H 2m+1 (O-C n H 2n ) x [O-C(=O)-C v H 2v ] y ,

[0450] wherein for each group:

[0451] m is an integer selected from the range of 1 to 22,

[0452] n is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 4,

[0453] x, y are independently integers selected from the range of 1 to 25, and

[0454] v is an integer selected from the range of 4 to 6.

[0455] 18. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12 or 16 or 17, wherein the at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group is a polymer having 1 hydroxyl group, preferably selected from a polyester, a polyether or a polyether-polyester copolymer.

[0456] 19. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12 or 16 to 18, wherein the at least one compound having 1 hydroxyl group is a mono Ci to C5 alkyl ether of a poly(C2 to C5 alkylene glycol) having 1 hydroxyl group, preferably having repeat monomer units in the range of 3 to 25, more preferably a monomethyl ether of a polyethylene glycol having repeat monomer units in the range of 5 to 15.

[0457] 20. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12 or 16 to 19, wherein the at least one polymer having 1 hydroxyl group is a polyether- polyester copolymer, preferably based on a lactone and a monohydroxy polyether, wherein the lactone is preferably selected from the group consisting of propiolactone, delta-valerolactone, gamma-valerolactone and epsilon-caprolactone, and the monohydroxy polyether is preferably a poly(Ci to C5 alkylene glycol) mono Ci to C5 alkyl ether having repeat monomer units in the range of 3 to 20, wherein more preferably the at least one polymer having 1 hydroxyl group is a polyether-polyester copolymer based on epsilon-caprolactone and tri(ethylene glycol) monoethyl ether.

[0458] 21. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12 or 16 to 20, wherein the at least one polyol each having at least 2 hydroxyl groups and the at least one polymer having 1 hydroxyl group are mixed in a ratio in the range of 1 : 10 to 10 : 1, preferably in the range of 1 : 5 to 5 : 1, more preferably in the range of 1 : 3 to 3 : 1, based on weight.

[0459] 22. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture, preferably from the reaction of the mixture, the mixture comprising

[0460] at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups;

[0461] at least one phosphating agent; and

[0462] a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group;

[0463] wherein the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 12, and the dispersant is as defined in any one of embodiments 15 to 20.

[0464] 23. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the at least one dispersant is obtained or obtainable from a mixture comprising

[0465] - a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups; and

[0466] - a dispersant obtained or obtainable from the reaction of at least one phosphating agent with a compound having one hydroxyl group;

[0467] wherein the dispersant is a dispersant as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 20.

[0468] 24. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the at least one phosphating agent is selected from polyphosphoric acid and diphosphorus pentoxide.

[0469] 25. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups relative to the at least one phosphating agent is in the range of 5 : 1 to 1 : 5.

[0470] 26. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the acid value of the at least one dispersant is in the range of 200 mgKOH / g to 1000 mgKOH / g according to DIN 53402:1990-09.

[0471] 27. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the content of the at least one dispersant is in the range of 0.01 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0472] 28. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein the at least one cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO).

[0473] 29. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the at least one cathode active material is lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

[0474] 30. The cathode active material dispersion according to embodiment 29, wherein the content of the at least one cathode active material is in the range of 30 wt.% to 80 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0475] 31. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the at least one cathode active material is selected from the group consisting of Na0. Ni0.22Co0.11Mn0.66O2, the polyanion compound Na3V2(P04)3, and Na0.44MnO.44Fe0.12O2. x Fe2(CN)6.

[0476] 32. The cathode active material dispersion according to embodiment 31, wherein the content of the at least one cathode active material is in the range of 30 wt.% to 80 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0477] 33. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the at least one carbon-based conductive material is selected from the group consisting of carbon black, graphite, and carbon nanotubes.

[0478] 34. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 33, wherein the content of the at least one carbon-based conductive material is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0479] 35. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 34, wherein the at least one binder is polyvinylidene fluoride.

[0480] 36. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein the content of the at least one binder is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0481] 37. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 36, wherein the dispersion medium is selected from the group consisting of NMP and water.

[0482] 38. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 37, wherein the content of the dispersion medium is in the range of 5.0 wt.% to 50.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0483] 39. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38, wherein the viscosity of the cathode active material dispersion calculated after 1 hour of preparation is in the range of 10 s -1 below to 100,000 mPas according to DIN 51810-2.

[0484] 40. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 39, wherein the viscosity increase of the cathode active material dispersion during a period of time from 1 hour to 24 hours after its preparation according to DIN 51810-2 is in the range of 5.0% to 100.0%.

[0485] 41. A method for preparing the cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40, the method comprising

[0486] - mixing the at least one cathode active material, the at least one carbon-based conductive material, the dispersion medium and the at least one binder; and

[0487] - adding the at least one dispersant as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 26 to the mixture obtained in the preceding step and homogenizing the mixture.

[0488] 42. The method according to embodiment 41, wherein the at least one cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO).

[0489] 43. The method according to embodiment 41 or 42, wherein the content of the at least one cathode active material is in the range of 30 wt.% to 80 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0490] 44. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the at least one carbon-based conductive material is selected from carbon black, graphite and carbon nanotubes.

[0491] 45. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein the content of the at least one carbon-based conductive material is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0492] 46. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 45, wherein the at least one binder is polyvinylidene fluoride.

[0493] 47. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 46, wherein the content of the at least one binder is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion of 100 wt.%.

[0494] 48. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 47, wherein the dispersion medium is selected from NMP and water.

[0495] 49. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 48, wherein the content of the at least one dispersant in the cathode active material dispersion is in the range of 0.01 wt.% to 5.0 wt.%.

[0496] 50. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 49, wherein the viscosity of the cathode active material dispersion calculated 1 hour after preparation according to DIN 51810-2 is in the range of 10 s -1 to 100,000 mPas.

[0497] 51. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 50, wherein the viscosity increase of the cathode active material dispersion during a period of time from 1 hour to 24 hours from its preparation is in the range of 5.0% to 100.0%.

[0498] 52. A coated cathode comprising a coating based on the cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 51 and an electrically conductive substrate.

[0499] 53. The coated cathode according to embodiment 52, wherein the electrically conductive substrate is an aluminum foil.

[0500] 54. A method for preparing a coated cathode, the method comprising

[0501] a. coating the cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40 onto an electrically conductive substrate; and

[0502] b. drying the coated electrically conductive substrate;

[0503] wherein the electrically conductive substrate is preferably an aluminum foil.

[0504] 55. A lithium ion battery comprising at least one coated cathode according to embodiment 52 or 53 or a coated cathode obtained or obtainable as described by the method of embodiment 56.

[0505] 56. Use of the cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40 for the preparation of a coated cathode for a lithium ion battery.

[0506] 57. A sodium ion battery comprising at least one coated cathode according to embodiment 52 or 53 or a coated cathode obtained or obtainable as described by the method of embodiment 54.

[0507] 58. Use of the cathode active material dispersion according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40 for the preparation of a coated cathode for a sodium ion battery.

[0508] 59. A method, preferably according to any one of embodiments 41 to 51 or 54, comprising the step of converting the cathode active material dispersion obtainable or obtained by the method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 51 or the coated cathode obtainable or obtained by the method according to embodiment 54 or the chemical material obtainable or obtained by the method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 51 or 54 to obtain a product.

[0509] 60. The method according to embodiment 59, wherein the product is selected from the group consisting of:

[0510] - a building block or monomer; or

[0511] - a polymer, preferably polymer A, a polymer composition, preferably polymer composition A, or a polymer product, preferably polymer product A; or

[0512] - a cleaning polymer, a cleaning surfactant, a soil release compound, a cleaning biocide or a composition or formulation thereof; or

[0513] - an agrochemical composition, an agrochemical formulation adjuvant or an agrochemical active ingredient; or

[0514] - an active pharmaceutical ingredient or an intermediate thereof, a pharmaceutical excipient, an animal feed additive, a human food additive, a dietary supplement, a fragrance chemical or a fragrance composition; or

[0515] - an aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably a polyurethane or a polyurethane- poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer dispersion; an emulsion, a binder for paper and fiber coatings, a UV-curable acrylic polymer for hot melts and coatings, a polyisocyanate, a hyperbranched polyester polyol, a polymeric dispersant for inorganic binder compositions, an unsaturated polyester polyol or a 100% curable composition; or

[0516] - a cosmetic surfactant, an emollient, a wax, a cosmetic polymer, a UV filter, a further cosmetic ingredient or a composition or formulation thereof; or

[0517] - a polymer B, a polymer composition B, a coating composition, a further functional composition, a foil, a molded body, a coating or a coated substrate.

[0518] 61. The method according to embodiment 59 or 60,

[0519] wherein the content of the cathode active material dispersion or the coated cathode or the chemical material in the product Ω is 1 wt-% or more, preferably 2 wt-% or more, more preferably 5 wt-% or more, more preferably 15 wt-% or more, more preferably 30 wt-% or more, more preferably 40 wt-% or more, more preferably 60 wt-% or more, more preferably 80 wt-% or more, more preferably 90 wt-% or more, more preferably 95 wt-% or more; and / or

[0520] wherein the content of the cathode active material dispersion or the coated cathode or the chemical material in the product Ω is 100 wt-% or less, preferably 95 wt-% or less, more preferably 90 wt-% or less, more preferably 50 wt-% or less, more preferably 25 wt-% or less, more preferably 10 wt-% or less; and

[0521] Preferably, wherein the content is determined based on an identity preservation and / or segregation and / or mass balance and / or certificate declaration chain of custody model, preferably based on a mass balance, preferably the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.

[0522] While the application has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is apparent that many modifications and equivalents thereof will be suggested to those skilled in the art and are intended to be included in the scope of the application. Examples

[0523] The application is illustrated in detail by the following non-limiting working examples. More particularly, the test methods specified hereinafter are part of the general disclosure of the present application and are not limited to the specific working examples.

[0524] Materials

[0525] In the examples the following materials were used:

[0526]

[0527] Molecular weight data were obtained by gel permeation chromatography in dimethylacetamide (DMAC) using polystyrene standards for calibration according to the supplier.

[0528] Method

[0529] Molecular weight: Mw was determined according to DIN 55672-2.

[0530] Acid value: The acid value was determined according to DIN 53402:1990-09.

[0531] Viscosity: The viscosity is determined by analogy to DIN 53019-1 :2008-09 using a Thermo-Haake RheoStress 600 device in CR mode at 22 °C and a shear rate (rotor CP50) of 1 sec -1

[0532] Hydroxyl number: The hydroxyl number is determined according to DIN EN ISO 4692-2.

[0533] In the case of synthetic polymers, the properties of the active polymer (active substance) (i.e. the polymer separated from the solvent) such as acid number and hydroxyl number are determined. Thus, the acid number and the hydroxyl number of the active polymer and not of its delivery form (delivery form = polymer + solvent) are determined.

[0534] Example 1 : Preparation of a polyol

[0535] The commercially available polyols Al and A2 are dried by purging with dry nitrogen at 120 °C for 2 hours.

[0536] A) Preparation of polyol A3

[0537] The reaction mixture containing 100.0 g polyol Al, 40.0 g ε-caprolactone and 0.1 g titanium (IV) butoxide is stirred at 170 °C until the solid content of the reaction mixture is > 98% according to DIN 53715:1991-05. A solid polyol polymer with a hydroxyl number of 670-700 mgKOH / g and a weight average molecular weight of 1850 g / mol is obtained.

[0538] B) Preparation of polyol A4

[0539] The reaction mixture containing 100.0 g polyol A2, 40.0 g 2-ethyl-hexyl glycidyl ether and 0.1 g ethoxycarbonylmethyltriphenylphosphonium bromide is stirred at 170 °C until the epoxy titration value is 0%. A solid polyol with a hydroxyl number of 620-650 mgKOH / g and a weight average molecular weight of 2150 g / mol is obtained.

[0540] C) Preparation of polyol Bl

[0541] At room temperature, 50.0 g δ-gluconolactone is dissolved in 50.0 g N-methyl- pyrrolidone under stirring. 0.05 g butyltin hydroxide oxide is added and the reaction mixture is heated at 170 °C for 6 hours. A viscous homo gluconolactone polymer (active polymer) with a hydroxyl number of 1150 mgKOH / g and a weight molecular weight of 1250 g / mol is obtained.

[0542] ​D) Preparation of polyol B2

[0543] At room temperature, 50.0 g of δ-gluconolactone, 50.0 g of ε-caprolactone were dissolved in 100.0 g of N-methyl-pyrrolidone under stirring. 0.1 g of butyltin oxide hydroxide was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 170°C until the solid content of the mixture was > 98% (0.5 g, 200°C for 10 min). A viscous polyol solution (active polymer) with an OH value of 550 mg KOH / g and a weight molecular weight of 1650 g / mol was obtained.

[0544] E) Preparation of polyol F2

[0545] A mixture of 100 g of polyol F1, 50 g of e-caprolactone and 0.1 g of titanium (IV) butoxide was stirred at 170°C until the solid content was > 98% (0.5 g, 200°C for 10 min). A liquid polyol polymer with an OH value of 360 mg KOH / g and a weight molecular weight of 350 g / mol was obtained.

[0546] Example 2: Preparation of dispersants D1 -D17

[0547] General procedure I:

[0548] The polyol and the N-methyl pyrrolidone were mixed and the mixture was dried by purging dry nitrogen at 100°C for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled to 80°C and then the phosphoric acid agent was added slowly. During this period the addition rate of the phosphoric acid agent was controlled in such a way that the internal temperature of the reaction mixture did not increase more than 100°C. After complete addition of the phosphoric acid agent the reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C for 4 hours.

[0549] The amounts of polyol, solvent and phosphoric acid agent used for the preparation of the dispersants D1 -D17 are given in Table 1.

[0550] Table 1 : Dispersants 1 -17

[0551]

[0552] Example 3: Preparation of conductive material dispersions

[0553] The conductive material dispersions were prepared as described below, wherein all conductive material dispersions prepared had a solid content of 65 weight-% based on the total weight of the dispersion of 100 weight-%:

[0554] A mixture containing 61.0 g LFP active material (DY-3, Shenzhen Defang Nanometer Technology Co., Ltd.), 2.0 g carbon-based conductive material (Denka Black Li400, Denki Kagaku K.K.), 2.0 g Solef 5130 (PVDF binder, Solvay) and solvent NMP (here 35 g NMP for a dispersion with 50 wt-% active material, 34.74 g NMP for a dispersion with 25 wt-% active material, 33.96 g NMP for a dispersion with 10 wt-% active material) was mixed thoroughly with a speedmix (2000 rpm) for 30 min.

[0555] The dispersion (0.26 g for a dispersion with 50 wt-% active material, 0.52 g for a dispersion with 25 wt-% active material, 1.3 g for a dispersion with 10 wt-% active material) was added to the mixture and the resulting mixture was subjected to thorough mixing with a speedmix (2000 rpm) for 30 min.

[0556] Table 2: Properties of conductive material dispersions

[0557]

[0558] Comparative dispersion 1 was prepared according to EP 0417490 A2 example no. 12.

[0559] As is evident from table 2, the performance of dispersions D1-D17 is very good in general. The dispersions of the present application provide dispersions with low viscosity.

[0560] These dispersions show a lower increase in viscosity after 24 hours of storage compared to the dispersion made without dispersion (blank) and the dispersion made from comparative dispersion 1. Thus, the dispersions of the present application provide dispersions with high stability after 24 h of storage.

[0561] Example 4: Preparation of dispersions D18-D21

[0562] General procedure II: The mixture of polyols or the mixture of polyols and compounds with 1 hydroxyl group was stirred at 60 °C, followed by slow addition of the phosphorus acid agent. During this period, the rate of addition of the phosphorus acid agent was controlled in such a way that the internal temperature of the reaction mixture did not increase more than 80 °C. After complete addition of the phosphorus acid agent, the reaction mixture was stirred at 80 °C for 4 hours. The amount of polyol(s) used for the preparation of dispersions D18-D21, the polymer with 1 hydroxyl group and the phosphorus acid agent is shown in table 3.

[0563] Table 3: Dispersants D18-D21

[0564]

[0565] Example 5: Preparation of dispersant D22

[0566] 60 g of comparative dispersant 1 (prepared according to EP 0417490 A2 example no. 12) and 16 g of polyol Al were stirred in a reactor at 60 °C, then 24 g of polyphosphoric acid were slowly added to keep the internal temperature of the reaction mixture from rising above 80 °C. After complete addition of the polyphosphoric acid, the reaction mixture was stirred at 80 °C for 4 hours. Finally, a viscous dispersant D22 having 100 wt.-% active substance and an acid value of 595 mg KOH / g was obtained. The amount of polyol(s) used for the preparation of dispersant D22, comparative dispersant 1 and the phosphating agent are also shown in table 4.

[0567] Table 4: Dispersant D22

[0568]

[0569] Example 6: Preparation of dispersant D23

[0570] 50 g of comparative dispersant 1 (prepared according to EP 0417490 A2 example no. 12), 50 g of NMP and 50 g of D13 (itself having 50 wt.-% active substance in the dispersion) were stirred in a reactor at 60 °C for 1 h. Finally, a viscous dispersant D23 having 50 wt.-% active substance and having an acid value of 585 mg KOH / g active polymer was obtained. The amount of dispersant D13, comparative dispersant 1 and NMP used for the preparation of dispersant D23 are also shown in table 5.

[0571] Table 5: Dispersant D23

[0572]

[0573] Example 7: Preparation of conductive material dispersions

[0574] The conductive material dispersions were prepared as described below, wherein all conductive material dispersions prepared had a solids content of 65 wt.-% based on the total weight of the dispersion being 100 wt.-% in the dispersion:

[0575] First, a mixture of 61 g LFP active material (DY-3, Shenzhen Defang Nanometer Technology Co., Ltd.), 2 g carbon-based conductive material (Denka Black Li400, Denki Kagaku K.K.) and 2 g Solef 5130 (PVDF binder, Solvay) was mixed with speedmix (2000 rpm) for 10 min. Then, solvent NMP was added (here, 35.13 g NMP for a dispersion with 100 wt-% active material, 35 g NMP for a dispersion with 50 wt-% active material, 34.74 g NMP for a dispersion with 25 wt-% active material, 33.96 g NMP for a dispersion with 10 wt-% active material).

[0576] The dispersion (0.13 g for a dispersion with 100 wt-% active material, 0.26 g for a dispersion with 50 wt-% active material, 0.52 g for a dispersion with 25 wt-% active material, 1.3 g for a dispersion with 10 wt-% active material) was added and kept in speedmix (2500 rpm) for 30 min. A conductive material dispersion was obtained.

[0577] The performance of the dispersions was overall very good with low viscosity and even more stable after 24 h storage (lower increase in viscosity) compared to the comparative examples (Table 6). It can also be seen that both dispersions D18 and D20 prepared with the addition of compound G1 having 1 OH group show still better performance due to the lower increase in viscosity after 24 h storage compared to dispersions D19, D21 using a polyol mixture.

[0578] Table 6: Properties of conductive material dispersions

[0579]

[0580] Comparative dispersion 1 was prepared according to EP 0417490 A2 example no. 12.

[0581] Example 8: Preparation of batteries and testing thereof

[0582] The conductive material dispersions made from dispersions D1, D13 and blank were each applied on an aluminum foil with a wet thickness of 300 pm and dried at 105 °C for 8 h to form a cathode film. Then, one lithium ion battery was manufactured for cyclic voltammetry testing to determine the electrochemical stability of the dispersion polymer (results shown in Table 7). ​The results show that the electrochemical stability of the functional polymer is acceptable, i.e. no significant visible peaks up to 4.8 V for cathode films based on dispersants D1, D13 compared to cathode films made from the blank formulation.

Claims

1. A cathode active material dispersion comprising... a. At least one cathode active material; b. At least one carbon-based conductive material; c. At least one dispersant; d. at least one adhesive; and e. Dispersion medium; The at least one dispersant is obtained or is available from a mixture comprising: - At least one polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and / or a dispersant obtained or available by reacting at least one phosphorylating agent with at least one polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups; and - At least one phosphorylating agent and / or a dispersant obtained or available by reacting at least one phosphorylating agent with a compound having a hydroxyl group; -Optionally, at least one compound having a hydroxyl group; The at least one polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of: polyglycerol, modified polyglycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyester, polyether, polyether-ester copolymer, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

2. The cathode active material dispersion according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one phosphorylating agent is selected from polyphosphates and phosphorus pentoxide.

3. The cathode active material dispersion according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The weight ratio of the at least one polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups to the at least one phosphorylating agent is in the range of 5:1 to 1:5; and / or The content of the at least one dispersant is in the range of 0.01 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the cathode active material dispersion.

4. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The acid value of the at least one dispersant is in the range of 200 mg KOH / g to 1000 mg (KOH) / g according to DIN 53402:1990-09.

5. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium iron manganese phosphate (LMFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO). The at least one cathode active material is preferably lithium iron phosphate (LFP); or The at least one cathode active material is selected from NaO, NiO, 22CoO, 11MnO, 66O2, polyanionic compounds Na3V2(PO4)3, and Na x Fe2(CN)6.

6. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The at least one carbon-based conductive material is selected from carbon black, graphite, graphene, and carbon nanotubes; And / or, preferably, wherein the at least one adhesive is polyvinylidene fluoride; And / or, preferably, wherein the dispersion medium is selected from NMP and water.

7. The cathode active material dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, According to DIN 51810-2, the viscosity of the cathode active material dispersion, calculated one hour after preparation, is within 10 s⁻¹. -1 Below the range of 1000 to 100,000 mPas; and / or, preferably and According to DIN 51810-2, the viscosity of the cathode active material dispersion increases by 5.0% to 100.0% during the period from 1 hour to 24 hours after its preparation.

8. A method for preparing a cathode active material dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: - The at least one cathode active material, the at least one carbon-based conductive material, the dispersion medium, and the at least one binder are mixed; and - Add the at least one dispersant according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to the mixture obtained in the previous step and homogenize the mixture.

9. A coated cathode comprising a coating based on a cathode active material dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a conductive substrate; wherein the conductive substrate is preferably aluminum foil.

10. A method for preparing a coated cathode, the method comprising: a. Coating the cathode active material dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 7 onto a conductive substrate; and b. Dry the coated conductive substrate; The conductive substrate is preferably aluminum foil.

11. A lithium-ion battery comprising at least one coated cathode as claimed in claim 9.

12. Use of the cathode active material dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for preparing a coated cathode for a lithium-ion battery.

13. A sodium-ion battery comprising at least one coated cathode as claimed in claim 9.

14. Use of the cathode active material dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for preparing a coated cathode for a sodium-ion battery.

15. A method, preferably according to claim 8 or 10, comprising the following steps: The product Ω is obtained by conversion of a cathode active material dispersion that can be obtained or obtained by the method according to claim 8, or a coated cathode that can be obtained or obtained by the method according to claim 10, or a chemical material that can be obtained or obtained by the method according to claim 8 or 10.

Images