Electrode for a rechargeable battery, method of manufacturing the same, and rechargeable battery

Abstract

Disclosed herein are electrodes for rechargeable batteries, methods of making the same, and rechargeable batteries including the electrodes. An electrode for a rechargeable battery includes a current collector having a first region and a second region. A dry electrode film is located on at least one surface of the first region and is not located on the second region. Each of the first region and the second region includes a plurality of protrusions formed on the current collector. An average height of the plurality of protrusions in the second region is greater than an average height of the plurality of protrusions in the first region.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0183720, filed on December 11, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to electrodes for rechargeable batteries, methods for manufacturing electrodes for rechargeable batteries, and rechargeable batteries including electrodes. Background Technology

[0004] With the rapid proliferation of battery-powered electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles, the demand for high-energy-density and high-capacity rechargeable batteries has increased. Accordingly, research and development are underway to improve the performance of rechargeable lithium batteries.

[0005] A rechargeable lithium battery includes an electrolyte and positive and negative electrodes containing active materials capable of inserting and deintercalating lithium ions. When lithium ions insert into and deintercalate from the positive and negative electrodes, the rechargeable lithium battery generates electrical energy through oxidation and reduction reactions.

[0006] The fabrication of electrodes, including those made without solvents, has been studied. Dry electrode films comprise electrode active materials, binders, conductive materials, etc., and are fabricated in the form of films or sheets.

[0007] To form uncoated areas on the electrode, including the dry electrode film, there are methods for patterning the current collector using an adhesion-promoting layer. However, this method is difficult and expensive because patterning is required according to the battery specifications. There are also methods that laminate the dry electrode film onto the entire surface of the current collector and then remove only a portion of the dry electrode film. However, this method can damage the current collector and / or the dry electrode film.

[0008] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to aid in understanding the background of this disclosure and may contain information that does not constitute related technology or prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure relates to providing an electrode for a rechargeable battery that exhibits high adhesion between the current collector and the dry electrode film, even without an adhesion promoter layer. The electrode can be readily fabricated due to the ease of control over the location and / or shape and / or size of the uncoated portion. This disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the electrode for a rechargeable battery and to a rechargeable battery.

[0010] This disclosure further relates to providing an electrode for a rechargeable battery, wherein uncoated portions are formed only on the portions incorporating the tabs, thereby increasing the area of ​​the active material layer. Thus, an electrode with maximized capacity is provided for the rechargeable battery. A method for manufacturing the electrode for the rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery are also provided.

[0011] However, the purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-described purposes, and based on the following description, those skilled in the art will clearly understand other purposes not specifically mentioned herein.

[0012] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an electrode for a rechargeable battery is provided, the electrode including a current collector having a first region and a second region, and a dry electrode film located on at least one surface of the first region and not located on the second region, each of the first region and the second region including a plurality of protrusions formed on the current collector, and the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the second region being greater than the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the first region.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing an electrode for a rechargeable battery is provided, the method comprising placing a dry electrode film on the entire surface of a current collector having a plurality of protrusions thereon, placing a template on the dry electrode film corresponding only to one region to form a stack, the template having a thickness of more than 60% of the thickness of the dry electrode film, rolling the stack, and removing the template and the dry electrode film located in another region from the stack to form an electrode for a rechargeable battery.

[0014] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a rechargeable battery is provided, which includes electrodes for a rechargeable battery or electrodes for a rechargeable battery manufactured by a method for manufacturing electrodes for a rechargeable battery. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the following detailed description, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments depicted in the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 Electrodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure are explained;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an unrolled dry electrode film laminated on the first region of the current collector;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A photograph of the protrusions formed in the first and second regions of the current collector;

[0019] Figure 4 An enlarged photograph of the first region of the current collector and the cross-section of the dry electrode film in an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 A top view of an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 This section explains the first region where the dry electrode film is located and the second region where there is no dry electrode film in a conventional dry electrode.

[0022] Figure 7 The formation of the connecting piece in the electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is explained;

[0023] Figure 8 Explaining the formation of the terminal block in a conventional dry electrode;

[0024] Figure 9 A method for manufacturing electrodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure is explained; and

[0025] Figures 10-13 Explaining a rechargeable lithium battery according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical ideas of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best describe his or her own invention. The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist instead of them at the time of filing this application.

[0027] When used in this specification, “comprise” and “include” and / or “comprising” and “including” mean the presence of the described shape, quantity, step, operation, component, element and / or group thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0028] To aid in understanding this disclosure, the accompanying drawings are not illustrated to scale, and some components may be enlarged. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may denote the same components in different embodiments.

[0029] When two objects are described as “identical,” it means that they are “substantially identical.” Accordingly, “substantially identical” can include what is considered in the art to be a small deviation (e.g., a deviation within 5%). Additionally, uniformity of parameters across a given region can mean uniformity from the perspective of the mean.

[0030] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, it is obvious that the first component can be the second component.

[0031] Throughout this instruction manual, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0032] The phrase "any element is arranged 'above (or below)' or 'above (below)' another element" can mean that any element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, or that another element can be inserted between the element and any element located above (or below) the element.

[0033] Furthermore, when a particular component is described as "connected," "joined," or "engaged" to another component, the components may be directly connected, joined, or engaged. However, it should be understood that a further component may be "inserted" between the components, or the components may be "connected," "joined," or "engaged" through a further component. Additionally, when a particular component is described as "electrically connected" to another component, this includes not only cases where the particular component is "directly connected" to another component, but also cases where the particular component is "joined" to another component with a further component inserted in between.

[0034] When “A and / or B” is mentioned throughout the specification, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise indicated. That is, the term “and / or” includes all or any combination of the listed items. When “C~D” is mentioned, it means C or more and D or fewer, unless otherwise stated.

[0035] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0036] This disclosure relates generally to electrodes for rechargeable batteries, methods for manufacturing electrodes for rechargeable batteries, and rechargeable batteries including electrodes for rechargeable batteries. Hereinafter, only rechargeable lithium batteries will be described. However, this disclosure is applicable to rechargeable batteries using different metal ions besides lithium batteries.

[0037] Electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries

[0038] The electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery according to the embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the "electrode") is an electrode including a dry electrode film.

[0039] The electrode includes a current collector having a first region and a second region, a dry electrode film provided on the first region, and the second region being an uncoated portion. Each of the first and second regions includes a plurality of protrusions formed on the current collector, and the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the second region is greater than the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the first region.

[0040] Figure 1 Electrodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure are explained.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 The electrode 400 includes: an active material layer region 410 including a dry electrode film 300 and an uncoated portion region 420 in which no active material layer is provided.

[0042] Electrode 400 includes a current collector 200 having a first region 210 and a second region 220. A dry electrode film 300 is provided in the first region 210, such that the first region 210 forms an active material layer region 410. The dry electrode film 300 is not provided in the second region 220, such that the second region 220 forms an uncoated portion region 420.

[0043] Figure 1 The illustration only shows the dry electrode film 300 on one surface of the first region 210 of the current collector 200. However, in other embodiments, the dry electrode film 300 may also be provided on the other surface of the first region 210. Similarly, Figure 1 The protrusions 211 and 221 are formed only on one surface of each of the first region 210 and the second region 220 of the current collector 200. However, the protrusions 211 and 221 may also be formed on the other surface of each of the first region 210 and the second region 220.

[0044] The current collector 200 does not include an adhesion-promoting layer. Here, an "adhesion-promoting layer" is a layer formed on the surface of the current collector 200 to increase the adhesion between the current collector 200 and the dry electrode film 300, and may include a primer layer. The primer layer may be formed of a composition including a conductive material and an adhesive. The adhesion-promoting layer may also be collectively referred to as a layer that increases the adhesion between the current collector 200 and the dry electrode film 300.

[0045] Zone 1, 210

[0046] The first zone 210 includes a plurality of protrusions 211 extending from the current collector 200.

[0047] Multiple protrusions 211 extend from the current collector 200 to a predetermined height and penetrate into the dry electrode film 300. The protrusions 211 provide an anchoring effect that physically connects the current collector 200 to the dry electrode film 300. Because the dry electrode film 300 and the protrusions 211 are in contact with each other, increased adhesion exists between the first region 210 of the current collector 200 and the dry electrode film 300, even in the absence of an adhesion-promoting layer. Therefore, the electrode 400 can be easily fabricated.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, the protrusion 211 is penetrated into the dry electrode film 300 by rolling between the current collector and the dry electrode film.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a dry electrode film laminated onto the first region of the current collector without rolling. Figure 3 Photographs showing the protrusions formed in the first and second zones of the current collector before rolling. Reference. Figure 2 The current collector 200 has multiple protrusions 213 formed thereon, but the protrusions 213 do not penetrate the dry electrode film 300. (Reference) Figure 3 The protrusions 213 formed in the first region 210 of the current collector 200 before rolling are needle-shaped and have tips on the outermost surface that can help increase adhesion.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the dry electrode film 300 is laminated onto the first region 210 and rolled, multiple protrusions 211 can penetrate the dry electrode film 300, thereby increasing the adhesion between the current collector 200 and the dry electrode film 300 compared to a current collector without protrusions. Although in Figure 2 It is not explained in detail, but multiple protrusions 213 can penetrate into the dry electrode film 300, such that at least a portion of the dry electrode film 300 is located between the protrusions 213.

[0051] Figure 4 This is an enlarged photograph of the first region of the current collector and the cross-section of the dry electrode film in an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 4 As can be seen, multiple protrusions 211 and 221 extending from the current collector penetrate into the dry electrode film 300. Therefore, the protrusions 211 and 221 can replace the conventional adhesion promoting layer because the current collector 200 and the dry electrode film 300 are in close contact with each other.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the average height of the plurality of protrusions 211 in the first region 210 may be 1.5 µm or more, for example, in the range of 1.5 µm to 5.0 µm. Here, "average height" refers to the average height of the protrusions 211, and may be an average obtained by measuring the height of the protrusions 211 included per unit area. For example, the average height of the protrusions 211 may be measured by taking an image of a cross-section of a sample treated at an ion voltage of 5.0 kV or higher for 20 minutes or longer using a JEOL Ltd. Mini SEM (JCM-7000), and taking the average height of 20 protrusions 211. Here, "height of a protrusion" refers to the vertical distance between the uppermost part of the protrusion 211 and the current collector when the protrusion 211 extends vertically from the current collector.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the average distance between the plurality of protrusions 211 in the first region 210 may be 5.0 µm or less, for example, within the range of 0.5 µm to 5.0 µm or 2.0 µm to 5.0 µm (e.g., 2.0 µm to 4.95 µm). Within these ranges, the degree to which the protrusions 211 penetrate into the dry electrode film 300 increases, thereby increasing the adhesion between the dry electrode film 300 and the current collector 200. Here, "average distance" is the average distance between the protrusions 211 of the current collector 200, and may be an average value obtained by measuring the distance between the protrusions 211 included per unit area, and the distance between the protrusions 211 may be measured in the same manner as the height of the protrusions 211.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the protrusions 211 may be needle-shaped. Because needle-shaped protrusions 211 can easily penetrate the dry electrode film 300, they increase the adhesion between the current collector 200 and the dry electrode film 300. When multiple protrusions 211 are formed on the current collector with this shape, the aforementioned average height, and the aforementioned average distance, there is no limitation on the method used to form the protrusions 211. However, in order to integrally form the multiple protrusions 211 with the current collector, the multiple protrusions 211 can be formed by plating. According to one embodiment, the multiple protrusions 211 can be formed by plating the current collector. Plating may include electroplating and electroless plating, and may preferably include electroplating.

[0055] Electroplating can be performed by the methods described below. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The following description uses a copper foil current collector, but this disclosure is not limited in that respect.

[0056] Electroplating can be performed as follows: An electrolyte is prepared by adjusting an aqueous solution containing nickel and copper salts to a pH of 1-5 (e.g., 2-4); a current collector and an insoluble anode are added to the electrolyte; and then the electroplating is performed at an electrolyte temperature of 25°C-45°C and an A / dm³ / g. 2~5A / dm 2 Electrolysis is performed at a current density of 1 to 5 seconds. Nickel salts may include nickel sulfate, nickel nitrate, nickel chloride, nickel acetate, etc., and these may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples. Copper salts may include copper sulfate, copper nitrate, copper chloride, copper acetate, etc., and these may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0057] The concentration of each of the nickel and copper salts in the electrolyte can be adjusted based on the desired average height of the target protrusion.

[0058] Electroplating can be performed in an electrolyte containing nickel and copper salts, but it can also be performed using an aqueous solution containing copper salts and sulfuric acid. Copper salts may include copper sulfate, copper nitrate, copper chloride, copper acetate, etc., and these may be used alone or in combination of two or more, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples. Electroplating can be performed by adding a current collector and an insoluble electrode (i.e., an insoluble anode) as the anode to the electrolyte, and at a liquid temperature (i.e., electrolyte temperature) of 25°C to 45°C and 10 A / dm³. 2 ~20A / dm 2 Electroplating is performed by electrolysis for 1 to 5 seconds at a current density, but not limited to this.

[0059] Second District 220

[0060] Since the dry electrode film 300 is not provided in the second region 220, the second region 220 is the uncoated portion 420. The uncoated portion 420 can be used to form a terminal block.

[0061] The second zone 220 also includes a plurality of protrusions 221 extending from the current collector 200.

[0062] The average height of the plurality of protrusions 221 in the second region 220 may be greater than the average height of the plurality of protrusions 211 in the first region 210. This can be caused by the method of manufacturing the electrode 400 of the rechargeable battery described below. The first region 210 and the second region 220, wherein the average heights of the plurality of protrusions 211, 221 are different, can be formed simultaneously by the arrangement and rolling of the template described below. Accordingly, the manufacturing of the electrode 400 is simplified because it is not necessary to pattern and coat an adhesion-promoting layer on the current collector 200 to form the conventional uncoated portion region 420.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the ratio of the average height of the plurality of protrusions 221 in the second region 220 to the average height of the plurality of protrusions 211 in the first region 210 can be greater than 1.0, for example, greater than 1.0 and less than 2.0, for example, in the range of 1.1 to 2.0. According to an embodiment, the average height of the plurality of protrusions 221 in the second region 220 can be 1.7 μm or more, for example, 1.7 μm to 5.0 μm. Within this range, an electrode 400 having the first region 210 and the second region 220 can be easily manufactured.

[0064] The average height of the plurality of protrusions 221 in the second region 220 can also be determined using the same measurement method as the average height of the plurality of protrusions 211 in the first region 210. The plurality of protrusions 221 in the second region 220 can also be formed using the same method (e.g., by plating) as the plurality of protrusions 211 in the first region 210. In particular, the plurality of protrusions 221 in the second region 220 can be formed simultaneously with the plurality of protrusions 211 in the first region 210 by the same plating, thereby allowing for easy formation of the electrode 400.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a top view of an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] refer to Figure 5 The uncoated portion 420 / current collector 200, the second region 220, can be completely surrounded by the active material layer region 410 / current collector 200, the first region 210. For example... Figure 5 As explained, the outer surface 421 of the uncoated portion 420 (i.e., the outer surface of the second region 220 of the current collector 200) can be in complete contact with the active material layer region 410 (i.e., the first region 210 of the current collector 200). That is, the second region 220 of the current collector 200 is not formed to extend from the first end 201 to the second end 202 of the current collector 200, and the first end 201 and the second end 202 face each other.

[0067] The second region 220 of the uncoated portion region 420 / current collector 200 may have a quadrilateral shape (such as a rectangle or a square) in a plan view, and the three surfaces of the second region 220 of the uncoated portion region 420 / current collector 200 corresponding to the three sides of the quadrilateral may be completely surrounded by the first region 210 of the active material layer region 410 / current collector 200.

[0068] Figure 6 Another embodiment is described, in which the conventional dry electrode 5 does not provide an active material layer region 1 (dry electrode film) and an uncoated portion region 2.

[0069] Compare Figure 5 and Figure 6 ,and Figure 6Unlike the dry electrode 5, the uncoated portion 420 only needs to be formed on... Figure 5 In the dry electrode 400, a portion of the forming terminal block is included, so the area of ​​the dry electrode film 300, including the active material, can be [transmitted / contained / etc.]. Figure 5 The uncoated portion 420 of the dry electrode 400 and Figure 6 The area difference between the uncoated portion 2 of the dry electrode 5 is increased. This configuration further increases the battery capacity.

[0070] Figure 7 The present disclosure describes an electrode on which a terminal piece is formed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 Explain the conventional dry electrodes on which the terminals are formed.

[0071] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Explain the terminal block 500 formed in a portion of the uncoated portion 420 and a portion of the uncoated portion 2. (With) Figure 8 Compared to the area of ​​the uncoated portion 2 used to form the connector 500, in Figure 7 In this case, the area of ​​the uncoated portion 420 used to form the terminal block 500 is significantly smaller, and the area of ​​the dry electrode film 300 including the active material is significantly larger. Therefore, Figure 7 The configuration described herein can have increased capacity.

[0072] The first zone 210 and the second zone 220 can be implemented by a method for manufacturing electrodes for a rechargeable lithium battery, as described below.

[0073] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dry electrode film 300 may include an active material 301 and a binder 302. Each of the active material 301 and the binder 302 will be described below. In a specific example, the thickness of the dry electrode film 300 in the electrode 400 may be in the range of 20 µm to 180 µm.

[0074] The dry electrode according to embodiments of this disclosure may be a negative electrode or a positive electrode.

[0075] negative electrode

[0076] The negative electrode may include a current collector having a first region and a second region, a dry electrode film provided on at least one surface of the first region, and the second region being an uncoated portion. Each of the first and second regions may include a plurality of protrusions extending from the current collector, the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the second region being greater than the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the first region. The dry electrode film may include a negative electrode active material and a binder.

[0077] The current collector is not particularly limited as long as it provides high conductivity without causing undesirable chemical changes in the battery. For example, the current collector can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined coke or copper (e.g., in the form of copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam), or can be a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal and surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc.

[0078] The current collector can have a thickness of 5 μm to 50 μm, but is not limited in this regard. The current collector can be, for example, copper foil.

[0079] The dry electrode film can include electrode powder, which can include negative electrode active material and binder and can also include conductive material. The dry electrode film can have a strip shape or a sheet shape with a predetermined thickness.

[0080] The negative electrode active material includes a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, an alloy of lithium metal, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0081] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions can be a carbon-based negative electrode active material, which can include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon include graphite (such as natural graphite or artificial graphite), and examples of amorphous carbon include soft carbon, hard carbon, pitch carbide, mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, etc.

[0082] Si-based negative electrode active material or Sn-based negative electrode active material can be used as the material capable of doping and dedoping lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active material can be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x ≤ 2, for example, SiO2), a Si-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0083] The silicon-carbon composite can be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to an embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite can be in the form of silicon particles having amorphous carbon on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0084] The silicon-carbon composite can further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite can include: a core including crystalline carbon and silicon particles, and an amorphous carbon coating located on the surface of the core.

[0085] In a specific example, the negative electrode active material can have an average particle size D of 10 μm to 20 μm (e.g., 13 μm to 18 μm) 50 . Within this range, the negative electrode active material can be used for the current collector.

[0086] Adhesives may be included without particular limitation, provided that the adhesive can be fiberized during the fabrication of the dry electrode membrane, as will be described below. Fiberization is a process of microscopically dividing a polymer. Fiberization can be carried out using mechanical shear forces, etc. Fiberized polymer fibers may have a porous surface to generate numerous microfibers, and the generated microfibers can cause the electrode active material and / or conductive material to aggregate together adhesively, thereby allowing the fabrication of a dry electrode membrane.

[0087] In specific examples, the adhesive may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyolefins, or mixtures thereof. For example, the adhesive may include PTFE, and more specifically, may be PTFE. Based on the total weight of the adhesive, PTFE may be included in an amount of 60 wt% or more (e.g., 90 wt% to 100 wt%).

[0088] In other embodiments, the adhesive may further comprise a non-fibrous adhesive. For example, a non-fibrous adhesive may comprise one or more of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene.

[0089] In a specific example, the binder may be included in the dry electrode membrane in a fibrous state.

[0090] Conductive materials may include carbon black compounds, graphite (such as natural or artificial graphite), conductive fibers (such as carbon fibers, metal fibers, etc.), metal powders (such as fluorinated carbon powder, aluminum powder, nickel powder, etc.), conductive whiskers (such as zinc oxide, potassium titanate, etc.), conductive metal oxides (such as titanium oxide, etc.), conductive polymers (such as polyphenylene derivatives, etc.), etc.

[0091] In an embodiment, the dry electrode film may comprise 80 wt% to 99.5 wt% (e.g., 90% wt to 99.5 wt%, 80 wt% to 99 wt%, 90 wt% to 99 wt%) of a negative electrode active material, 0.5 wt% to 20 wt% (e.g., 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 5 wt%) of a binder, and 0.5 wt% to 20 wt% (e.g., 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 5 wt%) of a conductive material. Within these ranges, the dry electrode film can be readily fabricated, and the dry electrode film can promote PTFE fiberization in the electrode, thereby increasing mechanical strength.

[0092] positive electrode

[0093] The positive electrode may include a current collector having a first region and a second region, a dry electrode film provided on at least one surface of the first region, and the second region being an uncoated portion. Each of the first and second regions may include a plurality of protrusions extending from the current collector, the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the second region being greater than the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the first region. The dry electrode film may include a positive electrode active material and a binder.

[0094] As the current collector, the same type of current collector as the negative electrode described above can be used. For example, the current collector can be aluminum foil.

[0095] The dry electrode film may include electrode powder, which may include a positive electrode active material and a binder, and may also include a conductive material. The dry electrode film may be in the shape of a strip or sheet with a predetermined thickness.

[0096] As the positive electrode active material, compounds capable of reversibly inserting and deintercalating lithium (lithiation-intercalated compounds) can be used. For example, at least one of the composite oxides of lithium with metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0097] The composite oxide may be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and examples include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free nickel manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0098] As an example of a positive electrode active material, a compound represented by any of the following chemical formulas can be used: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤α≤2); Li a Ni 1-b-c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤α≤2); Li a Nib Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-b G b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1- g G g PO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8). In these chemical formulas, A is Ni, Co, Mn or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V or a combination thereof; and L 1 It is Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0099] In a specific example, the positive electrode active material may have an average particle size D of 10 μm to 50 μm (e.g., 20 μm to 40 μm). 50 Within this range, the positive electrode active material can be used as a current collector.

[0100] The binder and conductive material can be essentially the same as those used for the negative electrode.

[0101] In an embodiment, the dry electrode film may comprise 80 wt% to 99.5 wt% (e.g., 90 wt% to 99.5 wt%, 80 wt% to 99 wt%, 90 wt% to 99 wt%) of a positive electrode active material, 0.5 wt% to 20 wt% (e.g., 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 5 wt%) of a binder, and 0.5 wt% to 20 wt% (e.g., 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 5 wt%) of a conductive material. Within these ranges, the dry electrode film can be readily fabricated, and the dry electrode film can promote PTFE fiberization in the electrode, thereby increasing mechanical strength.

[0102] The dry electrode film can be prepared by the following operation. The method described below can be applied to each of the negative and positive electrodes:

[0103] A process for preparing a powder mixture comprising an electrode active material, a binder, and a conductive material (a); a process for kneading the powder mixture to prepare a mixture agglomerates (b); a process for grinding the mixture agglomerates to obtain electrode powder (c); and a process for calendering the electrode powder to obtain a self-supporting dry electrode film (d).

[0104] First, a powder mixture is prepared by mixing the electrode active material, binder, and optionally conductive material. Mixing is performed to ensure that the electrode active material, binder, and optionally conductive material are uniformly distributed throughout the powder mixture. Because the mixing is done in powder form, there are no particular limitations on the mixing process, as long as simple mixing is possible. However, since the powder mixture is used to prepare a dry electrode film, it does not contain a solvent. Mixing can be performed by dry mixing and by adding the material to a device such as a mixer.

[0105] There is no particular limitation on the mixing time, but it can be in the range of, for example, 1 second to 10 minutes. There is no particular limitation on the mixing speed, but it can be appropriately controlled in the range of approximately 3,000 rpm to 30,000 rpm. As a specific example, a powder mixture can be prepared by mixing the electrode active material and the binder in a mixer at 5,000 rpm to 20,000 rpm for 30 seconds to 2 minutes (specifically, at 10,000 rpm to 15,000 rpm for 30 seconds to 5 minutes). These mixing conditions provide high uniformity and control the crystallinity of the binder resin (i.e., the resin material in the binder).

[0106] Next, the powder mixture obtained above is subjected to a kneading process for fiberizing the binder. By combining or connecting the electrode active material and / or conductive material while fiberizing the binder, kneading forms a mixture agglomerate with a solid content of 100 wt%. The kneading in process (b) can be controlled at a speed of 10 rpm to 100 rpm. For example, kneading can be controlled at a speed of 40 rpm or higher or 70 rpm or lower within the above range. Kneading can be performed, for example, from 1 minute to 30 minutes. In a specific example, kneading is performed for 3 to 7 minutes at a speed of 40 rpm to 70 rpm within the above range. The shear rate of kneading can be controlled in the range of 10 / s to 500 / s. In some embodiments, kneading is performed for 1 to 30 minutes, and the shear rate is in the range of 30 / s to 100 / s.

[0107] Kneading can be performed at high temperatures and atmospheric pressure or higher. In a specific example, the mixture can be kneaded in the range of 70°C to 200°C (specifically, 90°C to 150°C).

[0108] Kneading can be performed at atmospheric pressure or higher (specifically, 1 atm to 3 atm, and more specifically, 1.1 atm to 3 atm). A potential problem when kneading is performed at pressures above these ranges is that the resulting fibers may be cut due to excessive shear force and pressure, or the density of the mixture agglomerates may become excessively high. The desired effects of this disclosure are achieved by performing a low-shear mixing process, rather than a high-shear mixing process, under conditions of high temperature and atmospheric pressure or higher.

[0109] Next, the electrode powder is obtained by re-grinding the mixture agglomerates prepared by the kneading operation. Specifically, the mixture agglomerates prepared by the kneading operation can be directly calendered. However, in this case, it may be necessary to press the mixture agglomerates under high pressure and high temperature to form a thin film. As a result, a problem may arise that the film density may become too high or a uniform film may not be obtained. To prevent this, in this disclosure, the prepared mixture agglomerates may be subjected to a grinding operation.

[0110] There are no limitations on the grinding process, but known grinding apparatus (such as a mixer or grinder) can be used. In a specific embodiment of this disclosure, the grinding speed can be controlled within the range of 3,000 rpm to 30,000 rpm. The grinding time can be appropriately controlled within the range of 1 second to 10 minutes. However, the grinding speed and grinding time are not limited to the above ranges. As a specific example, grinding can be performed at a speed of 5,000 rpm to 20,000 rpm for 30 seconds to 10 minutes, or at a speed of 10,000 rpm to 18,000 rpm for 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Sufficient grinding within the above ranges facilitates film formation and reduces the degree of dust generation.

[0111] Electrode powder is hot-pressed to form a dry electrode film. Specifically, electrode powder obtained by performing the grinding operation as described above is added to a calendering process. In the calendering process, the electrode powder is hot-pressed into a sheet-like dry electrode film. The calendering process can be performed using a pair of facing calendering rolls. In embodiments of this disclosure, the calendering process can be performed by passing the electrode powder through multiple calendering rolls.

[0112] Electrode powder can be pretreated before the calendering process. The pretreatment process may include heating the electrode powder to maintain its temperature at 80°C or higher (preferably 100°C or higher) for a predetermined time. The pretreatment time may be one minute or longer and can be adjusted depending on the amount of electrode powder. For example, the temperature of the electrode powder may be maintained at 80°C or higher for one minute or longer, or at 100°C or higher for one minute or longer. Optionally, the heating temperature of the electrode powder is preferably controlled at or below the melting point of the binder resin to prevent deterioration of components of the electrode included in the electrode powder, such as the binder resin. For example, the heating temperature of the electrode powder may be controlled at 320°C or lower. Typical heating devices (such as convection ovens or infrared heating devices) can be used for the pretreatment process. In this case, the electrode powder is preferably stirred and heated without stagnating.

[0113] Method for manufacturing electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries

[0114] The following section describes a method for manufacturing electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries.

[0115] The manufacturing method includes: placing a dry electrode film on the entire surface of a current collector having a third region and a fourth region, on which a plurality of protrusions are formed (operation 1); placing a template only on the dry electrode film corresponding to the third region and manufacturing a stack (operation 2); rolling the stack (operation 3); and removing only the template and the dry electrode film located on the fourth region from the stack to prepare an electrode for a rechargeable battery (operation 4). The thickness of the template in operation 2 is more than 60% of the thickness of the dry electrode film in operation 1.

[0116] In the electrode, the first region as described above may originate from the third region, and the second region as described above may originate from the fourth region.

[0117] In this manufacturing method, a current collector can be used to simultaneously form the first and second regions, wherein the protrusions are formed by plating and no patterned coating of the adhesion-promoting layer is performed. Therefore, processing becomes easier and the possibility of damaging the electrode is reduced. Furthermore, by controlling the shape and / or size and / or position of the template, the shape and / or size and / or position of the uncoated portion can be easily controlled, thereby making the formation of the uncoated portion easier. Additionally, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 Comparison and Figure 7 and Figure 8 The comparison illustrates that increasing the area of ​​the dry electrode film can further increase the battery capacity.

[0118] (Operation 1)

[0119] A current collector having a third and a fourth region on which multiple protrusions are formed was prepared. Each of the third and fourth regions has multiple protrusions extending from the current collector. The multiple protrusions can be formed by plating as described above.

[0120] The average height of the multiple protrusions in each of the third and fourth zones may be the same or different, and may be greater than 1.5 μm. For example, the average height may be in the range of 1.5 μm to 5.0 μm.

[0121] Dry electrode films can be made using the methods described above.

[0122] According to the embodiment, the thickness of the dry electrode film in operation 1 can be in the range of 20 μm to 180 μm (e.g., 40 μm to 160 μm).

[0123] (Operation 2)

[0124] In operation 2, the stack is fabricated by placing only the template on the dry electrode film corresponding to the third region. Accordingly, in the stack, only the dry electrode film is located on the fourth region, and no template is located on the fourth region.

[0125] When rolling the stacked bodies in operation 3 (described below), the template can increase the degree of rolling of the dry electrode film corresponding to the third region compared to the dry electrode film corresponding to the fourth region. Therefore, the template can increase the degree of adhesion between the dry electrode film corresponding to the third region and the current collector.

[0126] According to the embodiment, the thickness of the template is 60% or more of the thickness of the dry electrode film in operation 1 (thickness ratio). Within this range, the adhesion between the dry electrode film corresponding to the third region and the current collector can be increased, thereby increasing the degree of adhesion between the dry electrode film and the current collector. Furthermore, even when rolling is performed in operation 3 within the above range, the protrusions in the fourth region can penetrate the dry electrode film less, which allows for easy removal of the dry electrode film located on the fourth region in operation 4. The thickness ratio can be, for example, in the range of 60% to 100% (e.g., 60% to 80%). The thickness of the template can be, for example, 10 µm or higher, for example, in the range of 10 µm to 120 µm.

[0127] According to the implementation method, the template can be a metal plate (such as an aluminum plate). The area and / or shape of the template can be adjusted according to the area and / or shape of the third zone.

[0128] (Operation 3)

[0129] In operation 3, the stacked body is rolled.

[0130] Both the third and fourth zones can be rolled. Rolling increases the adhesion between the dry electrode film and the current collector corresponding to the third zone. Furthermore, compared to the adhesion between the dry electrode film and the current collector corresponding to the fourth zone, rolling can further increase the adhesion between the dry electrode film and the current collector corresponding to the third zone using a template.

[0131] Rolling can be performed using conventional methods known to those skilled in the art, such as using oriented rolling rollers. The rolling rollers can be made of conventional materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0132] Rolling can be performed under a load of 1,000 kg to 3,000 kg. Within this range, when rolling a stack having the above-mentioned thickness ratio, it is easy to remove the dry electrode film corresponding to the fourth region without removing the dry electrode film corresponding to the third region.

[0133] (Operation 4)

[0134] The template is removed from the stack, and only the dry electrode film located on the fourth region is removed. By removing the template, a stack of a region corresponding to the current collector of the electrode and the dry electrode film can be formed.

[0135] A second region for the current collector of the electrode can be formed by removing the dry electrode film located in the fourth region.

[0136] The peeling of the dry electrode film located in the fourth region can be performed by conventional methods known to those skilled in the art (e.g., using a release device).

[0137] Figure 9 A method for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is explained.

[0138] refer to Figure 9 The method may include: preparing a current collector 200 having a third region 230 and a fourth region 240 and having a plurality of protrusions 213 formed in each of the third region 230 and the fourth region 240 (operation S1); laminating a dry electrode film 600 on the third region 230 and the fourth region 240, which are the front surfaces of the current collector 200 (operation S2); placing a template 700 on the dry electrode film 600 only on the third region 230, which is one region of the current collector 200 (operation S3); and preparing a current collector 200 having a third region 230 and a fourth region 240 by rolling all the current collector 200, the template 700 and the dry electrode film 600 corresponding only to the fourth region 240. Figure 1 The cross-section of the dry electrode (operation S4).

[0139] Rechargeable lithium batteries

[0140] Embodiments of this disclosure include a lithium secondary battery (i.e., a rechargeable lithium battery) comprising the electrodes described above.

[0141] In one embodiment, the battery may include a positive electrode and a negative electrode according to the above embodiments. In another embodiment, one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode according to the above embodiments may be provided.

[0142] The negative electrode can be fabricated using a composition comprising the same negative electrode active material as described above. The composition may further comprise a binder and / or a conductive material. The negative electrode can be fabricated using a wet process. The binder and conductive material can be selected from common types known to those skilled in the art.

[0143] The positive electrode can be prepared using a composition comprising the same positive electrode active material as described above. The composition may further comprise a binder and / or a conductive material. The positive electrode can be manufactured using a wet process. The binder and conductive material can be selected from common types known to those skilled in the art.

[0144] The rechargeable lithium battery may further include an electrolyte. The electrolyte may include a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0145] Non-aqueous organic solvents can be used as media for transporting ions that participate in the electrochemical reactions of a battery. Non-aqueous organic solvents may include carbonate solvents, ester solvents, ether solvents, ketone solvents, alcohol solvents, aprotic solvents, or combinations thereof.

[0146] Carbonate solvents may include dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), dipropyl carbonate (DPC), methyl propyl carbonate (MPC), ethyl propyl carbonate (EPC), methyl ethyl carbonate (MEC), ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butyl carbonate (BC), etc.

[0147] Ester solvents may include methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, dimethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, decanoic acid lactone, mevalonate lactone, caprolactone, etc.

[0148] Ether solvents may include dibutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, etc. Additionally, ketone solvents may include cyclohexanone, etc. Alcohol solvents may include ethanol, isopropanol, etc., and aprotic solvents may include: nitrile solvents (such as R-CN, where R is a C2~C20 straight-chain, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group, and may include double bonds, aromatic rings, or ether bonds, etc.); amides (such as dimethylformamide); dioxolane (such as 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxolane, etc.); sulfolane, etc.

[0149] Non-aqueous organic solvents can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0150] When using carbonate solvents, cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates can be mixed and used, and cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates can be mixed in a volume ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:9.

[0151] Lithium salts dissolved in organic solvents supply lithium ions in batteries, ensuring basic operation of rechargeable lithium batteries and improving lithium ion transport between the positive and negative electrodes. Examples of lithium salts include LiPF6, LiBF4, LiSbF6, LiAsF6, LiClO4, LiAlO2, LiAlCl4, LiPO2F2, LiCl, LiI, LiN(SO3C2F5)2, Li(FSO2)2N (lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, LiFSI), LiC4F9SO3, and LiN(C x F 2x+1 SO2) (C y F 2y+1 SO2 (where x and y are integers from 1 to 20), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, lithium tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, lithium difluorobis(oxalate)phosphate (LiDFBOB), and lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB).

[0152] Rechargeable lithium batteries can be cylindrical, prismatic, pouch-shaped, or coin-shaped, depending on their shape.

[0153] Figures 10-13 This is a schematic diagram of a rechargeable lithium battery according to an embodiment. Figure 10 A cylindrical battery is shown. Figure 11 A prismatic battery is shown, and Figure 12 and Figure 13 A pouch-type battery is shown. (Reference) Figures 10-13 The rechargeable lithium battery 100 may include: an electrode assembly 40, including a separator 30 between a positive electrode 10 and a negative electrode 20; and a housing 50 therein housing the electrode assembly 40. The positive electrode 10, the negative electrode 20, and the separator 30 may be impregnated with an electrolyte (not shown). Figure 10 As shown, the rechargeable lithium battery 100 may include a sealing member 60 of a sealed housing 50. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 11 As shown, the rechargeable lithium battery 100 may include a positive lead terminal 11, a positive terminal 12, a negative lead terminal 21, and a negative terminal 22. For example... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the rechargeable lithium battery 100 may include electrode terminals 70, which may be, for example, a positive electrode terminal 71 and a negative electrode terminal 72, forming an electrical path for guiding current generated in the electrode assembly 40 to the outside of the battery.

[0154] The rechargeable lithium battery according to the embodiments can be used in vehicles, mobile phones and / or various types of electronic devices as non-limiting examples.

[0155] The aforementioned lithium secondary batteries can be used to manufacture battery packs. A battery pack according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes individual batteries electrically connected to each other and a pack housing containing the batteries. Components may be included, such as busbars, cooling units, and external terminals for electrical connections between the batteries.

[0156] The battery pack may be installed in a vehicle. Examples of vehicles include electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or plug-in hybrid vehicles. The vehicle may include a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle. A vehicle according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes a battery pack according to an embodiment of this disclosure. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the vehicle operates by receiving power from the battery pack.

[0157] Embodiments and comparative examples of this disclosure will be described below. However, the following are merely examples of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the examples described below.

[0158] Example 1

[0159] Preparation of dry electrode film

[0160] A powder mixture was obtained by adding 96.7 wt% of artificial graphite as the negative electrode active material, 1.8 wt% of polytetrafluoroethylene as a binder, and 1.5 wt% of carbon black to a mixer and mixing them at 10,000 rpm for 1 minute. Next, the obtained powder mixture was added to a kneader and kneaded at 110°C and 60 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain a mixture agglomerate. The agglomerate was then added to a mixer and ground at 14,000 rpm for 60 seconds to obtain electrode powder. Subsequently, a dry electrode film (117 μm thick) was obtained by repeatedly pressing the electrode powder using a calendering roll (roller diameter: 200 mm, roll temperature: 70°C).

[0161] Electroplating of current collectors

[0162] The current collector is plated with copper using an electroplating method to form a current collector comprising multiple protrusions extending from it. The protrusions have an average height of 2.5 μm. A third region is designated in the current collector for forming the active material layer region and a fourth region is designated for forming the uncoated portion region.

[0163] Electrode manufacturing

[0164] Dry electrode films are provided on the entire surface of both the third and fourth regions of the current collector.

[0165] The stack was prepared by placing an aluminum template (aluminum metal plate, thickness: 70 μm, which is 60% of the thickness of the dry electrode film) only on the upper surface of the dry electrode film in the third region.

[0166] While passing through the space between the facing rollers, the stack is rolled under a load of 1,600 kg.

[0167] It is fabricated by removing the template and the dry electrode film located on the fourth region (e.g.) Figure 5 The dry electrode shown in the figure has a flat surface.

[0168] Example 2

[0169] The dry electrode film (117 μm thick) and the current collector (average height of multiple protrusions of 2.5 μm) were prepared using the same method as in Example 1.

[0170] The dry electrode was prepared using the same method as in Example 1, except that an aluminum template (aluminum metal plate, thickness: 82 μm, which is 70% of the thickness of the dry electrode film) was used.

[0171] Example 3

[0172] The dry electrode film (117 μm thick) and the current collector (average height of multiple protrusions of 2.5 μm) were prepared using the same method as in Example 1.

[0173] The dry electrode was prepared using the same method as in Example 1, except that an aluminum template (aluminum metal plate, thickness: 94 μm, which is 80% of the thickness of the dry electrode film) was used.

[0174] Comparative Example 1

[0175] The dry electrode film (117 μm thick) and the current collector (average height of multiple protrusions of 2.5 μm) were prepared using the same method as in Example 1.

[0176] The dry electrode was prepared using the same method as in Example 1, except that an aluminum template (aluminum metal plate, thickness: 64 μm, which is 55% of the thickness of the dry electrode film) was used.

[0177] The average height of the plurality of protrusions in the first and second regions of the electrodes of the embodiments and comparative examples is shown in Table 1 below. The average height of the plurality of protrusions was measured by the method described above. The adhesion between the first region and the dry electrode film was measured by the following method:

[0178] The first region and the dry electrode film are peeled off using a UTM at a peel angle of 180°. When the dry electrode film is not easily peeled off, it is evaluated as good, and when the dry electrode film is easily removed, it is evaluated as bad.

[0179] Table 1

[0180]

[0181] The thickness ratio mentioned in Table 1 is the ratio of the thickness of the aluminum plate to the thickness of the dry electrode film.

[0182] As shown in Table 1, the method of manufacturing electrodes according to the embodiment exhibits excellent adhesion between the first region and the dry electrode film, and the dry electrode film is easily removed, thereby facilitating the formation of uncoated portion regions.

[0183] On the other hand, according to the electrode manufacturing method of the comparative example, since the dry electrode film is not removed, the uncoated area cannot be formed.

[0184] According to this disclosure, because the adhesion between the current collector and the dry electrode film is high, it is not necessary to form an adhesion-promoting layer on the current collector. Therefore, the electrode manufacturing process becomes easier.

[0185] According to this disclosure, uncoated regions can be formed in the electrode without patterning the current collector (i.e., without forming an adhesion-promoting layer). Therefore, the process for manufacturing the electrode becomes easier.

[0186] According to this disclosure, the process of manufacturing the electrode becomes easier because the location and / or shape and / or size of the uncoated portion can be easily controlled.

[0187] According to this disclosure, since the uncoated portion is formed only on the bonding tab of the current collector, the area of ​​the active material layer can be increased, thereby increasing the battery capacity.

[0188] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and based on the detailed description, those skilled in the art will clearly understand other effects not specifically mentioned herein.

[0189] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and the accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto, and it is self-evident that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An electrode for a rechargeable battery, the electrode comprising: The current collector has a first region and a second region; and A dry electrode film is located on at least one surface of the first region and not on the second region. Each of the first and second regions includes a plurality of protrusions formed on the current collector, and The average height of the plurality of protrusions in the second region is greater than the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the first region.

2. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions in each of the first region and the second region extend from the current collector.

3. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the second region to the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the first region is greater than 1.0 and less than 2.

0.

4. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the first region is 1.5 µm to 5.0 µm, and the average height of the plurality of protrusions in the second region is 1.7 µm to 5.0 µm.

5. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region do not include an adhesion-promoting layer.

6. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the second region is in contact with the first region.

7. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the second region has a quadrilateral shape in a plan view, and the three surfaces of the second region corresponding to the three sides of the quadrilateral of the second region are surrounded by the first region.

8. A method for manufacturing an electrode for a rechargeable battery, the method comprising: Operation 1: Place the dry electrode film on the entire surface of the current collector having multiple zones, with multiple protrusions formed on the current collector; Operation 2: Place the template on the dry electrode film corresponding to only one of the plurality of regions to form a stack, wherein the thickness of the template is more than 60% of the thickness of the dry electrode film; Operation 3: Roll the stacked body; as well as Operation 4: Remove the template and the dry electrode film located on another of the plurality of regions from the stack to form the electrode for a rechargeable battery.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of protrusions are formed by coating the current collector.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the average height of the plurality of protrusions is 1.5 µm or more.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein, In operation 1, the thickness of the dry electrode film is 20 µm to 180 µm, and the thickness of the template is 10 µm to 120 µm.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the template is a metal plate.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the rolling of the stack is performed under a load of 1,000 kg to 3,000 kg.

14. A rechargeable battery comprising the electrode for a rechargeable battery as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the electrode for a rechargeable battery prepared by the method described in any one of claims 8 to 13.

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