Methods and apparatuses for energy storage device electrode fabrication

Abstract

To provide electrode fabrication apparatuses and methods which have higher apparatus energy density performance and may reduce manufacturing costs.SOLUTION: An apparatus for forming an electrode film mixture can have a first source, a second source, and a fluidized bed coating apparatus. The first source includes a polymer dispersion comprising a liquid and a polymer. The second source includes a second component of the electrode film mixture. The fluidized bed coating apparatus includes a first inlet configured to receive the dispersion from the first source, and a second inlet configured to receive the second component from the second source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Description of Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 382,675, filed on September 1, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to energy storage devices, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for manufacturing electrodes of energy storage devices.

Background Art

[0003] To supply power to electronic devices such as, for example, capacitors, batteries, hybrids of capacitors and batteries, and fuel cells, various energy storage devices can be used. Such energy storage devices can have an anode and a cathode that include one or more electrode membranes. The electrode membrane can include a polymer binder and one or more active electrode components. The electrical performance of an energy storage device can depend on one or more characteristics of the binder and the active electrode component(s). The desired electrical performance of an energy storage device can be obtained by selecting the type of binder and active electrode component(s), and / or the process used to manufacture the electrode membrane.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the manufacture of energy storage devices can be costly. In particular, the manufacture of electrodes that meet specifications can require substantial resources. One Challenges include removing solvents and other processing additives from the electrode film after fabrication In the production of wet electrodes, solvent removal requires a lot of power and time. Valuable manufacturing resources may be monopolized. If manufacturing technology is improved, e.g. More uniform distribution of active binder material results in higher performance electrodes While conventional dry electrode manufacturing techniques avoid some of these challenges, the present invention further This is accompanied by the occurrence of other problems as described. Therefore, there is a need for improved electrode manufacturing techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Some embodiments provide an apparatus for forming an electrode film mixture for an energy storage device. The apparatus includes a first source containing a polymer dispersion. The polymer dispersion is The polymer comprises a first electrode film mixture for an energy storage device. The device further comprises a second source. The second source is an energy storage component. The device includes a fluidized bed coating device. The fluidized bed coating apparatus further comprises: a first source for receiving a polymer dispersion; and a first inlet configured to receive a second component of the electrode membrane mixture from a second source. and a second inlet configured to

[0006] A further embodiment provides a method for preparing an electrode film mixture for an energy storage device. The method includes supplying a polymer dispersion to a first inlet of a fluidized bed coating apparatus. The polymer dispersion includes a liquid and a polymer. The polymer is an energy storage It is the first component of the electrode film mixture of the device. This method is carried out within a fluidized bed coating apparatus and further includes the step of supplying a second component of the electrode film mixture of the energy storage device. This method further includes the step of evaporating the liquid portion of the polymer dispersion within the fluidized bed coating apparatus to form a dry poly mer. This method further includes the step of forming a fluidized bed containing the second component of the electrode film mixture within the fluidized bed coating apparatus.

[0007] In a first aspect, an apparatus for forming an electrode film mixture of an energy storage device is provided and includes a first supply source, a second supply source, and a fluidized bed coating apparatus. The first supply source contains a polymer dispersion. The polymer dispersion contains a liquid and a polymer. The polymer is the first component of the electrode film mixture of the energy storage device. The second supply source contains a second component of the electrode film mixture of the energy storage device. The fluidized bed coating apparatus includes a first inlet configured to receive the polymer dispersion from the first supply source and a second inlet configured to receive the second component from the second supply source for forming the electrode film mixture.

[0008] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the apparatus is configured to evaporate the liquid of the dispersion to form a dry polymer, form a fluidized bed with the second component, and cover the second component with the dry polymer.

[0009] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second component contains dry particles, and the fluidized bed coating apparatus is configured to form a fluidized bed from these dry particles.

[0010] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second component includes the active electrode component of the electrode film mixture.

[0011] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second component includes a lithium metal oxide.

[0012] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second component includes carbon.

[0013] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second component includes graphite.

[0014] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the polymer includes polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0015] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the liquid includes water.

[0016] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second component includes dry particles, and the fluidized bed coating device is configured to receive the dry particles through a second inlet and form a fluidized bed from the dry particles.

[0017] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the fluidized bed coating device is configured to evaporate water and provide a dry polytetrafluoroethylene coating on the dry particles.

[0018] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the fluidized bed coating device is configured to form a fluidized bed with the second component by supplying a continuous amount of gas.

[0019] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the device includes a rotor.

[0020] In a second aspect, a method of preparing an electrode film mixture of an energy storage device is provided. This method includes supplying a polymer dispersion containing a liquid and a polymer that is a first component of the electrode film mixture of the energy storage device to a first inlet of a fluidized bed coating apparatus, supplying a second component of the electrode film mixture of the energy storage device to a second inlet of the fluidized bed coating apparatus, evaporating a liquid portion of the polymer dispersion in the fluidized bed coating apparatus to form a dry polymer, and forming a fluidized bed of the dry polymer and the second component of the electrode mixture in the fluidized bed coating apparatus to form an electrode film mixture.

[0021] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the step of supplying the polymer dispersion includes supplying a dispersion containing water and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0022] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the step of supplying the second component includes supplying dry particles.

[0023] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the step of supplying the second component includes supplying an active electrode component of the electrode film mixture.

[0024] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the step of supplying the second component includes supplying carbon.

[0025] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, supplying carbon includes supplying graphite.

[0026] ​​​​​​​​In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the step of supplying the second component comprises supplying a lithium metal oxide.

[0027] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the step of evaporating the liquid of the dispersion comprises passing the dispersion through a spray nozzle of a fluidized bed coating apparatus.

[0028] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the method further comprises the step of coating the second component with a dry polymer within a fluidized bed coating apparatus.

[0029] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the step of supplying the second component is performed before supplying the polymer dispersion.

[0030] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, a method of forming an electrode film is provided. The method comprises rolling an electrode film mixture to form an electrode film.

[0031] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the step of rolling the electrode film mixture comprises fibrillating the polymer.

[0032] In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the electrode film is a self-supporting electrode.

[0033] To summarize the advantages achieved over the prior art and the present invention, specific objectives and advantages are described herein. It should be understood that not all of these objectives or advantages necessarily have to be achieved according to a particular embodiment. Thus, for example, one advantage or group of advantages may be achieved or optimized be carried out in such a way that other objects or advantages are not necessarily achieved, the present invention will be understood by those skilled in the art that it may be embodied or implemented.

[0034] All of these embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention disclosed herein and are so intended. These embodiments and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to any particular one of the disclosed embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings of specific embodiments. These drawings are intended to illustrate specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0036] Specific embodiments and examples are described below. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not specifically limited to the Limited to the illustrated embodiment and / or use and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof It will be understood that the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not intended to be limiting. It is not intended that the scope be limited to any of the specific embodiments described below. There are.

[0037] Apparatus and process for forming an electrode film mixture for an energy storage device are described herein. The device or process may provide a first component of an electrode membrane mixture. The first component may comprise a polymer dispersion. The polymer dispersion may be a liquid or a mixture of liquids. The device or process may include a second component of the electrode membrane mixture. This second component may further comprise an active material. The process has a first inlet configured to receive the polymer dispersion and a second inlet configured to receive the electrode membrane mixture. and a second inlet configured to receive the component. good.

[0038] The apparatus or process described herein may be used to form a wet or dry electrode film. Conventional equipment or processes, or raw materials used to form these films For example, one or more of the devices described herein may provide one or more advantages. The placement or process facilitates the formation of thicker electrode films, thereby improving wet coating Compared with electrode films fabricated by the annealing process, this provides higher device energy density performance. As a further example, one or more of the devices or processes described herein may This may reduce manufacturing costs compared to other electrode manufacturing equipment or processes.

[0039] Among conventional electrode film processes, there are those that form a slurry using wet raw materials, and then apply the slurry to a current collector and dry it to form an electrode film. The drying rate of these wet electrode films can be affected by the drying movement of one or more solvents used in the wet coating process. The drying rate at which the electrode film can be dried can also be affected by the thickness of the electrode film. For example, the drying rate for drying a thicker electrode film is often reduced to reduce or avoid drying defects. Therefore, the evaporation movement of one or more solvents can affect the time length of the drying process used to dry the electrode film as desired and / or the physical length of the dryer used for drying these electrode films. The time length of drying and the length of the dryer can contribute to the manufacturing cost of these electrodes. While thicker electrodes are desired to obtain a higher device energy density, the cost of manufacturing an electrode film that exceeds a certain thickness can be extremely high. For example, the cost of the equipment used for drying a wet-coated electrode film can increase, for example, approximately exponentially as the drying oven becomes longer. Therefore, the thickness of the electrode film manufactured using a wet coating process can be limited by the drying movement of one or more solvents used in the slurry, that is, by the drying resources required to obtain satisfactory results. There are those that form a slurry using wet raw materials, and then apply the slurry to a current collector and dry it to form an electrode film. The drying rate of these wet electrode films can be affected by the drying movement of one or more solvents used in the wet coating process. The drying rate at which the electrode film can be dried can also be affected by the thickness of the electrode film. For example, the drying rate for drying a thicker electrode film is often reduced to reduce or avoid drying defects. Therefore, the evaporation movement of one or more solvents can affect the time length of the drying process used to dry the electrode film as desired and / or the physical length of the dryer used for drying these electrode films. The time length of drying and the length of the dryer can contribute to the manufacturing cost of these electrodes. While thicker electrodes are desired to obtain a higher device energy density, the cost of manufacturing an electrode film that exceeds a certain thickness can be extremely high. For example, the cost of the equipment used for drying a wet-coated electrode film can increase, for example, approximately exponentially as the drying oven becomes longer. Therefore, the evaporation movement of one or more solvents can affect the time length of the drying process used to dry the electrode film as desired and / or the physical length of the dryer used for drying these electrode films. The time length of drying and the length of the dryer can contribute to the manufacturing cost of these electrodes. While thicker electrodes are desired to obtain a higher device energy density, the cost of manufacturing an electrode film that exceeds a certain thickness can be extremely high. For example, the cost of the equipment used for drying a wet-coated electrode film can increase, for example, approximately exponentially as the drying oven becomes longer. Therefore, the evaporation movement of one or more solvents can affect the time length of the drying process used to dry the electrode film as desired and / or the physical length of the dryer used for drying these electrode films. The time length of drying and the length of the dryer can contribute to the manufacturing cost of these electrodes. Provided herein is an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode film for a lithium-ion energy storage device that does not use drying equipment or a separate drying process and / or does not have a step of drying the electrode film. Provided herein is an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode film for a lithium-ion energy storage device that does not use drying equipment or a separate drying process and / or does not have a step of drying the electrode film. Provided herein is an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode film for a lithium-ion energy storage device that does not use drying equipment or a separate drying process and / or does not have a step of drying the electrode film.

[0040] Conventional dry electrode film processes use dried raw materials, so, as described above, wet The need for a dryer required in the top electrode film process is reduced or eliminated. Such dry In the electrode film manufacturing process, high-shear equipment and processes such as jet mills are used to provide sufficient shear force for reducing the dimensions and / or fibering of the binder material. Such processes may be limited to using only fibratable binders. Or, it may be further limited to using only a single and specific binder such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). For example, a mixture containing a binder material such as PTFE and other electrode film components can be subjected to a high shear force by a jet mill process to separate the agglomerated particles of the binder material into finely divided particles and / or the binder material can be fibered. As a result, this binder material can cover the remaining electrode film components. The resulting processed dry powder is compressed by heat and pressure using a roll mill to form a film in which PTFE adheres and attaches to other components of the film, for example, in a fibrated matrix. The film thickness can vary depending on the roll gap of the roll mill, the pressure applied during the compression process, and / or the number of times the film is compressed. The dry manufacturing process can result in a fibrated matrix such that the electrode film becomes a self-standing electrode film. As described herein, a "self-standing" electrode film is an electrode film that includes a binder-matrix structure sufficient to support the film and maintain its shape so that the electrode film can be a self-standing film. A self-standing electrode film for use in an energy storage device incorporates such a binder-matrix structure. Generally, and depending on the method employed, such self-standing electrode films are without external support elements and can maintain their shape. As used herein, a "self-standing" electrode film is an electrode film that includes a binder-matrix structure sufficient to support the film and maintain its shape so that the electrode film can be a self-standing film. A self-standing electrode film for use in an energy storage device incorporates such a binder-matrix structure. Generally, and depending on the method employed, such self-standing electrode films are without external support elements is strong enough to be used in the manufacturing process of an energy storage device. For example, The self-supporting electrode film can be handled and wound without additional support elements.

[0041] However, such a high-shear process used in typical dry electrode manufacturing may damage one or more other components of the electrode film mixture. This damage can reduce the performance of a device having an electrode formed from these components. For example, using a jet milling process that exerts high shear forces to separate the agglomerated particles of the binder material and / or fiberize the binder material can undesirably deteriorate the surface properties of one or more other components of the electrode film mixture without intending to. The forces applied in the high-shear process can activate the form of one or more active materials and / or cause surface damage to the active materials. For example, the particles of the active material can break, melt, peel off, or chemically change during such processes.

[0042] The active material added to the electrode of the energy storage device may have a coated surface and / or a treated surface. For example, a carbon material, particularly a graphite material, may be covered with amorphous carbon. Alternatively, or in addition, the graphite material may be surface-treated to reduce the inefficiency of the first cycle in the formation of the solid electrolyte interface phase and / or improve the cycle life of the battery. For example, one or more surface properties of the carbon in the electrode film mixture may deteriorate in the absence of an amorphous carbon surface coating of the graphite particles. Such deterioration of the surface properties can adversely affect one or more electrical properties of the energy storage device.

[0043] While not wishing to be limited by theory, the composition of the active material surface is related to energy storage.​​​​​​​​​​​​​ It is considered to affect the deterioration process of (e.g., electrolytes and impurities therein) in the storage device and also affect the formation of the solid-electrolyte interface phase (SEI) layer. The surface-treated active material can enhance the electrode performance of the energy storage device compared to the active material with untreated surfaces. The reason for the improved performance is, for example, that the formation of cracks and / or cracking, the separation of the active material from the current collector, the decomposition of the electrolyte, and / or the generation of gas are reduced. Therefore, a dry electrode film manufactured using the dry electrode film material produced by one or more of the processes described herein can exhibit improved electrical characteristics, for example, because one or more components of the electrode film are more complete. Disclosed herein are materials and methods for providing an active material with reduced surface damage during manufacturing. Certain embodiments of the energy storage devices described herein can reduce the surface damage of the processed graphite material. In particular, a self-supporting electrode film containing such an active material is provided. In one or more of the processes described herein, the integrity of the components can be easily protected by avoiding exposing the electrode film components to high shear forces. In some embodiments,

[0044] the manufacturing cost can be reduced when refraining from or not using a jet mill or other high-shear devices and related equipment such as, for example, an air compressor and / or a related mixer. Furthermore, the electrode film manufactured using a typical dry electrode manufacturing process including a high-shear process can be limited to a binder material that can be fibrillated with high shear force, such as PTFE.

[0045] ​​​​​​​Therefore, in a typical dry electrode manufacturing process, the choice of binder is restricted. There is a possibility that the materials used in energy storage devices may be restricted. For example, by using a PTFE binder, it may lead to performance degradation, shortening of battery life, incompatibility with materials used in certain types of energy storage devices, and even incompatibility with one or more other components of a specific electrode film. For example, PTFE may be an unsuitable binder for certain electrode film applications due to its potential reaction with lithium ions. One or more of the processes described herein are applicable to binder materials other than PTFE. Thereby, it becomes easier to use a binder material that is more compatible with lithium in manufacturing electrodes for lithium-ion energy storage devices. Therefore, this specification provides a dry electrode process compatible with a binder used as an alternative to PTFE or a binder used in combination with PTFE. [[ID=2I]]

[0046] In some embodiments, provided are electrode film mixtures for energy storage devices, and processes and apparatuses for preparing these electrode film mixtures. The electrode film mixture may include a first component and a second component. The first component may include a polymer dispersion. The second component may include an active material. In some embodiments, the electrode film mixture includes particles of an electrode film component covered with a polymer binder. This electrode film component is a material different from the polymer. For example, the polymer may be a polymer binder such as PTFE. In some embodiments, the electrode film In one embodiment, the electrode film component includes carbon such as graphite, activated carbon, soft carbon, and / or hard carbon. The electrode film component may include carbon composites with metal oxides. In some embodiments, the electrode film component may include intercalatable metal oxides such as lithium metal oxides. The electrode film component may include amorphous carbon. The electrode film component may include a composite of two or more carbons such as graphitic carbon and amorphous carbon. The electrode film mixture may include a plurality of graphite particles covered with PTFE. Here, the expression "covered" may include that a substantially continuous film under the polymer surrounds the particles of each electrode film component (e.g., an active material such as graphite). This may be done, for example, by induced dipole interaction and / or London forces. By induced dipole interaction and / or London forces, the polymer forms a plurality of particles, and these particles combine with and surround the particles of the electrode film component (e.g., an active material such as graphite).

[0047] In some embodiments, the apparatus for manufacturing one or more electrode film mixtures described herein includes a first source, a second source, and a fluidized bed coating apparatus. The first source is for supplying, for example, a first component of the electrode film mixture including a dispersion containing a polymer. The second source includes a second component of the electrode film mixture. The fluidized bed coating apparatus may be any one known in the art, such as a Wurster-type accelerator, as long as it is configured to receive the dispersion and the second component of the electrode film mixture. In a further embodiment, the fluidized bed coating apparatus may include a conical rotor processing apparatus. The fluidized bed coating apparatus has a first inlet for receiving the polymer dispersion. ​​​​​​​​​ and a second inlet for receiving a second component of the electrode film mixture. Further embodiments In a form, the second component of the electrode film mixture may be applied in a batch manner. Further embodiments In a state, the polymer dispersion and the second component of the electrode film mixture may be applied in a continuous flow process As described herein, some embodiments are described within the scope of a Worster-type accelerator However, it will be understood that other types of fluidized bed coating devices may also be implemented within the scope of the present invention will be.

[0048] As described herein, a "dispersion" includes a composition containing solid or semi-solid particles dispersed in a liquid phase, including a "polymer dispersion". The solid or semi-solid particles may be the polymers described herein. The dispersions described herein may be solutions of the above solid or semi-solid matter. The dispersions described herein may be solutions of the above solid or semi-solid matter.

[0049] The fluidized bed coating device may include common components, such as one or more spray nozzles or spray guns, a processing chamber, a rotating disk or rotor, a stationary container or stator, and a ventilation duct or vent mouth. For example.

[0050] In some embodiments, the process of adjusting one or more electrode film mixtures described herein includes supplying a dispersion containing a polymer from a first source to a first inlet of the fluidized bed coating device. This process may include supplying a second component of the electrode film mixture into the fluidized bed device . For example, the second component of the electrode film mixture may be supplied from a second source to a second inlet of the fluidized bed coating device. In some embodiments, the electrode film mixture can be supplied. In some embodiments, the electrode film mixture The second component of the composition can be dispersed and fluidized by a continuous amount of heated gas or heated air to form a fluidized bed. In some embodiments, the liquid of the polymer dispersion evaporates in a fluidized bed coating apparatus by heated air to yield a dried polymer. The dried polymer and the fluidized bed can be simultaneously fed in a fluidized bed coating apparatus such that the second component of the electrode film mixture is covered by the dried polymer. For example, a dispersion containing PTFE can be fed into a first inlet of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. Also, dried particles of graphite can be fed into a second inlet of the fluidized bed coating apparatus such that a fluidized bed containing the graphite particles is formed. By evaporating the liquid portion of the polymer dispersion in the fluidized bed coating apparatus, the dried PTFE may cover the dried particles of graphite in the fluidized bed coating apparatus as a film and / or as small particles adhering to the graphite surface. The second component of the electrode film mixture can be present in the fluidized bed coating apparatus prior to the step of feeding the polymer dispersion. In some embodiments, the binder is not PTFE. In further embodiments, the polymer dispersion does not contain PTFE. In some embodiments, one or more of the electrode film mixtures described herein can form an electrode film by being rolled after being mixed with one or more other components of the electrode film mixture. The other component can be, for example, a third component of the electrode film mixture. The third component of the electrode film mixture can be mixed with the electrode film mixture after the coating process described herein. For example, the third component of the electrode film mixture can be the first and second components of the electrode film mixture.

[0051]

[0052] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It can be added to the electrode film mixture containing minutes. Alternatively, or in addition, the third component of the electrode film mixture can be mixed with the first component and / or the second component before being mixed in the fluidized bed device. As a non-limiting example, the third component of the electrode film mixture can be dispersed in the liquid of the polymer dispersion.

[0053] The third component of the electrode film mixture can include an additional binder material. This additional binder material may be the same as or different from the binder material contained in the polymer dispersion. The additional binder material can be any of those provided herein. The additional binder material may be, for example, PTFE or may contain PTFE. Alternatively, or in addition, the third component of the electrode film mixture can contain, for example, an additional active material. This active material can be any of those described herein. For example, it may be a carbon material or a metal oxide. Alternatively, or in addition, the third component of the electrode film mixture can contain, for example, a conductive electrode film material.

[0054] [[ID=A]]The electrode can be used to form an anode or a cathode for use in an energy storage device. For example, the electrode film may be connected to the current collector of the anode or cathode by a lamination process or the like. The electrode films described herein can be used to form anodes and / or cathodes of energy storage devices such as batteries, capacitors, hybrids of capacitors and batteries, fuel cells, and combinations thereof. The energy storage device may operate with lithium or without lithium. In some embodiments, the electrode film is a battery such as a lithium-ion battery or other ​​ It can be used to manufacture a metal ion battery. In some embodiments, the electrode membrane can be used to manufacture an ultracapacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC). In some embodiments, the electrode membrane can be used to manufacture a lithium ion capacitor. The electrode membrane may be a self-supporting electrode membrane as described herein. .

[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an example of an energy storage device 100. The energy storage device 100 can be any of energy storage devices such as a lithium ion capacitor, a lithium ion battery, or an electric double layer capacitor. Of course, other energy storage devices are within the scope of the present invention, and the device 100 can be other types of capacitors, batteries, mixtures of capacitors and batteries, or fuel cells. The energy storage device 100 can include a first electrode 102, a second electrode 104, and a separator 106 located between the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 104. For example, the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 104 can be disposed adjacent to opposite faces of the separator 106, respectively. The first electrode 102 can include a cathode, and the second electrode 104 can include an anode, or vice versa. The energy storage device 100 can include an electrolyte to facilitate the movement of ions between the electrodes 102 and 104 of the energy storage device 100. For example, the electrolyte can be in contact with the first electrode 102, the second electrode 104, and the separator 106. The electrolyte, the first electrode 102, the second electrode 104, and the separator 106 are housed within a housing 120 of the energy storage device. For example, the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 104 can be disposed adjacent to opposite faces of the separator 106, respectively. The first electrode 102 can include a cathode, and the second electrode 104 can include an anode, or vice versa. The energy storage device 100 can include an electrolyte to facilitate the movement of ions between the electrodes 102 and 104 of the energy storage device 100. For example, the electrolyte can be in contact with the first electrode 102, the second electrode 104, and the separator 106. The electrolyte, the first electrode 102, the second electrode 104, and the separator 106 are housed within a housing 120 of the energy storage device. For example, the electrolyte can be in contact with the first electrode 102, the second electrode 104, and the separator 106. The electrolyte, the first electrode 102, the second electrode 104, and the separator 106 are housed within a housing 120 of the energy storage device. obtained. For example, the housing 120 of the energy storage device may be inserted with the first electrode 102, the second electrode 104, and the separator 106, and sealed after filling the electrolyte into the energy storage device 100, so that the first electrode 102, the second electrode 104, the separator 106, and the electrolyte can be physically sealed from the external environment of the housing. The separator 106 may be configured to electrically insulate two electrodes (for example, the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 104) adjacent to opposite sides of the separator 106 while allowing ion movement between the two adjacent electrodes. The separator 106 may include various porous electrical

[0056] insulating materials or non-woven electrical insulating materials. In some embodiments, the separator 106 may include a polymer material. The separator 106 may include a composite of polymer materials. The separator 106 may include a composite of one or more polymer materials and ceramics and / or metal oxides. The ceramic or metal oxide may be in powder form. For example, the separator 106 may include a cellulose material such as paper. The separator 106 may include a porous or non-woven polyethylene (PE) material. The separator 106 may include a polytetrafluoroethylene material such as a porous polytetrafluoroethylene material. The separator 106 may include a polypropylene (PP) material such as a porous PP material or a non-woven PP material. The separator 106 may include, for example, a polyethylene coating on a porous PP material or a non-woven PP material or on a composite of polymer materials. As shown in FIG. 1, the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 104 are the first current collector 108

[0057] ​​​​​​​​​​​ and may each include a second current collector 110. The first current collector 108 and the second current collector 110 can facilitate electrical connection between the corresponding electrode and an external circuit (not shown). The first current collector 108 and the second current collector 110 can include one or more conductive materials . The first current collector 108 and the second current collector 110 can have various shapes and / or dimensions . The first current collector 108 and the second current collector 110 can be configured to facilitate the movement of charge between the corresponding electrode and the external circuit. For example, the first current collector 108 can be electrically connected to a first energy storage device terminal 122, such as a terminal of an electrical anode, via a first connection portion 126 . The second current collector 110 can be electrically connected to a second energy storage device terminal 124, such as a terminal of an electrical cathode, via a second connection portion 128 . The first energy storage device terminal 122 and the second energy storage device terminal 124 can be electrically connected to respective terminals of an external circuit to connect the energy storage device 100 to the external circuit. The current collector can include a metal material, such as a material including aluminum, nickel, copper, silver, alloys thereof, and / or other metal materials, or a non-metallic material, such as graphite, that remains inert with respect to the electrode potential of the device. The first current collector 108 and / or the second current collector 1

[0058] 10 can include a foil. The first current collector 108 and the second current collector 110 can have a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape. They can be dimensioned to provide a desired charge transfer between the corresponding electrode and the external electrical circuit. The energy storage device 100 can be a number of different types . The first current collector 108 and the second current collector 110 can be dimensioned to effect a desired movement of charge between the corresponding electrode and the external electrical circuit. between the corresponding electrode and the external electrical circuit. The energy storage device 100 can be a number of different It is possible to have any of the configurations, whereby electrical communication between the electrodes 102 and 104 and the external electrical circuit can be realized through the current collectors 108 and 110, respectively. For example, the above-described charge transfer can be enabled through a current collector plate and / or another energy storage device component.

[0059] The first electrode 102 may have a first electrode film 112 (e.g., an upper electrode film) on a first surface of the first current collector 108 (e.g., the upper surface of the first current collector 108). The first electrode 102 may have a second electrode film 114 (e.g., a lower electrode film) on a second opposite surface of the first current collector 108 (e.g., the bottom surface of the first current collector 108). Similarly, the second electrode 104 may have a first electrode film 116 (e.g., an upper electrode film) on a first surface of the second current collector 110 (e.g., the upper surface of the second current collector 110). The second electrode 104 may have a second electrode film 118 on a second opposite surface of the second current collector 110 (e.g., on the bottom surface of the second current collector 110). For example, the first surface of the second current collector 110 may face the second surface of the first current collector 108, so that the separator 106 is adjacent to the second electrode film 114 of the first electrode 102 and the first electrode film 116 of the second electrode 104.

[0060] The electrode films 112, 114, 116, and / or 118 can have various suitable shapes, dimensions, and / or thicknesses. For example, the electrode film can have a thickness of about 30 microns (μm) to about 2000 microns. This thickness includes the range of about 100 microns to about 250 microns, and further includes the range of about 30 microns to about 250 microns. The electrode films 112, 114, ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​116 and / or 118 may have the same or different thicknesses, compositions, and densities, respectively. For example, electrode film 112 and electrode film 114 may have different thicknesses, compositions, or densities from electrode film 116 and

[0061] electrode film 118. In some embodiments, the electrode films of the anode and / or cathode of the energy storage device include an electrode film mixture comprising a polymer, such as a polymer binder material, and one or more other components. The polymer is a general term and may include homopolymers, copolymers, and polymer mixtures as described herein. In some embodiments, the electrode films of the anode and / or cathode may include one or more active electrode components. In some embodiments, the active electrode component is carbon-based. In some embodiments, one or more active electrode components include a porous carbon material such as activated carbon. In some embodiments, one or more active electrode components include carbon configured to reversibly intercalate lithium ions, such as graphite, soft carbon, and / or hard carbon. In some embodiments, the active electrode component includes a lithium metal oxide. In some embodiments, the electrode film may include one or more additives such as a conductivity enhancing additive or an ion conductivity enhancing additive. In some embodiments, the Tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), the binder described in the present specification, and / or one or more of various suitable polymer materials that can be fibrillated as needed among other suitable polymer materials can be included alone or in combination In some embodiments, the active electrode component employs a rich source of lithium ions This is to pre-lithiate the anode and advantageously reduce or eliminate the inefficiency of the first cycle

[0062] Figure 2 is a process flow chart according to one embodiment of process 200 for forming an electrode membrane mixture In step 202, the first component of the electrode membrane mixture, such as a polymer dispersion, is fed to the first inlet of a fluidized bed coating system, which may also be known as a "spray dryer". Step 202 may include spraying the polymer dispersion into the spray chamber of the apparatus, for example via a spray nozzle. The polymer dispersion includes, consists essentially of, or consists of a liquid and solid or semi-solid polymer particles dispersed therein. In some embodiments, this liquid may include, consist essentially of, or consist of water. For example, the polymer dispersion can be an aqueous dispersion. In some embodiments, this liquid includes, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more other solvents known to those skilled in the art that are common in polymer solutions or dispersions. In some embodiments, the polymer can include, consist essentially of, or consist of an electrode membrane binder material. The electrode membrane binder material is electrochemically inert during the operation of the energy storage device ​​​​​​​​ may include the continuing material. The electrode film binder material is dispersed as fine particles in the carrier fluid or dissolved in a solvent, or a combination of dispersion and dissolution is performed obtained. When the electrode film binder material is mixed with the energy storage active material, it can mechanically form a film Other types of polymers that can be used include, but are not limited to, thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, or elastomers. The polymer can be a mixture or copolymer of two or more polymers The copolymer can be a graft copolymer, a block copolymer, a random copolymer, or a combination thereof. Some polymers include those provided herein. Specifically, for example, carboxymethyl cellulose, styrene-butadiene and copolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride and poly copolymers of vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyacrylic acid, polymeth acrylic acid, and mixtures and copolymers thereof are included. In some embodiments the polymer includes, consists essentially of, or consists only of PTFE obtainable. For example, the polymer dispersion can be an aqueous dispersion that includes, consists essentially of, or consists only of PTFE In some embodiments, the polymer dispersion is a commercially available aqueous dispersion containing PTFE particles. In some embodiments, the polymer dispersion can be a suspension. In a further embodiment, the polymer dispersion can be a solution. In a further embodiment, the polymer does not have to be dissolved in a liquid. In some embodiments, the polymer dispersion is a commercially available aqueous dispersion containing PTFE particles. In some embodiments, the polymer dispersion can be a suspension. In a further embodiment, the polymer dispersion can be a solution. In a further embodiment, the polymer does not have to be dissolved in a liquid. In some embodiments, the polymer dispersion can be a suspension. In a further embodiment, the polymer dispersion can be a solution. In a further embodiment, the polymer does not have to be dissolved in a liquid. In a further embodiment, the polymer does not have to be dissolved in a liquid.

[0063] In step 204, the second component of the electrode film mixture is the electrode in the fluidized bed coating apparatus It is supplied separately from the first component of the membrane mixture. Step 204 may include supplying the second component to the second inlet of the fluidized bed coating apparatus and into the fluidized bed coating apparatus. Thus, the first component of the electrode membrane mixture and the second component of the electrode membrane mixture may be separated from each other until they enter the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. Generally, the first inlet and the second inlet are components downstream of the first supply source and the second supply source, respectively, and provide fluid communication with the coating chamber of the fluidized bed apparatus. Step 204 may include supplying the second component at a different time (e.g., earlier) or simultaneously with the step of supplying the polymer dispersion in step 202. In some embodiments, the second component is a material different from the polymer dispersion of step 202. In some embodiments, the second component is in the form of dry particles. The second component may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the active electrode material. For example, the second component may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of dry particles of the active electrode material. In some embodiments, the second component comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the active electrode material of the cathode or anode of an electric double layer capacitor. In some embodiments, the second component comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the active electrode material of the cathode or anode of a lithium ion capacitor. In some embodiments, the second component comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the active electrode material of the cathode or anode of an electrochemical battery such as a lithium ion battery. In some embodiments, the second component comprises carbon, consists essentially of carbon, or is substantially composed of carbon. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ or consists only of this. In some embodiments, carbon comprises, consists essentially of, or consists only of graphite, soft carbon, and / or hard carbon. In some embodiments, carbon comprises, consists essentially of, or consists only of activated carbon. In some embodiments, the second component comprises, consists essentially of, or consists only of a lithium metal oxide. For example, the second component comprises, consists essentially of, or consists only of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), and also lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), or one or more of other lithiated metal oxide materials suitable for use as a cathode of a rechargeable lithium ion battery, or consists essentially of these, or consists only of these. In step 206, the liquid portion of the polymer dispersion can be evaporated in the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. For example, the liquid portion of the dispersion can vaporize to form a dry polymer. In some embodiments, the fluidized bed coating apparatus comprises a spray nozzle for dispersing the polymer dispersion within the fluidized bed coating apparatus. A spray nozzle such as an atomizing spray nozzle or an ultrasonic spray nozzle can be configured to inject fine droplets of the polymer dispersion into the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. In some embodiments, by directly or indirectly heating one or more components of the fluidized bed coating apparatus with heated fluidizing air, the liquid portion of the polymer dispersion evaporates as desired.

[0064] In step 206, the liquid portion of the polymer dispersion can be evaporated in the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. For example, the liquid portion of the dispersion can vaporize to form a dry polymer. In some embodiments, the fluidized bed coating apparatus comprises a spray nozzle for dispersing the polymer dispersion within the fluidized bed coating apparatus. A spray nozzle such as an atomizing spray nozzle or an ultrasonic spray nozzle can be configured to inject fine droplets of the polymer dispersion into the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. In some embodiments, by directly or indirectly heating one or more components of the fluidized bed coating apparatus with heated fluidizing air, the liquid portion of the polymer dispersion evaporates as desired. ​ Control the exposure temperature of the sea urchin droplets. One or more components of the fluidized bed coating apparatus The temperature can be controlled to adjust the temperature in the coating chamber. In some embodiments The one or more side walls of the coating chamber may be heated. In some embodiments The spray nozzle may be heated. In some embodiments, the polymer dispersion is mixed with the co It may be heated before being introduced into the coating chamber. In some embodiments, a second Component such as an active material can be preheated before the introduction of the polymer dispersion. By doing so, the liquid part of the polymer dispersion This can help control the evaporation rate of the minute. The droplets are, for example, heated spray nozzles and And / or heated fluidizing air, or one or more heated It can be exposed to heat such as heat from the side walls. As a result, the liquid part of the polymer dispersion becomes a coating Evaporation occurs in the chamber to produce a dry polymer. Therefore, evaporation step 206 is the poly Before the mer dispersion is introduced (e.g., sprayed) into the coating chamber, during that period, And / or afterwards, heating the polymer dispersion may be included. Polymer dispersion Other ways to evaporate it (that is, in other words, other ways to add heat to the process Method) includes, for example, directly or indirectly heating the walls of the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus Including heating. For example, a heated gas can be supplied to evaporate This heated gas fluidizes the powder layer of the second component of the electrode film in step 208, as will be described later The polymer dispersion itself and / or the spray nozzle can be heated A microwave generator, an infrared lamp, an oven, or other heat source can be used and the polymer dispersion and / or energy storage device prior to introduction into the coating chamber. The second component of the electrode may be preheated. To facilitate evaporation of the polymer dispersion and / or to completely The temperature of the material can be stabilized, resulting in improved throughput of the coating material and It can be improved.

[0065] In step 208, the electrode membrane mixture is prepared by adding a second component, which may include or consist of only the second component. A fluidized bed consisting essentially of the fluidized bed may be formed in a fluidized bed coating apparatus. In some embodiments, the second component of the electrode membrane mixture is added to the dry coating apparatus in a fluidized bed coating apparatus. The fluidized bed forming step may be performed by supplying (i.e., storing) the dry particles of the second component in a fluidized bed state. and compressed gas such as compressed air are fed simultaneously or sequentially to the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating device. For example, the second component may be contained within a coating chamber. Compressed gas can be passed through the layer to form a "fluidized bed."

[0066] The evaporation step 206 and the fluidized bed formation step 208 are carried out to form the polymer dispersion and the electrode film. As the two components flow through the coating chamber, a dry electrode mixture is formed. The electrode mixture is a second layer of the electrode film covered with a dry polymer binder of the polymer dispersion. For example, a step of forming a fluidized bed from a second component and a step of dissolving a polymer dispersion in a fluidized bed The process of evaporating the body parts is carried out simultaneously in the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating device. As a result, the second component can be covered with the dry polymer in the coating chamber. .

[0067] In some embodiments, the step of supplying the second component within the fluidized bed coating apparatus includes supplying the second component by means of a screw feeder, air action, manual operation, or another device (configured to supply particulate material through a second inlet).

[0068] As described herein, in some embodiments, the polymer dispersion is an aqueous dispersion containing polymer particles as described herein. In further embodiments, the polymer is PTFE. The polymer dispersion can be supplied to a first inlet of the fluidized bed coating apparatus such that droplets of the polymer dispersion are dispersed within the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. As described herein, in some embodiments, the second component includes graphite. In some embodiments, a dry powder containing dry particles of graphite can be supplied to a second inlet of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. A fluidized bed containing graphite can be formed within the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. One or more components of the fluidized bed coating apparatus can be heated such that graphite particles having a desired dryness are supplied into the coating chamber and such that the liquid portion of the polymer dispersion evaporates to a desired extent within the coating chamber. For example, evaporation of water and / or other liquid components of the polymer dispersion results in dry PTFE within the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. An aerosol containing graphite and dry PTFE can be present simultaneously within the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. Thereby, the graphite particles can be covered with dry PTFE within the coating chamber.

[0069] In some embodiments, the dry particles of the second component are larger than the minimum dimension. In some In an embodiment, the dry particles may have a dimension of about 3 microns (μm) or more (e.g., diameter, length, or the longest dimension, etc.). In some embodiments, the approximate particle dimensions of the second component are 0.01 micron, 0.1 micron, 0.2 micron, 0.3 micron, 0.5 micron, 0.7 micron, 1 micron, 1.5 microns, 2 microns, 2.5 microns , 3 microns, or a numerical range therebetween. In some embodiments, the polymer particles of the polymer dispersion droplets present within the fluidized bed coating apparatus cannot be larger than the maximum dimension. In some embodiments, the polymer particles are atomized particles. In the case of a PTFE dispersion, the particle size may typically be less than 1 micron, and may typically be 0.1 - 0.2 microns. In the case of other solutions or dispersions of the polymer, the particle size may be smaller. For example, 0.01 - 0.1 micron, or may be even smaller. In some embodiments, the approximate particle dimensions of the polymer dispersion are 0.01 micron, 0.03 micron, 0.05 micron, 0.1 micron, 0 .2 micron, 0.3 micron, 0.5 micron, 0.7 micron, 1 micron, or a numerical range therebetween. The nozzle may be configured to adjust the particle size.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus 300 for manufacturing an electrode film mixture. In some embodiments, the process 200 described with reference to FIG. 2 is performed using the apparatus 300.It is possible. Referring to FIG. 3, the apparatus 300 may include a source 302 of a polymer dispersion, an electrode a source 304 of a second component of the electrode film mixture, a fluidized bed coating apparatus 306 (including a coating chamber 310), and a current collector 308. The source 302 of the polymer dispersion may include a polymer dispersion containing a polymer and a liquid as described herein. The polymer dispersion 302 may optionally contain additional mixture components. This additional mixture component may be, for example, a third component of the electrode film mixture as provided herein. The source 304 of the second component of the electrode film mixture may include the second component of the electrode film mixture as described herein. The polymer dispersion may be supplied from the polymer dispersion source 302 to a first inlet 312 of the fluidized bed coating apparatus 306. The second component of the electrode film mixture may be filled into the open current collector 308 in batches, or may be supplied substantially continuously through an opening such as a second inlet 314 using powder delivery means such as a screw feeder. The polymer dispersion may be supplied into the coating chamber 310 through a nozzle 316. The nozzle 316 may be separated from the first inlet 312 or may be included as a part. The nozzle 316 may be configured to introduce the liquid polymer dispersion into the coating chamber 310 in various orientations in addition to the illustrated orientation. For example, the nozzle 316 may be an up-and-down tangential spray nozzle or other orientations. The nozzle 316 performs top spraying, bottom spraying, tangential, or other spray orientation processes. The process performed may be an atomization process. Using a screw feeder or other components, the second component of the electrode film mixture is fed to the second ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

[0071] Using a screw feeder or other components, the second component of the electrode film mixture is fed to the second It can be introduced batchwise into the coating chamber 310 from the inlet 314. In some embodiments the polymer dispersion can be dispersed as droplets in the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus 306 Thereby, the liquid portion of the polymer dispersion can evaporate to yield the dry polymer or its particles. The electrodes A fluidized bed containing the second component of the electrode film mixture can be simultaneously formed in the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus 306 so that the dry polymer can cover the particles of the second component within. In some embodiments, the particles of the second component of the electrode film mixture covered with the dry polymer can exit the fluidized bed coating apparatus 306 through the outlet 318 and be collected in the capacitor 308. For example, vortices can be formed by the air flowing in the coating chamber 310 This vortex draws the second electrode component into the coating chamber, enabling the coating process in the capacitor 308. For example, vortices can be formed by the air flowing in the coating chamber 310 This vortex draws the second electrode component into the coating chamber, enabling the coating process to be possible.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an apparatus 400 for manufacturing an electrode film mixture. The apparatus 400 shows examples of some components that can be employed together with the apparatus 300 described with reference to FIG. 3 and / or the process described with reference to FIG. 2. The apparatus 400 can include a fluidized bed coating apparatus such as a Worster-type accelerator The apparatus 400 can include a current collector 402, a source 404 of a polymer dispersion for spraying the polymer dispersion into the apparatus via an inlet and a nozzle, and an air source 406. and an air source 406.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluidized bed apparatus 500. The apparatus 500 can be similar to or include the apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 4 As shown in FIG. 5, the polymer dispersion 50 1 can be supplied into the coating chamber 503 of the apparatus 500. The polymer dispersion 501 It may contain a liquid and a polymer. This polymer is the first component of the electrode film mixture of the energy storage device. The polymer dispersion 501 can be supplied into the device 500, for example, via the inlet 504. The inlet 504 may include a nozzle 505 capable of injecting and / or spraying the polymer dispersion 501 into the coating chamber 503, or may be in fluid communication with this nozzle 505. The nozzle 505 can supply the finely divided (e.g., atomized) polymer dispersion 501. The inlet 504 is in fluid communication with an upstream source of the polymer dispersion (not shown). The polymer dispersion 501 is directly or indirectly heated to evaporate at least the liquid component of the polymer dispersion in the device 500 to form a dried polymer or a substantially dried polymer.

[0074] The second component 502 of the electrode film mixture can be supplied into the coating chamber 503, for example, by a batch filling process. The component 502 can be supplied into the device 500, for example, via an inlet (not shown). The second component can be supplied onto the support 506. Thereby, a layer of the material is formed. The gas 508 can be a heated gas. By the gas 508 passing through the layer of the material, a fluidized layer of the component 502 can be formed. For example, the support 506 may include one or more holes. Through these holes, the flow of the gas 508 such as air passes through the support 506 and reaches into the layer of the second component 502, and as a result, a fluidized layer can be formed. The fluidized layer of the second component 502 and one or more parts of the polymer dispersion 501 such as the dried polymer are in fluid communication in the coating chamber 503, and as a result, Part of the polymer dispersion covers component 502. The polymer dispersion is sprayed through nozzle 505 The timing at which it is sprayed may be based on the temperature measured within apparatus 500 (e.g., the temperature of the first component of the mixture, the temperature of the second component of the mixture, the temperature of the wall, and / or the temperature of other parts of apparatus 500 ). )

[0075] Coating chamber 503 and support 506 can be configured to create a gap 507 therebetween When gas 508 passes through support 506, a fluidized bed of the second component 502 is formed When polymer dispersion 501 is sprayed into apparatus 500, the presence of gap 507 allows one or more of the electrode film mixture components within apparatus 500 to move in the direction of the illustrated arrow and as a result, a rotating vortex is formed. When such a flow occurs, the uniformity of the coating formed on the second component 502 by the polymer in polymer dispersion 501 is enhanced . By adjusting the height of gap 507 and / or the height of the walls of coating chamber 503 , the vortex characteristics such as the flow rate can be controlled. The vortex characteristics can also be controlled by adjusting the size and shape of coating chamber 503, gap 507, and / or nozzle 505. Such control can affect the uniformity of the coating . In some embodiments, the spray nozzle can be disposed at or near the lower end portion of the fluidized bed coating apparatus (e.g., upward) . The droplets of the polymer dispersion and the fluidized bed containing the second component of the electrode film mixture can be formed within the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus disposed above the spray nozzle

[0076] . The fluidized bed coating ​​​One or more components of the device can be heated. By this heating, the liquid part of the polymer dispersion can be easily evaporated as desired, and / or the desired dryness of the second component of the electrode film mixture can be maintained. These parts include the spray nozzle of the fluidized bed coating device and / or one or more side walls. In some embodiments, the polymer dispersion may include water and a water-soluble polymer or a water-dispersed polymer as a latex. Therefore, the evaporation of water in the fluidized bed coating device results in the formation of a dry polymer. In some embodiments, the second component of the electrode film mixture includes dry particles of graphite. A fluidized bed containing graphite is formed by using heated gas or heated air in the fluidized bed coating device. A part of the atomized polymer dispersion can adhere to the swirling particles, but the liquid can vaporize before the particles can coalesce. Dry polymers such as dry PTFE can cover the dry particles of the second component of the electrode film mixture (such as dry particles of graphite, etc.) in the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating device. The liquid part becomes easy to evaporate as desired, and / or the desired dryness of the second component of the electrode film mixture is maintained. These parts include the spray nozzle of the fluidized bed coating device and / or one or more side walls. In some embodiments, the polymer dispersion may include water and a water-soluble polymer or a water-dispersed polymer as a latex. Therefore, the evaporation of water in the fluidized bed coating device results in the formation of a dry polymer. In some embodiments, the second component of the electrode film mixture includes dry particles of graphite. A fluidized bed containing graphite is formed by using heated gas or heated air in the fluidized bed coating device. A part of the atomized polymer dispersion can adhere to the swirling particles, but the liquid can vaporize before the particles can coalesce. Dry polymers such as dry PTFE can cover the dry particles of the second component of the electrode film mixture (such as dry particles of graphite, etc.) in the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating device. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluidized bed device 600. As shown in Figure 6, the polymer dispersion can be supplied into the stationary coating chamber 612 of the device 600. The polymer dispersion can be supplied into the device 600 through a nozzle 608 capable of injecting and / or spraying the polymer dispersion into the coating chamber 612. The nozzle 608 can supply a finely divided (e.g., atomized) polymer dispersion.

[0077] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluidized bed device 600. As shown in Figure 6, the polymer dispersion can be supplied into the stationary coating chamber 612 of the device 600. The polymer dispersion can be supplied into the device 600 through a nozzle 608 capable of injecting and / or spraying the polymer dispersion into the coating chamber 612. The polymer dispersion may be as described herein. The polymer dispersion can be supplied into the device 600, for example, through a nozzle 608 capable of injecting and / or spraying the polymer dispersion into the coating chamber 612. The nozzle 608 can supply a finely divided (e.g., atomized) polymer dispersion. The nozzle 608 can be in fluid communication with an upstream polymer dispersion source (not shown). The polymer dispersion can be heated directly or indirectly. Upon being heated, at least the liquid component of the polymer dispersion is evaporated within the device to form a dried polymer, or a substantially dried polymer.

[0078] The second component of the electrode film mixture can be supplied into the coating chamber 612. The illustrated device 600 includes a rotor 602. The rotor 602 can be, for example, a flat rotor, a curved rotor, or a conical rotor. The rotor 602 can be smooth or can have some texture. The second component of the electrode film mixture can be charged in a batch manner and / or can be continuously charged via the nozzle 604. The second component can be fluidized and circulated within the coating chamber 612. A gas (e.g., a heated gas) can flow through the layer of the material, resulting in the formation of a fluidized bed of the second component of the electrode film mixture that can be formed. For example, the gas flow can be coaxial with the rotor. The gas can be dry air. [[ID=2I]]The gas can pass around in contact with the rotor 602. The fluidized bed of the second component of the electrode film mixture and one or more portions of the polymer dispersion such as the dried polymer are in fluid communication within the coating chamber 6 12, such that as a result, a part of the polymer dispersion such as the dried polymer covers the second component of the electrode film mixture. The timing at which the polymer dispersion and / or the second component of the electrode film mixture are introduced into the coating chamber 612 can be based on the temperature measured within the device 600 ( e.g., the temperature of the first component of the mixture, the temperature of the second component of the mixture, the wall temperature, and / or the temperature of other parts of the device 600). The coating chamber 612 and the rotor 602 are arranged to create a gap 606 therebetween such that... e.g., the temperature of the first component of the mixture, the temperature of the second component of the mixture, the wall temperature, and / or the temperature of other parts of the device 600).

[0079] The coating chamber 612 and the rotor 602 are arranged to create a gap 606 therebetween It can be configured. Due to the gas flow, one or more of the electrode film mixture components within the device 600 can move, for example, in the direction of the illustrated arrow. When such a flow occurs, the uniformity of the coating film formed on the second component of the electrode film mixture by the polymer in the polymer dispersion is enhanced. By adjusting the dimensions and shape of the walls of the coating chamber 612, the form and direction of the nozzles 604 and 608, and the shape and texture of the rotor 602, it is possible to control the flow characteristics of the gas such as the flow rate. Those skilled in the art can obtain the desired coating characteristics by adjusting these parameters. In some embodiments, one or more of the electrode film mixtures described herein are rolled after being combined with one or more other electrode film components to form an electrode film. The electrode film can be one or more of the electrode films described with reference to FIG. 1. The electrode film can be installed in an energy storage device. Although the present invention has been disclosed in connection with specific embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention extends to other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the present invention, obvious improvements and equivalents thereof in addition to the specifically disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, although some variations of the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail, based on the present disclosure, other changes within the scope of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made, and it should be considered that they may still be included within the scope of the present invention. Various of the disclosed embodiments

[0080]

[0081] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It should be understood that the features and aspects can be combined with each other or alternatively to implement various modes or embodiments of the disclosed invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the above specific embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the above specific embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the above specific embodiments.

[0082] The headings in this specification, if any, are provided for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. The headings in this specification, if any, are provided for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for forming an electrode film mixture of an energy storage device, comprising: a first supply source, a second supply source, and a fluidized bed coating device, wherein the first supply source contains a polymer dispersion, the polymer dispersion contains a liquid and a polymer, the polymer is a first component of the electrode film mixture of the energy storage device, the second supply source contains a second component of the electrode film mixture of the energy storage device, 、 the fluidized bed coating device includes a first inlet configured to receive the polymer dispersion from the first supply source, and a second inlet configured to receive the second component from the second supply source for forming the electrode film mixture.

2. The fluidized bed coating device is further configured to: evaporate the liquid of the polymer dispersion to form a dried polymer, form a fluidized bed with the second component, and cover the second component with the dried polymer, The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The second component contains dry particles, The fluidized bed coating device is further configured to form a fluidized bed from the dry particles, The apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The second component contains an active electrode component of the electrode film mixture, The apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The second component contains a lithium metal oxide, The apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The second component contains carbon, The apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The second component contains graphite, The apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The polymer contains polytetrafluoroethylene, The apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The liquid contains water, The apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The second component contains dry particles, The fluidized bed coating device is configured to receive the dry particles through the second inlet and form a fluidized bed from the dry particles, The apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The fluidized bed coating device is further configured to evaporate the water to provide a dried polytetrafluoroethylene coating on the dry particles, The apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The fluidized bed coating device is further configured to supply a continuous amount of gas to form a fluidized bed with the second component, The apparatus according to claim 1.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rotor.

14. 1. A method for preparing an electrode film mixture for an energy storage device, comprising: A first inlet of the fluidized bed coating apparatus is provided with a liquid and an electrode film of the energy storage device. providing a polymer dispersion comprising a polymer that is a first component of the mixture; The electrode film mixture of the energy storage device is introduced into a second inlet of the fluidized bed coating apparatus. providing a second component of the mixture; The liquid portion of the polymer dispersion is evaporated in the fluidized bed coating apparatus to form a dried polymer. forming a mer; A fluidized layer of the dry polymer and a second component of the electrode membrane mixture are applied to the fluidized layer coating. and forming the electrode film mixture in a coating apparatus.

15. The step of providing the polymer dispersion comprises providing a dispersion comprising water and polytetrafluoroethylene.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising providing an article.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing the second component comprises providing dry particles. How to do it.

17. The step of providing the second component includes providing an active electrode component of the electrode membrane mixture. The method of claim 14, comprising:

18. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing a second component comprises providing carbon. Law.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein providing carbon comprises providing graphite.

20. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing a second component comprises providing a lithium metal oxide.

14. The method according to claim 14.

21. The step of evaporating the liquid portion of the dispersion may include evaporating the dispersion through the fluidized bed coating apparatus.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising passing the mixture through a spray nozzle.

22. and coating the second component with the dry polymer in the fluidized bed coating apparatus. The method of claim 14, comprising:

23. The step of supplying the second component is carried out before supplying the polymer dispersion. Item 15. The method according to item 14.

24. A method for forming an electrode film, comprising: A process for forming an electrode film composite for an energy storage device using the method of claim 14. The degree and rolling the electrode film mixture to form an electrode film.

25. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of rolling the electrode film mixture includes fiberizing the polymer.

4. The method according to claim 4.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the electrode film is a self-supporting electrode.

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