Carbon nanotube dispersion and method for producing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid containing carbon nanotubes, a dispersant, and a dispersion medium, wherein the dispersant contains a first dispersant and a second dispersant in a weight ratio of 100:10 to 100:90, the first dispersant is a dispersant containing an N atom, and the second dispersant is a compound containing a sulfone group, a hydroxy group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, and the weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant is 100:50 to 100:500, and the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid has low viscosity and little change in viscosity over time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0024182, filed on February 23, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube dispersion and a method for producing the same, and more specifically to a carbon nanotube dispersion that has low viscosity and little change in viscosity over time, and a method for producing the same. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Along with technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries, which have high energy density and voltage, long cycle life, and low self-discharge rate, have been commercialized and widely used. In addition, research into methods for improving electrode density and manufacturing electrodes with higher energy density per unit volume for such high-capacity lithium secondary batteries is actively being conducted.

[0004] In general, high-density electrodes are formed by molding electrode active material particles having a size of several μm to several tens of μm using a high-pressure press. However, during the molding process, the particles are deformed and the spaces between the particles can be reduced, which can lead to a decrease in electrolyte permeability.

[0005] To solve the above problems, conductive materials with excellent electrical conductivity and strength are used during electrode manufacturing. The conductive material is located between the electrode active materials, maintaining micropores between the active material particles even after the molding process, facilitating electrolyte penetration. The excellent electrical conductivity of the conductive material reduces the resistance within the electrode. Among such conductive materials, carbon nanotubes, a fibrous carbon-based conductive material, are increasingly being used, which can further reduce electrode resistance by forming an electrical conductive path within the electrode.

[0006] Carbon nanotubes, a type of fine carbon fiber, are tubular carbon fibers with a diameter of less than 1 μm. Their unique structure gives them high electrical conductivity, tensile strength, and heat resistance, making them promising for practical application in a variety of fields. However, carbon nanotubes have a problem in that they are poorly dispersible due to the strong van der Waals attractive forces between them, which leads to aggregation.

[0007] To solve this problem, a method has been proposed in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed in a dispersion medium by mechanical dispersion treatment such as ultrasonic treatment, but the problem with mechanical dispersion treatment is that the carbon nanotubes aggregate as soon as the ultrasonic irradiation is stopped.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to develop a method for producing a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid that can improve the dispersibility of carbon nanotubes, has low viscosity, and suppresses an increase in viscosity over time. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid that has excellent dispersibility, low viscosity, and little change in viscosity over time, by containing a dispersant containing an N atom and a compound that contains a sulfone group, a hydroxy group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a negative electrode slurry composition for a lithium secondary battery, which contains the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid.

[0013] [1] The present invention provides a carbon nanotube dispersion comprising carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a dispersant, and a dispersion medium, wherein the dispersant comprises a first dispersant and a second dispersant in a weight ratio of 100:10 to 100:90, the first dispersant is a dispersant containing a N atom, and the second dispersant is a compound containing a sulfone group, a hydroxy group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, and the weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant is 100:50 to 100:500.

[0014] [2] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes having a specific surface area (BET) of 800 m 2 / g or more.

[0015] [3] The present invention provides the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to the above [1] or [2], wherein the carbon nanotubes are single-walled carbon nanotubes.

[0016] [4] The present invention provides the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the carbon nanotubes are contained in an amount of 0.1 to 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid.

[0017] [5] The present invention provides the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the first dispersant is one or more selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid hydrazide, poly-N-vinyl-5-methoxazolidone, N-alkyl polyimine, N-acetyl polyimine, polyacrylamide, poly-L-lysine hydrobromide, benzyl-dodecyl-dimethylammonium chloride, and polyethyleneimine.

[0018] [6] The present invention provides the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the second dispersant is a lignosulfonate compound.

[0019] [7] The present invention provides the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the second dispersant is sodium lignosulfonate, calcium lignosulfonate, or a mixture thereof.

[0020] [8] The present invention provides the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to [7] above, wherein the dispersant contains a first dispersant and a second dispersant in a weight ratio of 100:20 to 100:80.

[0021] [9] The present invention provides the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to [8] above, wherein the weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant is 100:100 to 100:300.

[0022]

[10] The present invention provides the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to [9] above, wherein the weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant is 100:120 to 100:250.

[0023]

[11] The present invention provides a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to

[10] above, wherein the dispersion medium is one or more selected from the group consisting of an amide-based polar organic solvent, an alcohol-based solvent, a glycol-based solvent, a glycol ether-based solvent, a ketone-based solvent, an ester-based solvent, and an aqueous solvent.

[0024]

[12] The present invention provides the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to

[11] above, wherein the viscosity of the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid is 1,000 cP to 16,000 cP.

[0025] In order to solve the above-mentioned other problems, the present invention also provides an electrode slurry composition for a lithium secondary battery, which includes the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid.

[0026]

[13] The present invention provides an electrode slurry composition for a lithium secondary battery, comprising the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to

[12] above and an electrode active material.

[0027] In order to solve the above-mentioned other problems, the present invention also provides a method for producing a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid.

[0028] The present invention provides a method for producing a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of [1] to

[12] above, which includes (1) a step of mixing carbon nanotubes, a dispersant, and a dispersion medium to produce a mixture, and (2) a step of dispersing the mixture, wherein the dispersant contains a first dispersant and a second dispersant in a weight ratio of 100:10 to 100:90, the first dispersant is a dispersant containing an N atom, and the second dispersant is a compound containing a sulfone group, a hydroxy group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, and the weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant is 100:50 to 100:500. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] The carbon nanotube dispersion of the present invention contains both a dispersant containing an N atom and a compound containing a sulfone group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, and therefore has excellent dispersibility for carbon nanotubes, low viscosity, and little change in viscosity over time, making it advantageous for storing and using the carbon nanotube dispersion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited way to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that the inventors can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best explain their inventions.

[0031] The terms used in this specification are used only to describe exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expressions include the plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprises," or "having" are intended to specify the presence of embodied features, numbers, steps, components, or combinations thereof, and should be understood as not precluding the presence or possible addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, components, or combinations thereof.

[0033] In this specification, "%" means % by weight unless expressly indicated otherwise.

[0034] In this specification, the average particle size "D 50 " means the particle size corresponding to 50% of the cumulative volume, and "D 90 " means the particle size corresponding to 90% of the cumulative volume. 50 and D 90 can be measured by, for example, the laser diffraction method. The laser diffraction method is generally capable of measuring particle sizes from the submicron range to several mm, and can provide results with high reproducibility and high resolution.

[0035] In this specification, the "specific surface area" is measured by the BET method, and specifically, can be calculated from the amount of nitrogen gas adsorbed at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) using a BELSORP-mino II manufactured by BEL Japan.

[0036] The present invention will be specifically described below.

[0037] The carbon nanotube dispersion liquid of the present invention is a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a dispersant, and a dispersion medium, wherein the dispersant contains a first dispersant and a second dispersant in a weight ratio of 100:10 to 100:90, the first dispersant is a dispersant containing an N atom, and the second dispersant is a compound containing a sulfone group, a hydroxy group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, and the weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant is 100:50 to 100:500.

[0038] Carbon nanotube dispersion Each component of the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid of the present invention will be specifically described below.

[0039] (1) Carbon nanotubes The term "carbon nanotube" used in the present invention refers to a secondary structure formed by the assembly of carbon nanotube units to form a bundle, either entirely or partially. The carbon nanotube units have a cylindrical graphite sheet with a nano-sized diameter, and are arranged in a sp 2 Carbon nanotubes have a bond structure. Depending on the angle and structure of the graphite sheets, they can exhibit conductive or semiconductive properties. Carbon nanotube units can be classified into single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) depending on the number of bonds that make up the walls.

[0040] The term "bundle type" as used herein, unless otherwise specified, refers to a secondary shape in which multiple carbon nanotube units are arranged side by side with their longitudinal axes oriented in substantially the same direction, or are arranged and then twisted or entangled, like a bundle or rope. The term "non-bundle type or entangled type" refers to a form in which carbon nanotube units are entangled without having a fixed shape like a bundle or rope.

[0041] Carbon nanotubes have high conductivity, but they also tend to aggregate due to the van der Waals force that occurs between them. When conductive materials aggregate, conductive paths are not smoothly formed, and a relatively large amount of conductive material is required, which reduces the amount of active material, potentially resulting in a decrease in electrode performance. This has made it difficult to commercialize carbon nanotubes as a conductive material.

[0042] The carbon nanotube dispersion liquid of the present invention contains a dispersant containing an N atom and a compound containing a sulfone group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, which prevents the viscosity of the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid from changing over time, thereby exhibiting a low viscosity increase rate and providing advantageous effects in the storage and use of the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid.

[0043] Furthermore, when the carbon nanotube dispersion according to the present invention is applied to the preparation of an electrode slurry, the carbon nanotubes are uniformly positioned among the active materials, and the fine spaces among the electrode active materials can be uniformly maintained even during the process of manufacturing an electrode by coating, drying, and rolling the electrode slurry. Furthermore, the carbon nanotubes are uniformly distributed without agglomeration, and even a small amount of carbon nanotubes can sufficiently form a conductive path.

[0044] The carbon nanotube dispersion according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more of single-walled, double-walled, and multi-walled carbon nanotube units as the carbon nanotubes, and specifically may include single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).

[0045] The carbon nanotubes are 800 m 2 / g or more, specifically, 800 m 2 / g~2,000m 2The carbon nanotube dispersion of the present invention exhibits excellent dispersibility by containing both a dispersant containing an N atom and a compound containing a sulfonic group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure. 2 The carbon nanotube dispersion exhibits excellent dispersibility even for carbon nanotubes having a high specific surface area (BET) of 1 / g or more, and the carbon nanotube dispersion exhibits low viscosity, resulting in little change in viscosity over time.

[0046] The carbon nanotubes may be contained in an amount of 0.1 to 5 parts by weight, specifically 0.2 to 3 parts by weight, more specifically 0.4 to 2 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the conductive material dispersion liquid.

[0047] The carbon nanotube dispersion according to one embodiment of the present invention contains a dispersant with excellent dispersibility, thereby exhibiting excellent dispersibility even for carbon nanotubes with a high specific surface area, thereby enabling carbon nanotubes with a relatively high specific surface area to be uniformly dispersed. The carbon nanotube content may be higher than that of conventionally used carbon nanotube dispersions, as described above. When a carbon nanotube dispersion with a low carbon nanotube content is used to prepare an electrode slurry, the solids content of the prepared electrode slurry decreases, resulting in a thicker thickness (wet thickness) of the electrode slurry before coating and drying. The rolling ratio measured after subsequent drying and rolling processes increases, resulting in a larger difference in thickness ratio before and after drying and rolling. Such a high rolling ratio can damage the components in the slurry, including the positive electrode active material, during the process, potentially resulting in a decrease in battery performance.

[0048] (2) Dispersant The carbon nanotube dispersion according to the present invention contains a first dispersant and a second dispersant in a weight ratio of 100:10 to 100:90 to improve the dispersibility of the carbon nanotubes. The first dispersant may be a dispersant containing a nitrogen atom, and the second dispersant may be a compound containing a sulfonic acid group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure.

[0049] The dispersant containing an N atom contained as the first dispersant and the compound containing a sulfone group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure contained as the second dispersant act as dispersants that increase the dispersibility of carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube dispersion, and can suppress the increase in viscosity of the carbon nanotube dispersion and the change in viscosity over time.

[0050] In particular, the carbon nanotube dispersion of the present invention contains, in addition to the first dispersant containing an N atom, a second dispersant containing a compound containing a sulfone group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, thereby exhibiting superior dispersibility compared to carbon nanotube dispersions containing only dispersants that have been commonly used in the past, and the slurry composition has less particle aggregation, a low settling rate, a low viscosity, and excellent adhesion to the separator substrate.

[0051] The second dispersant contains both a sulfone group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, and the bulky structure of the compound and the effects of the sulfone group and hydroxyl group enable it to reduce the viscosity of carbon nanotube dispersions, particularly aqueous carbon nanotube dispersions, compared to conventional dispersions and significantly improve viscosity increase over time.

[0052] The first dispersant may be a dispersant containing an N atom. When a dispersant containing an N atom in its structure, i.e., a specific dispersant containing an amine structure, an amide structure, an imine structure, an ammonium structure, or the like, is used as the first dispersant, it is possible to achieve a further improved viscosity improving effect and an effect of suppressing changes in viscosity over time. The dispersant containing an N atom may be one that is soluble in water, and may be, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid hydrazide, poly-N-vinyl-5-methoxazolidone, N-alkyl polyimine, N-acetyl polyimine, polyacrylamide, poly-L-lysine hydrobromide, benzyl-dodecyl-dimethylammonium chloride, and polyethyleneimine.

[0053] The second dispersant may be a compound containing a sulfonic acid group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, and the compound containing a sulfonic acid group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure may be a lignosulfonate compound. The second dispersant may be, for example, sodium lignosulfonate, calcium lignosulfonate, or a mixture thereof.

[0054] When the dispersant contains a dispersant containing an N atom as the first dispersant and a compound containing a sulfonic acid group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure as the second dispersant, the interaction between the aromatic ring and the carbon nanotubes and the interaction between the hydroxyl group and the polymer dispersant due to hydrogen bonding are appropriately balanced in the carbon nanotube dispersion, thereby reducing the viscosity of the carbon nanotube dispersion and suppressing its increase over time. Furthermore, the negatively charged sulfonic acid group can induce an electrostatic shielding effect, thereby suppressing the aggregation of carbon nanotubes.

[0055] The dispersant may contain a first dispersant and a second dispersant together in a weight ratio of 100:10 to 100:90, specifically a weight ratio of 100:10 to 100:80 or 100:20 to 100:80, more specifically a weight ratio of 100:20 to 100:50. When the carbon nanotube dispersion contains the first dispersant and the second dispersant as the dispersants in the above weight ratio, the carbon nanotubes are uniformly dispersed in the carbon nanotube dispersion, and the viscosity can be maintained at a constant level over time along with a low viscosity.

[0056] The weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant may be 100:80 to 100:500, specifically 100:100 to 100:400, 100:100 to 100:300, 100:100 to 100:250, 100:120 to 100:300, or 100:120 to 100:250, more specifically 100:120 to 100:200.

[0057] If the dispersant is contained in an amount exceeding the above range, the conductivity of the electrode may be impaired when the carbon nanotube dispersion is applied to the electrode, and the dispersant may act as an impurity in the electrode. On the other hand, if the dispersant is contained in an amount less than the above range, the effects of improving dispersibility, reducing viscosity, and suppressing changes in viscosity over time may be insufficient.

[0058] (3) Dispersion medium The dispersion medium is a dispersion medium for dispersing the carbon nanotubes and the dispersant, and can be used to preferentially disperse the carbon nanotubes and supply them as a carbon nanotube dispersion in order to prevent aggregation when powdered carbon nanotubes are directly applied to the preparation of an electrode slurry composition.

[0059] The dispersion medium may be one that can dissolve or disperse the carbon nanotubes and dispersant to a certain level or more, and may be included in an amount that allows the electrode slurry composition to have an appropriate viscosity, taking into consideration the coatability of the electrode slurry composition that will be prepared later using the carbon nanotube dispersion.

[0060] The dispersion medium is not particularly limited as long as it is one that is commonly used in the art for dispersing the carbon nanotubes and dispersants, and may be, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of amide-based polar organic solvents, alcohol-based solvents, glycol-based solvents, glycol ether-based solvents, ketone-based solvents, ester-based solvents, and aqueous solvents.

[0061] The amide-based polar organic solvent may be one or more selected from the group consisting of dimethylformamide (DMF), diethylformamide, dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide (Equamide M100, manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.), and 3-butoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide (Equamide B100, manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.).

[0062] The alcohol solvent may be one or more selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol (or isopropyl alcohol), 1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-butanol, 1-methyl-2-propanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, octanol, glycerin, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, and sorbitol.

[0063] The glycol-based solvent may be one or more selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethyl glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, and hexylene glycol.

[0064] The glycol ether solvent may be one or more selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and tetraethylene glycol monobutyl ether.

[0065] The ketone solvent may be one or more selected from the group consisting of acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl propyl ketone, and cyclopentanone.

[0066] The ester solvent may be one or more selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, gamma-butyrolactone, and upsilon-propiolactone.

[0067] The aqueous solvent may be water.

[0068] The carbon nanotube dispersion of the present invention containing the above-mentioned components has excellent dispersibility, a low viscosity of the dispersion, and a small degree of increase in viscosity over time.

[0069] The carbon nanotube dispersion may have a viscosity of 1,000 to 15,000 cps, specifically 3,000 to 14,500 cps, and more specifically 5,000 to 14,300 cps, when measured at 25°C and 1 rpm using a rotor 1 with a viscometer (Tohki Sangyo Co., Ltd., Viscometer TV-25). When the carbon nanotube dispersion has a viscosity within the above range, it can be used to more smoothly produce an electrode slurry, and the electrode slurry containing the carbon nanotube dispersion can have a viscosity appropriate for forming an electrode.

[0070] Furthermore, the carbon nanotube dispersion may have a viscosity of 2,000 to 16,000 cps, specifically 3,000 to 15,500 cps, more specifically 5,000 to 15,000 cps, when the viscosity is measured one week after production using a viscometer (viscometer TV-25, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) at 25°C and 1 rpm using Rotor 1.

[0071] Furthermore, the carbon nanotube dispersion may have a viscosity increase rate of 20% or less, specifically 10% or less, more specifically 5% or less, when left at 25° C. for one week.

[0072] Method for producing carbon nanotube dispersion A method for producing a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid will be described below. The method for producing a conductive material dispersion liquid according to the present invention includes the steps of (1) mixing carbon nanotubes, a dispersant, and a dispersion medium to produce a mixture, and (2) dispersing the mixture. Here, the dispersant contains a first dispersant and a second dispersant in a weight ratio of 100:10 to 100:90, the first dispersant is a dispersant containing N atoms, and the second dispersant is a compound containing a sulfonic group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, and the weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant is 100:50 to 100:500.

[0073] In step (1), carbon nanotubes, a dispersant, and a dispersion medium are mixed to produce a mixture.

[0074] The step of preparing the mixture may be carried out under temperature conditions that do not cause changes in the physical properties of the mixture, such as viscosity, due to evaporation of the dispersion medium, for example, at a temperature of 50°C or lower, more specifically, 5°C to 50°C.

[0075] In step (2), the mixture is subjected to a dispersion treatment to produce a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid.

[0076] The dispersion may be carried out by a milling method using a ball mill, a bead mill, a disc mill, a basket mill, a high-pressure homogenizer, or the like, and more specifically, by a milling method using a disc mill or a high-pressure homogenizer.

[0077] When milling using the bead mill, the bead size is determined appropriately depending on the type and amount of carbon nanotubes and the type of dispersant. Specifically, the diameter of the beads may be 0.1 mm to 5 mm, more specifically 0.5 mm to 4 mm. The bead milling process may be performed at a speed of 1,000 rpm to 15,000 rpm, more specifically 2,000 rpm to 12,000 rpm. The dispersion process is performed depending on the degree of dispersion of the carbon nanotube dispersion, specifically 30 minutes to 120 minutes, more specifically 60 minutes to 90 minutes.

[0078] The milling using the high-pressure homogenizer is carried out by, for example, pressurizing the mixture with the plunger pump of the high-pressure homogenizer and forcing it through the gap of the homogenizing valve, whereby forces such as cavitation, shear, impact, and explosion are generated as the mixture passes through the gap. The pressure of the high-pressure homogenizer may be 5,000 psi to 40,000 psi, specifically 10,000 psi to 30,000 psi, and more specifically 14,000 psi to 25,000 psi. The dispersion treatment using the high-pressure homogenizer may be performed 1 to 15 times, specifically 2 to 10 times, and more specifically 3 to 7 times.

[0079] Electrode Slurry Composition The present invention also provides an electrode slurry composition for a lithium secondary battery, comprising the carbon nanotube dispersion and an electrode active material.

[0080] The electrode slurry composition for a lithium secondary battery may be a positive electrode slurry composition or a negative electrode slurry composition, and specifically, may be a negative electrode slurry composition.

[0081] The electrode slurry composition for lithium secondary batteries may contain the carbon nanotube dispersion, a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material as an electrode active material, a binder, and, if necessary, a solvent and / or other additives.

[0082] As the positive electrode active material, any positive electrode active material well-known in the art can be used without limitation. For example, lithium cobalt-based oxides, lithium nickel-based oxides, lithium manganese-based oxides, lithium iron phosphate, lithium nickel manganese cobalt-based oxides, or combinations thereof can be used. Specifically, as the positive electrode active material, LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMn2O4, LiCoPO4, LiFePO4, and LiNiaMnbCocO2 (where 0 < a, b, c < 1) can be used, but are not limited thereto.

[0083] As the negative electrode active material, natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbonaceous materials; lithium-containing titanium composite oxides (LTO), Si, Sn, Li, Zn, Mg, Cd, Ce, Ni, or metals (Me) such as Fe; alloys composed of the metals (Me); oxides (MeOx) of the metals (Me); and one or more negative electrode active materials selected from the group consisting of composites of the metals (Me) and carbon can be mentioned. The negative electrode active material may be contained at 60 to 98% by weight, more preferably 70 to 98% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid matter excluding the solvent in the negative electrode slurry.

[0084] The binder is a component that assists in binding the active material and the conductive material, etc., and binding to the current collector, and is usually added at 1 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the mixture containing the electrode active material. Examples of such binders include polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butadiene rubber, fluorine rubber, various copolymers, and the like.

[0085] Examples of the solvent include organic solvents such as N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylformamide (DMF), acetone, and dimethylacetamide, or water. These solvents may be used alone or in combination. The amount of solvent used may be an amount that can dissolve and disperse the electrode active material, binder, and conductive material, taking into consideration the coating thickness of the slurry and the production yield.

[0086] The viscosity adjuster may be carboxymethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, or the like, and the addition thereof can adjust the viscosity of the electrode slurry so as to facilitate the preparation of the electrode slurry and the coating process onto the electrode current collector.

[0087] The filler is selectively used as a component that suppresses expansion of the electrode, and is not particularly limited as long as it does not cause chemical changes in the battery and is a fibrous material. For example, olefin polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene; glass fiber, carbon fiber, and other fibrous materials are used.

[0088] When the electrode slurry composition is a positive electrode slurry composition for forming a positive electrode, the positive electrode can be manufactured by applying the positive electrode slurry composition onto a positive electrode current collector, followed by drying and rolling. Alternatively, the positive electrode slurry can be cast onto a separate support, and then peeled off from the support to obtain a film, which can be laminated onto the positive electrode current collector.

[0089] The thickness of the positive electrode active material layer formed from the positive electrode slurry may vary depending on the loading amount and loading speed for applying the positive electrode slurry.

[0090] The positive electrode current collector generally has a thickness of 3 μm to 500 μm. There are no particular limitations on the positive electrode current collector, as long as it does not cause chemical changes in the battery and has high conductivity. For example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, baked carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel whose surface has been surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like may be used. Furthermore, the bonding strength of the positive electrode active material may be strengthened by forming fine irregularities on the surface of the positive electrode current collector, and it may be used in a variety of forms, such as a film, sheet, foil, mesh, porous material, foam, or nonwoven fabric.

[0091] When the electrode slurry composition is a negative electrode slurry composition for forming a negative electrode, the negative electrode can be manufactured by applying the negative electrode slurry composition onto a negative electrode current collector, followed by drying and rolling. Alternatively, the negative electrode slurry can be cast onto a separate support, and then peeled off from the support to obtain a film, which can be laminated onto the negative electrode current collector.

[0092] The thickness of the negative electrode active material layer formed by the negative electrode slurry may vary depending on the loading amount and loading speed for applying the negative electrode slurry.

[0093] The negative electrode current collector generally has a thickness of 3 μm to 500 μm. There are no particular limitations on the negative electrode current collector, so long as it does not cause chemical changes in the battery and has high conductivity. Examples of the negative electrode current collector that can be used include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, baked carbon, copper or stainless steel surfaces that have been surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like, and aluminum-cadmium alloys. Similarly to the negative electrode current collector, the surface may be provided with fine irregularities to strengthen the binding strength of the negative electrode active material, and the negative electrode current collector can be used in a variety of forms, such as a film, sheet, foil, mesh, porous material, foam, or nonwoven fabric.

[0094] Lithium secondary battery The lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are the same as those described above, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] The separator separates the negative electrode and the positive electrode and provides a path for lithium ions to move. Any separator commonly used in lithium secondary batteries can be used without particular limitations. In particular, a separator that exhibits low resistance to electrolyte ion movement and excellent humidification ability for the electrolyte solution is preferred. Specifically, porous polymer films, such as those made of polyolefin-based polymers such as ethylene homopolymers, propylene homopolymers, ethylene / butene copolymers, ethylene / hexene copolymers, and ethylene / methacrylate copolymers, or laminate structures of two or more layers thereof can be used. Conventional porous nonwoven fabrics, such as nonwoven fabrics made of high-melting-point glass fibers or polyethylene terephthalate fibers, can also be used. To ensure heat resistance or mechanical strength, a coated separator containing a ceramic component or a polymeric material can also be used, and it can be selectively used in a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0096] Examples of the electrolyte include, but are not limited to, organic liquid electrolytes, inorganic liquid electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes, gel-type polymer electrolytes, solid inorganic electrolytes, molten inorganic electrolytes, etc. that can be used in manufacturing lithium secondary batteries. Specifically, the electrolyte may include an organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0097] The organic solvent may be any solvent capable of acting as a medium for the movement of ions involved in the electrochemical reaction of the battery. Specific examples of the organic solvent include ester solvents such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, γ-butyrolactone, and ε-caprolactone; ether solvents such as dibutyl ether and tetrahydrofuran; ketone solvents such as cyclohexanone; aromatic hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene and fluorobenzene; dimethylcarbonate (DMC), diethylcarbonate (DEC), methylethylcarbonate (MEC), ethylmethylcarbonate (EMC), ethylene carbonate (EC), and propylene carbonate. Examples of suitable solvents include carbonate-based solvents such as ethylene carbonate (PC), alcohol-based solvents such as ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, nitriles such as R-CN (where R is a C2-C20 linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group that may contain a double-bonded aromatic ring or an ether bond), amides such as dimethylformamide, dioxolanes such as 1,3-dioxolane, and sulfolanes. Among these, carbonate-based solvents are preferred, and mixtures of cyclic carbonates (e.g., ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate) with low viscosity linear carbonate compounds (e.g., ethyl methyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, or diethyl carbonate) that have high ionic conductivity and a high dielectric constant, which can improve the charge / discharge performance of batteries, are more preferred. In this case, excellent electrolyte performance can be achieved when the cyclic carbonate and the linear carbonate are mixed in a volume ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:9.

[0098] The lithium salt can be any compound capable of providing lithium ions used in lithium secondary batteries. Specifically, examples of the lithium salt include LiPF6, LiClO4, LiAsF6, LiBF4, LiSbF6, LiAlO4, LiAlCl4, LiCF3SO3, LiC4F9SO3, LiN(C2F5SO3)2, LiN(C2F5SO2)2, LiN(CF3SO2)2, LiCl, LiI, and LiB(C2O4)2. The concentration of the lithium salt is preferably within the range of 0.1M to 2.0M. When the lithium salt concentration is within the above range, the electrolyte has appropriate conductivity and viscosity, resulting in excellent electrolyte performance and efficient lithium ion migration.

[0099] In addition to the electrolyte components, the electrolyte may further include one or more additives, such as haloalkylene carbonate compounds (e.g., difluoroethylene carbonate), pyridine, triethyl phosphite, triethanolamine, cyclic ethers, ethylenediamine, n-glyme, hexaphosphoric acid triamide, nitrobenzene derivatives, sulfur, quinoneimine dyes, N-substituted oxazolidinones, N,N-substituted imidazolidines, ethylene glycol dialkyl ethers, ammonium salts, pyrrole, 2-methoxyethanol, or aluminum trichloride, for the purpose of improving battery life characteristics, suppressing battery capacity reduction, improving battery discharge capacity, etc. In this case, the additives may be included in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % based on the total weight of the electrolyte.

[0100] A lithium secondary battery including an electrode prepared using the carbon nanotube dispersion according to the present invention, specifically, a lithium secondary battery including an anode prepared using the carbon nanotube dispersion, has carbon nanotubes uniformly dispersed in the anode, and can reduce the amount of a conductive material, such as carbon black, compared to conventional batteries that include such a conductive material, thereby exhibiting excellent discharge capacity and stable output characteristics. As a result, the battery can be useful in portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and digital cameras, as well as electric vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0101] Therefore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, there are provided the lithium secondary battery, a battery module including the lithium secondary battery as a unit cell, and a battery pack including the same.

[0102] The battery module or battery pack can be used as a power source for one or more medium- to large-sized devices, such as power tools; electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs); or power storage systems.

[0103] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0104] Example Example 1 A 497g mixture was prepared by mixing 0.675wt% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K15, Zhangzhou Huafu Chemical Co., Ltd.), 0.225wt% sodium lignosulfonate (Borregaard), and water as a dispersant. The impeller and container were attached to a dissolver (VMA-Getzmann Dispermat-CA) and rotated at 400 rpm for 10 minutes to mix the dispersant and dispersant.

[0105] Specific surface area 1,160m 2 / g, and 0.6 wt % of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT, TUBALL, manufactured by OCSiAl) with a length of 5 μm or more were added, and dispersed at 8,000 rpm for 60 minutes.

[0106] The resultant was treated five times at a pressure of 20,000 psi using a high-pressure disperser (PICOMAX, manufactured by Micronox) to prepare a carbon nanotube dispersion.

[0107] Example 2 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of polyvinylpyrrolidone was changed to 1.125 wt%, the content of sodium lignosulfonate was changed to 0.375 wt%, and the content of single-walled carbon nanotubes was changed to 1.0 wt%.

[0108] Example 3 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of polyvinylpyrrolidone was changed to 1.0 wt%, the content of sodium lignosulfonate was changed to 0.5 wt%, and the content of single-walled carbon nanotubes was changed to 1.0 wt%.

[0109] Example 4 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of polyvinylpyrrolidone was changed to 1.2 wt%, the content of sodium lignosulfonate was changed to 0.3 wt%, and the content of single-walled carbon nanotubes was changed to 1.0 wt%.

[0110] Example 5 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of polyvinylpyrrolidone was changed to 1.25 wt%, the content of sodium lignosulfonate was changed to 0.25 wt%, and the content of single-walled carbon nanotubes was changed to 1.0 wt%.

[0111] Comparative Example 1 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that sodium lignosulfonate was not added and the content of polyvinylpyrrolidone was changed to 0.9 wt %.

[0112] Comparative Example 2 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the sodium lignosulfonate was replaced with the same amount of tristyrylphenol ethoxylate.

[0113] Comparative Example 3 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the same content of styrene-maleic acid copolymer was used instead of sodium lignosulfonate.

[0114] Comparative Example 4 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that polyvinylpyrrolidone was not added and the content of sodium lignosulfonate was changed to 0.9 wt %.

[0115] Comparative Example 5 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of polyvinylpyrrolidone was changed to 0.75 wt%, the content of sodium lignosulfonate was changed to 0.75 wt%, and the content of single-walled carbon nanotubes was changed to 1.0 wt%.

[0116] Comparative Example 6 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of polyvinylpyrrolidone was changed to 1.4 wt%, the content of sodium lignosulfonate was changed to 0.1 wt%, and the content of single-walled carbon nanotubes was changed to 1.0 wt%.

[0117] Comparative Example 7 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the same amount of polyglyceryl-3-diisostearate was used instead of polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0118] Comparative Example 8 A carbon nanotube dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the sodium lignosulfonate was replaced with the same amount of epigallocatechin gallate.

[0119] [Table 1]

[0120] Experimental Example The initial viscosity of the carbon nanotube dispersions prepared in Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 was measured after dispersion, and the viscosity was further measured after leaving them at 25°C for one week. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0121] The viscosity was measured using a viscometer (Viscometer TV-25, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) at 25°C with Rotor 1 at 1 rpm.

[0122] [Table 2]

[0123] Referring to Table 2, it was confirmed that in Examples 1 to 5, the viscosity of the carbon nanotube dispersions did not increase (Examples 1 and 2) or remained at a low level (Examples 3 to 5) even after being left at 25°C for one week. However, in Comparative Examples 1 to 8, all of the carbon nanotube dispersions showed a high viscosity increase rate when left at 25°C for one week after preparation.

[0124] Of these, Comparative Examples 2, 3, and 8 are examples in which a second dispersant was used together with PVP as the first dispersant, as in the Examples, but they showed significantly higher viscosity increase rates and higher viscosity of the carbon nanotube dispersion after standing for one week than Examples 1 to 5, and also showed higher viscosity increase rates than examples in which only one type of dispersant was used, such as Comparative Example 1 or 4. Furthermore, Comparative Example 7, in which a different type of first dispersant was used instead of PVP, had such a high viscosity that viscosity measurement was impossible. From this, it was confirmed that although both types of dispersants were used, the effect differed depending on the type of dispersant.

[0125] Specifically, as in Examples 1 to 5, when a compound containing a sulfonic acid group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring was used as the second dispersant together with a dispersant containing an N atom as the first dispersant, excellent dispersibility was exhibited and the increase in viscosity could be effectively suppressed. However, when compounds containing only a hydroxyl group and an aromatic ring (tristyrylphenol ethoxylate and epigallocatechin gallate) were used as in Comparative Examples 2 and 8, or when a compound containing only an aromatic ring was used as in Comparative Example 3, it was confirmed that the effect of increasing dispersibility was not exhibited. Similarly, in Comparative Example 7, which used the same second dispersant but PG-3-DIS containing no N atom as the first dispersant, dispersion itself was not easy, and it was confirmed that the dispersant could not provide a sufficient degree of dispersibility.

[0126] On the other hand, in Comparative Example 5, the types of first dispersant and second dispersant were the same as in Examples 1 to 5, and the amount of dispersant added relative to CNTs was the same. However, the amount of second dispersant used relative to the first dispersant exceeded the appropriate range. Because the amount of second dispersant used exceeded the appropriate range, the viscosity increase rate was similar to or slightly higher than that of Comparative Example 1, in which only the first dispersant was used in the same amount. This confirmed that the appropriate content ratio should be met when using the first dispersant and second dispersant.

[0127] In contrast to Comparative Example 5, Comparative Example 6 did not have the appropriate amount of the second dispersant relative to the first dispersant. Comparative Example 6 also exhibited a high initial viscosity and viscosity increase rate. This confirms that the intended effect of the present invention can be achieved only when the appropriate content ratio of the first dispersant and the second dispersant is satisfied.

Claims

1. A carbon nanotube dispersion liquid containing carbon nanotubes, a dispersant, and a dispersion medium, the dispersant comprises a first dispersant and a second dispersant in a weight ratio of 100:10 to 100:90; the first dispersant is a dispersant containing a nitrogen atom, and the second dispersant is a compound containing a sulfone group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, The carbon nanotube dispersion liquid has a weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant of 100:50 to 100:

500.

2. The specific surface area (BET) of the carbon nanotubes is 800 m ２ The carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to claim 1 , wherein the average molecular weight of the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid is 1 / g or more.

3. The carbon nanotube dispersion according to claim 1 , wherein the carbon nanotubes are single-walled carbon nanotubes.

4. 2. The carbon nanotube dispersion according to claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotubes are contained in an amount of 0.1 parts by weight or more and 5 parts by weight or less per 100 parts by weight of the carbon nanotube dispersion.

5. The first dispersant may be selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid hydrazide, poly-N-vinyl-5-methoxazolidon, N-alkyl polyimine, N-acetyl polyimine, polyacrylamide, poly-L-lysine hydrobromide, and benzyl-dodecyl-dimethylammonium chloride.

2. The carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to claim 1, wherein the organic solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethyleneimine, polyethyleneimine, and polyethyleneimine.

6. The carbon nanotube dispersion according to claim 1 , wherein the second dispersant is a lignosulfonate compound.

7. 2. The carbon nanotube dispersion according to claim 1, wherein the second dispersant is sodium lignosulfonate, calcium lignosulfonate, or a mixture thereof.

8. 2. The carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to claim 1, wherein the dispersant comprises a first dispersant and a second dispersant in a weight ratio of 100:20 to 100:

80.

9. 2. The carbon nanotube dispersion according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant is 100:100 to 100:

300.

10. 2. The carbon nanotube dispersion according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant is 100:120 to 100:

250.

11. 2. The carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to claim 1, wherein the dispersion medium is at least one selected from the group consisting of an amide-based polar organic solvent, an alcohol-based solvent, a glycol-based solvent, a glycol ether-based solvent, a ketone-based solvent, an ester-based solvent, and an aqueous solvent.

12. 2. The carbon nanotube dispersion according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the carbon nanotube dispersion is 1,000 cP or more and 16,000 cP or less.

13. An electrode slurry composition for a lithium secondary battery, comprising the carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and an electrode active material.

14. A method for producing a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 12, (1) mixing carbon nanotubes, a dispersant, and a dispersion medium to produce a mixture; (2) A method for producing a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid, comprising: the dispersant comprises a first dispersant and a second dispersant in a weight ratio of 100:10 to 100:90; the first dispersant is a dispersant containing a nitrogen atom, and the second dispersant is a compound containing a sulfone group, a hydroxyl group, and an aromatic ring in its molecular structure, The carbon nanotube dispersion liquid manufacturing method, wherein the weight ratio of the carbon nanotubes to the dispersant is 100:50 to 100:500.

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