Positive electrode active material, electrode, and battery

Abstract

Improved durability. [Solution] The positive electrode active material comprises primary particles and a coating. The primary particles contain lithium manganese phosphate. The coating covers at least a portion of the surface of the primary particles. In the radial direction of the primary particles, the coating comprises a first region and a second region. Each of the first and second regions contains carbon. In TEM-EDS analysis, the signal intensity of manganese in the second region is higher than the signal intensity of manganese in the first region.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to positive electrode active materials, electrodes, and batteries. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-149355 discloses a carbonaceous coating for covering primary particles. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-149355 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Lithium manganese phosphate (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "LMP") is being considered as a positive electrode active material. Conventionally, it has been proposed to enhance the electronic conductivity of LMP by coating the primary particles with carbon. However, there is room for improvement in durability.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to improve durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technical configuration and effects of this disclosure are described below. However, the mechanism of action of this disclosure includes assumptions. The mechanism of action does not limit the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0007] 1. One aspect of the present disclosure is a positive electrode active material. The positive electrode active material includes primary particles and a coating. The primary particles contain lithium manganese phosphate. The coating covers at least a part of the surface of the primary particles. In the radial direction of the primary particles, the coating includes a first region and a second region. Each of the first region and the second region contains carbon. In TEM-EDS (Transmission Electron Microscope Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) analysis, the signal intensity of manganese in the second region is higher than the signal intensity of manganese in the first region.

[0008] With the charge-discharge cycle, manganese (Mn) can elute from LMP. It is considered that the elution of Mn promotes capacity degradation. That is, sufficient durability may not be obtained.

[0009] Conventionally, the coating that coats the primary particles (LMP) consists of a single-phase region of carbon. In contrast, the coating of the present disclosure includes a mixed-phase region. That is, the coating includes a first region and a second region. It is considered that the second region has a higher Mn content than the first region. It is considered that the mixed-phase coating can inhibit the permeation of Mn compared to the single-phase coating. Since it is difficult for Mn to permeate through the coating, the elution amount of Mn can be reduced. That is, an improvement in durability is expected.

[0010] 2. The positive electrode active material described in "1" above may include, for example, the following configuration. The first region and the second region satisfy the relationship of "0.5 < T2 / T1". "T1" represents the thickness of the first region in the radial direction. "T2" represents the thickness of the second region in the radial direction.

[0011] By satisfying the relationship of "0.5 < T2 / T1", it is expected that the elution amount of Mn will be reduced.

[0012] 3. The positive electrode active material described in "1" or "2" above may include, for example, the following configuration. In the radial direction, the second region is located between the first region and the primary particles.

[0013] Since the second region is located inside the first region, it is expected that the elution amount of Mn will be reduced.

[0014] 4. The positive electrode active material according to any one of the above "1" to "3" may, for example, include the following configuration. In TEM-EDS analysis, only carbon is detected in the first region.

[0015] For example, the first region may be a single-phase region of carbon.

[0016] 5. The positive electrode active material according to any one of the above "1" to "4" may, for example, include the following configuration. The primary particles contain lithium manganese iron phosphate. In TEM-EDS analysis, carbon, manganese, and iron are detected in the second region.

[0017] In LMP, a part of Mn may be substituted with iron (Fe). The Fe-substituted product of LMP is also referred to as lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP). When the primary particles contain LMFP, the second region may further contain Fe in addition to carbon and Mn.

[0018] 6. The positive electrode active material according to any one of the above "1" to "5" may, for example, include the following configuration. The first region satisfies the relationship of "1 nm < T1 < 5 nm".

[0019] Due to the thickness range of the first region being from 1 to 5 nm, it is expected that the elution amount of Mn will be reduced.

[0020] 7. The positive electrode active material according to any one of the above "1" to "6" may, for example, include the following configuration. The first region satisfies the relationship of "1 nm < T1 < 3 nm".

[0021] 8. One aspect of the present disclosure is an electrode. The electrode includes a positive electrode layer. The positive electrode layer includes the positive electrode active material according to any one of the above "1" to "7".

[0022] The positive electrode layer can be referred to as the "positive electrode active material layer," "positive electrode composite layer," etc. The "electrode" may be a "monopolar electrode (positive electrode)" or a "bipolar electrode," as long as it includes the positive electrode layer.

[0023] 9. One aspect of this disclosure is a battery, which includes the electrodes described in "8" above.

[0024] 10. The battery described in "9" above may include, for example, the following configuration: The battery has a bipolar structure.

[0025] A bipolar structure can be formed by stacking bipolar electrodes. This bipolar structure is expected to improve, for example, output characteristics.

[0026] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure (which may be abbreviated as "this embodiment") and one example of the present disclosure (which may be abbreviated as "this example") will be described. However, this embodiment and this example will not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. This embodiment and this example are illustrative in all respects. This embodiment and this example are not restrictive. The technical scope of the present disclosure includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the description of the claims. For example, it is intended from the outset that any configuration may be extracted from this embodiment and combined in any way. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of the vicinity of the outermost surface of a primary particle. [Figure 2] This is the first explanatory diagram of the analysis results. [Figure 3] This is the second explanatory diagram of the analysis results. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram showing secondary particles in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the method for producing the positive electrode active material in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view of the battery in this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is the temperature profile during firing. [Figure 9] This is a table showing the experimental results. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] -Terms and phrases- "Equipped with," "includes," "possesses," and variations thereof are open-ended expressions. Configurations expressed in an open-ended manner may or may not include additional elements in addition to the essential elements. The statement "consists of" is a closed expression. However, even configurations expressed in a closed manner may include additional elements that are usually incidental impurities or irrelevant to the subject technology. The statement "substantially consists of..." is a semi-closed expression. In configurations expressed in a semi-closed manner, the addition of elements that do not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the subject technology is permitted.

[0029] Expressions such as "may do" and "may be" are used in a permissive sense, meaning "there is a possibility," rather than in an obligatory sense, meaning "it must be done."

[0030] Unless otherwise specified, the order in which the various steps, actions, and operations included in each method are executed is not limited to the order in which they are described. For example, multiple steps may occur simultaneously. For example, multiple steps may occur one after the other.

[0031] Expressions such as "first," "second," etc., are used solely to distinguish between multiple elements. These expressions do not in any way limit the elements to which they are attached. These expressions are unrelated, for example, to the order, importance, etc., of the elements to which they are attached.

[0032] Geometric terms should not be interpreted strictly. Examples of geometric terms include "parallel," "perpendicular," and "orthogonal." For example, direction, angle, distance, etc., may be relatively distorted within a range where substantially the same or similar function is obtained. Geometric terms may include tolerances, errors, etc., in design, operation, and manufacturing. Dimensional relationships in each figure may not match actual dimensional relationships. Dimensional relationships in each figure may be modified to aid the reader's understanding. For example, length, width, thickness, etc., may be changed. Some components may be omitted.

[0033] Elements described in the singular form may also include plural forms unless otherwise specified. For example, "particle" may refer to multiple particles, a collection of particles, or a granular material. Note that "multiple particles" can be rephrased as "group of particles."

[0034] Numerical ranges such as "m to n%" include upper and lower limits unless otherwise specified. That is, "m to n%" indicates a numerical range of "m% or more and n% or less". Also, "m% or more and n% or less" includes "greater than m% and less than n%". "Greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" are represented by the equals sign inequality signs "≦" and "≧". "Greater than" and "less than" are represented by the inequality signs without an equals sign "<" and ">". A number arbitrarily selected from within the numerical range may be used as a new upper or lower limit. For example, a new numerical range may be set by arbitrarily combining a number within the numerical range with a number listed in another part of this specification, in a table, in a figure, etc.

[0035] All numerical values ​​are modified by the term "approximately." The term "approximately" can mean, for example, ±5%, ±3%, ±1%, etc. All numerical values ​​may be approximations that can vary depending on the application of the technology in question. All numerical values ​​may be expressed with significant figures. Unless otherwise specified, measured values ​​may be the average of multiple measurements. The number of measurements may be three or more, five or more, or ten or more. Generally, the more measurements taken, the more reliable the average value is expected to be. Measured values ​​may be rounded to the nearest significant figure. Measured values ​​may include errors such as those associated with the detection limits of the measuring device.

[0036] The devices, software, etc., used for measuring various values ​​are merely examples. Equivalent devices may be used. If equivalent devices are used, the measurement conditions may be adjusted to suit the device.

[0037] TEM-EDS analysis is performed using the following procedure. For example, a particle dispersion is formed by dispersing the positive electrode active material (powder) in ethanol. For example, an ultrasonic disperser may be used. The particle dispersion is dropped onto a TEM grid. The particle dispersion is dried on the grid. Primary particles on the grid are observed by TEM. In the TEM image (cross-sectional image), the primary particles (LMFP) exhibit a characteristic grid pattern. Substances adhering to the outer surface of the primary particles are considered "coatings". Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the vicinity of the outermost surface of the primary particles. The radial direction D is the normal direction to the surface of the primary particle 1. Point analysis is performed at regular intervals (0.5 nm intervals) along the radial direction D. Figure 2 is the first explanatory diagram of the analysis results. First, for the peak at each measurement point, the straight line passing through both ends of the peak is the baseline L. B Baseline L B Based on this, the signal intensity (peak height) of the peak top of the target peak is "I s The signal strength "I" at a position +10eV away from the peak top is identified. n " is identified. n s ​When the relationship of "」 is satisfied, the element corresponding to the target peak is considered to be detected. FIG. 3 is a second explanatory diagram of the analysis result. The peak corresponding to carbon (C) appears near 280 eV. The signal intensity of the peak corresponding to carbon is "I C ". The peak corresponding to Mn appears near 640 eV. The signal intensity of the peak corresponding to Mn is "I Mn ". The entire region where I C is detected is regarded as "coating 5". The region where I C is not detected is regarded as "primary particle 1". The region where both I C and I Mn are detected is regarded as "second region 5b". Among the coating 5, the region other than the second region 5b is regarded as "first region 5a". Incidentally, the peak corresponding to iron (Fe) appears near 710 eV. Regarding the peak position, "nearby" may indicate, for example, ±5 eV or the like.

[0038] In the TEM image (see FIG. 1), at three points distributed at equal intervals along the surface of the primary particle 1, the thickness of the coating 5, the thickness "T1" of the first region 5a, and the thickness "T2" of the second region 5b are measured. The arithmetic mean of the three points is regarded as the thickness of each region and the like.

[0039] The "maximum Feret diameter" indicates the length of the long side of the minimum circumscribed rectangle (rectangle or square) of the particle. When the circumscribed rectangle is a square, the length of the long side indicates the length of one side.

[0040] "D50" indicates the particle diameter at which the integrated value becomes 50% in the volume-based particle size distribution (integrated distribution). The volume-based particle size distribution is measured by a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring device.

[0041] The stoichiometric composition formula shows a representative example of a compound. The compound may have a non-stoichiometric composition. For example, "Al2O3" is not limited to compounds with a molar ratio of "Al / O = 2 / 3". Unless otherwise specified, "Al2O3" refers to a compound containing Al and O in any molar ratio. For example, the compound may be doped with trace elements. Some of the Al and O may be substituted with other elements.

[0042] The chemical composition of the compound can be measured by ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy). A sample solution is prepared by dissolving 0.1 g of the sample (e.g., positive electrode active material) in a mixed acid (10 ml) of hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. The sample solution is diluted to an appropriate concentration in a volumetric flask. After dilution, compositional analysis is performed using an ICP-AES instrument. For example, a product name such as "PS3520 UVDD II (manufactured by Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation)" may be used.

[0043] A "derivative" refers to a compound in which a part of the parent compound has been modified by at least one of the following chemical reactions: introduction of a functional group, substitution of atoms, oxidation, reduction, and other chemical reactions. The modification may be at one location or multiple locations. The "substituents" may include at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, cycloalkyl groups, unsaturated cycloalkyl groups, aromatic groups, heterocyclic groups, halogen atoms (F, Cl, Br, I, etc.), OH groups, SH groups, CN groups, SCN groups, OCN groups, nitro groups, alkoxy groups, unsaturated alkoxy groups, amino groups, alkylamino groups, dialkylamino groups, aryloxy groups, acyl groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, acyloxy groups, aryloxycarbonyl groups, acylamino groups, alkoxycarbonylamino groups, aryloxycarbonylamino groups, sulfonylamino groups, sulfamoyl groups, carbamoyl groups, alkylthio groups, arylthio groups, sulfonyl groups, sulfinyl groups, ureido groups, phosphate amide groups, sulfo groups, carboxyl groups, hydroxamic acid groups, sulfino groups, hydrazino groups, imino groups, and silyl groups. These substituents may be further substituted. If there are two or more substituents, the substituents may be the same or different. Multiple substituents may be bonded to each other to form a ring.

[0044] -Cathode active material- Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing secondary particles in this embodiment. The positive electrode active material includes primary particles 1 and a coating 5. "Primary particles 1" are the smallest units of particles. Primary particles 1 may exist individually without agglomerating. Primary particles 1 existing individually, and aggregates of 10 or fewer particles, are also called single particles. Primary particles 1 may form secondary particles 2. The positive electrode active material may be, for example, a powder of secondary particles 2. The D50 of the positive electrode active material may be, for example, 5 μm or more, 10 μm or more, 15 μm or more, or 20 μm or more. The D50 of the positive electrode active material may be, for example, 30 μm or less, 25 μm or less, 20 μm or less, 15 μm or less, or 10 μm or less.

[0045] Secondary particles 2 are aggregates of primary particles 1. Secondary particles 2 can have any shape. For example, secondary particles 2 may be spherical, rod-shaped, angular, etc. If secondary particles 2 are spherical, for example, improved packing performance can be expected. The sphericity of secondary particles 2 may be, for example, 0.85 or higher, 0.90 or higher, or 0.95 or higher. The sphericity of secondary particles 2 may be, for example, 1 or less, 0.95, or 0.90 or less. "Sphericity" refers to the circularity in an SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) image (two-dimensional image). Sphericity (circularity) is calculated by the following formula. ψ = 4πS / L 2 ψ: Sphericity (Circularity) π: Pi S: Cross-sectional area of ​​secondary particle 2 (area of ​​the region enclosed by the contour line of secondary particle 2) L: Circumference of secondary particle 2 (length of the outline of secondary particle 2) Sphericity is expressed as the arithmetic mean of 30 secondary particles.

[0046] The primary particle 1 may have any shape. For example, the primary particle 1 may be spherical, rod-shaped, angular, etc. The maximum Ferret diameter of the primary particle 1 may be, for example, 10 to 90 nm. The maximum Ferret diameter of the primary particle 1 may be, for example, 20 nm or more, 30 nm or more, 40 nm or more, 50 nm or more, 60 nm or more, 70 nm or more, or 80 nm or more. The maximum Ferret diameter of the primary particle 1 may be, for example, 80 nm or less, or 60 nm or less. The maximum Ferret diameter of the primary particle 1 represents the arithmetic mean of 30 primary particles 1.

[0047] The coating 5 (Figure 1) covers at least a portion of the surface of the primary particle 1. The coating 5 may cover the entire surface of the primary particle 1. The mass fraction of the coating 5 may be 0.1% or more, 0.5% or more, 1% or more, 2% or more, 3% or more, or 4% or more relative to the mass of the LMP. The mass fraction of the coating 5 may be 5% or less, 4% or less, or 3% or less relative to the mass of the LMP.

[0048] The coating 5 (Fig. 1) includes a first region 5a and a second region 5b in the radial direction D. Each of the first region 5a and the second region 5b contains carbon. Each of the first region 5a and the second region 5b may contain, for example, amorphous carbon or the like. In TEM-EDS analysis, the signal intensity of Mn in the second region 5b is higher than the signal intensity of Mn in the first region 5a. That is, the second region 5b is considered to contain Mn. The first region 5a may or may not contain Mn.

[0049] The ratio of the signal intensity of Mn in the second region 5b to the signal intensity of Mn in the first region 5a may be, for example, 2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, or 1000 or more.

[0050] For example, in the first region 5a, Mn may not be detected. For example, in the first region 5a, only carbon may be detected. For example, in the second region 5b, in addition to carbon and Mn, Fe may be further detected.

[0051] In the radial direction D, for example, the second region 5b may be located between the first region 5a and the primary particle 1. The second region 5b may be in direct contact with the primary particle 1. In the radial direction D, for example, the first region 5a may be located between the second region 5b and the primary particle 1.

[0052] Regarding the thickness "T1" of the first region 5a and the thickness "T2" of the second region 5b, for example, the relationship of "0.5 < T2 / T1" may be satisfied. The thickness ratio "T2 / T1" may be, for example, 0.6 or more, 0.7 or more, 0.8 or more, 0.9 or more, 1 or more, 1.1 or more, 1.2 or more, 1.3 or more, 1.4 or more, or 1.5 or more. The thickness ratio "T2 / T1" may be, for example, 5 or less, 4 or less, 3 or less, 2.5 or less, 2 or less, 1.5 or less, or 1 or less.

[0053] Regarding the thickness "T1" of the first region 5a, for example, the relationship of "1 nm < T1 < 5 nm" may be satisfied. The thickness "T1" of the first region 5a may be, for example, 1.1 nm or more, 1.2 nm or more, 1.5 nm or more, 2 nm or more, 2.5 nm or more, 3 nm or more, 3.5 nm or more, 4 nm or more, 4.5 nm or more, or 5 nm or more. The thickness "T1" of the first region 5a may be, for example, 10 nm or less, 9 nm or less, 8 nm or less, 7 nm or less, 6 nm or less, 5 nm or less, 4 nm or less, less than 3 nm, or 2 nm or less.

[0054] The primary particle 1 contains LMP. LMP has an olivine-type structure. "Olivine-type" indicates a crystal structure belonging to the space group Pnma. The space group is identified by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement. The primary particle 1 may be, for example, a single-phase compound. As long as the primary particle 1 contains an olivine-type crystal phase, it may further contain a phase belonging to another space group. The primary particle 1 may further contain, for example, an amorphous phase or the like.

[0055] The primary particle 1 may contain LMFP. LMFP is a subordinate concept of LMP. The primary particle 1 may contain at least one of LMP and LMFP. The primary particle 1 may have, for example, a composition represented by the following general formula. Li 1-a Mn 1-x Fe x PO4 For example, the relationship of "-0.5 ≤ a ≤ 0.5" may be satisfied. x may be, for example, 0 or more, 0.05 or more, 0.1 or more, 0.2 or more, 0.3 or more, 0.4 or more, 0.5 or more, 0.6 or more, 0.7 or more, 0.8 or more, or 0.9 or more. x may be, for example, less than 1, 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, 0.6 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, 0.2 or less, or 0.1 or less.

[0056] In LMP and LMFP, elements other than lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), femur (Fe), phosphorus (P), and oxygen (O) may be doped (dopants). The doping amount (molecular fraction relative to the amount of Li) may be, for example, 0.01 to 0.1. Examples of dopants include boron (B), nitrogen (N), halogens, silicon (Si), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), scandium (Sc), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), yttrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), indium (In), and lead (Pb). It may also contain at least one selected from the group consisting of bismuth (Bi), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), tungsten (W), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), lutetium (Lu), and actinides.

[0057] The positive electrode active material may further contain other components as long as it contains LMP. Other components may include, for example, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium nickel composite oxide (LNO), lithium cobalt composite oxide (LCO), lithium manganese composite oxide (LMO), etc. The mixing ratio (mass ratio) of LMP to other components may be, for example, "LMP / other components = 9 / 1 to 1 / 9", "LMP / other components = 8 / 2 to 2 / 8", "LMP / other components = 7 / 3 to 3 / 7", or "LMP / other components = 6 / 4 to 4 / 6". The positive electrode active material may be, for example, a mixture of LMP powder and other component powder.

[0058] LFP is, for example, a general formula "Li 1-aIt may have a composition represented by "FePO4 (-0.5 ≤ a ≤ 0.5)".

[0059] LNO may have, for example, a crystal structure belonging to the space group R-3m. LNO may have, for example, a composition represented by the following general formula. Li 1-a Ni x M 1-x O2 In the formula, the relationship -0.5 ≤ a ≤ 0.5 and 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 is satisfied. M may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn, and Al. For example, the relationship 0 < x ≤ 0.1, 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.2, 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.3, 0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.4, 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.5, 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.6, 0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.7, 0.7 ≤ x ≤ 0.8, 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 0.9, or 0.9 ≤ x ≤ 1 may be satisfied. For example, the relationship -0.4 ≤ a ≤ 0.4, -0.3 ≤ a ≤ 0.3, -0.2 ≤ a ≤ 0.2, or -0.1 ≤ a ≤ 0.1 may be satisfied.

[0060] LNO is, for example, LiNi 0.9 Co 0.1 O2, LiNi 0.9 Mn 0.1 O2, and may include at least one selected from the group consisting of LiNiO2.

[0061] LNO may be represented, for example, by the following general formula. The compound represented by the following general formula may also be referred to as "NCM". Li 1-a Ni x Co y Mn z O2 In the formula, the relationships of -0.5 ≤ a ≤ 0.5, 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 1, and x + y + z = 1 are satisfied. For example, the relationship of 0 < x ≤ 0.1, 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.2, 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.3, 0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.4, 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.5, 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.6, 0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.7, 0.7 ≤ x ≤ 0.8, 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 0.9, or 0.9 ≤ x < 1 may be satisfied. For example, the relationship of 0 < y ≤ 0.1, 0.1 ≤ y ≤ 0.2, 0.2 ≤ y ≤ 0.3, 0.3 ≤ y ≤ 0.4, 0.4 ≤ y ≤ 0.5, 0.5 ≤ y ≤ 0.6, 0.6 ≤ y ≤ 0.7, 0.7 ≤ y ≤ 0.8, 0.8 ≤ y ≤ 0.9, or 0.9 ≤ y < 1 may be satisfied. For example, the relationship of 0 < z ≤ 0.1, 0.1 ≤ z ≤ 0.2, 0.2 ≤ z ≤ 0.3, 0.3 ≤ z ≤ 0.4, 0.4 ≤ z ≤ 0.5, 0.5 ≤ z ≤ 0.6, 0.6 ≤ z ≤ 0.7, 0.7 ≤ z ≤ 0.8, 0.8 ≤ z ≤ 0.9, or 0.9 ≤ z < 1 may be satisfied.

[0062] NCM is, for example, LiNi 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, LiNi 0.4 Co 0.3 Mn 0.3 O2, LiNi 0.3 Co 0.4 Mn 0.3 O2, LiNi 0.3 Co 0.3 Mn 0.4 O2, LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O2, LiNi 0.5 Co 0.3 Mn 0.2 O2, LiNi 0.5 Co 0.4 Mn 0.1 O2, LiNi 0.5 Co 0.1 Mn 0.4 O2, LiNi 0.6 Co<00000...4>Mn 0.2 O2, LiNi 0.6 Co 0.3 Mn 0.1 O2, LiNi 0.6 Co 0.1 Mn 0.3O2, LiNi 0.7 Co 0.1 Mn 0.2 O2, LiNi 0.7 Co 0.2 Mn 0.1 O2, LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O2, and LiNi 0.9 Co 0.05 Mn 0.05 It may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of O2.

[0063] LNO may be represented, for example, by the following general formula. The compound represented by the following general formula may also be referred to as "NCA". Li 1-a Ni x Co y Al z O2 In the formula, the relationships -0.5 ≦ a ≦ 0.5, 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 1, and x + y + z = 1 are satisfied. For example, the relationship 0 < x ≦ 0.1, 0.1 ≦ x ≦ 0.2, 0.2 ≦ x ≦ 0.3, 0.3 ≦ x ≦ 0.4, 0.4 ≦ x ≦ 0.5, 0.5 ≦ x ≦ 0.6, 0.6 ≦ x ≦ 0.7, 0.7 ≦ x ≦ 0.8, 0.8 ≦ x ≦ 0.9, or 0.9 ≦ x < 1 may be satisfied. For example, the relationship 0 < y ≦ 0.1, 0.1 ≦ y ≦ 0.2, 0.2 ≦ y ≦ 0.3, 0.3 ≦ y ≦ 0.4, 0.4 ≦ y ≦ 0.5, 0.5 ≦ y ≦ 0.6, 0.6 ≦ y ≦ 0.7, 0.7 ≦ y ≦ 0.8, 0.8 ≦ y ≦ 0.9, or 0.9 ≦ y < 1 may be satisfied. For example, the relationship 0 < z ≦ 0.1, 0.1 ≦ z ≦ 0.2, 0.2 ≦ z ≦ 0.3, 0.3 ≦ z ≦ 0.4, 0.4 ≦ z ≦ 0.5, 0.5 ≦ z ≦ 0.6, 0.6 ≦ z ≦ 0.7, 0.7 ≦ z ≦ 0.8, 0.8 ≦ z ≦ 0.9, or 0.9 ≦ z < 1 may be satisfied.

[0064] NCA is, for example, LiNi 0.7 Co 0.1 Al 0.2 O2, LiNi 0.7 Co 0.2 Al 0.1 O2, LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1Al 0.1 O2, LiNi 0.8 Co 0.17 Al 0.03 O2, LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O2, and LiNi 0.9 Co 0.05 Al 0.05 It may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of O2.

[0065] -Method for manufacturing a positive electrode active material- FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart showing the method for manufacturing the positive electrode active material in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, "the method for manufacturing the positive electrode active material in the present embodiment" may be abbreviated as "this method". This method may include, for example, "(a) formation of a slurry", "(b) granulation", and "(c) firing".

[0066] (a) Formation of a slurry This method may include forming a slurry by mixing a lithium compound, a manganese compound, a phosphate compound, a carbon source, and a solvent. For example, the lithium compound, the manganese compound, the iron compound, and the phosphate compound may be weighed so as to have a composition ratio (molar ratio) shown in the compositional formula "Li 1-a Mn 1-x Fe x PO4 (-0.5 ≤ a ≤ 0.5, 0 < x < 1)". The lithium compound may include, for example, lithium hydroxide. The manganese compound may include, for example, manganese carbonate. The iron compound may include, for example, ferric phosphate. The phosphate compound may include, for example, lithium dihydrogen phosphate.

[0067] The carbon source is a raw material for the coating. The carbon source may include, for example, saccharides, organic acids, etc. The carbon source may include, for example, glucose, sucrose, fructose, citric acid, etc. The addition amount of the carbon source may be, for example, 1 to 20% by mass fraction with respect to the raw material mixture.

[0068] The solvent may include, for example, water. The solid content concentration of the slurry may be, for example, 20 to 40% by mass fraction.

[0069] The particle size in the slurry may be adjusted by wet grinding. For example, wet grinding may be performed so that D50 is between 0.10 and 1 μm.

[0070] (b) Granulation This method may include granulation of secondary particles (precursors) by drying the slurry. For example, the secondary particles may be granulated by spray drying. The secondary particles formed by the granulation operation are also called "granulated bodies." In other words, secondary particles may be referred to as granulated bodies.

[0071] In a spray dryer, the various conditions may be, for example, as follows: Air intake temperature: approximately 200℃ Spraying speed: about 10mL / min Spray pressure (nozzle pressure): Approximately 0.2 MPa

[0072] (c) Firing This method may include generating LMP by heat-treating secondary particles (precursors). Any heat treatment furnace (e.g., electric furnace, muffle furnace, etc.) can be used. The heat treatment atmosphere may be, for example, an inert atmosphere. The inert atmosphere may be, for example, a nitrogen atmosphere. The heat treatment temperature may be, for example, 400 to 700°C. The heat treatment time may be, for example, 4 to 6 hours.

[0073] Here, during the heating process in firing, instead of continuously increasing the temperature, the heating is temporarily stopped at around 300°C and the temperature is maintained at 300°C for about an hour, which can form a multiphase region (carbon + Mn) on the surface of the primary particles. From the analysis of the mass spectrum, it is estimated that at around 300°C, components that do not contribute to the coating are discharged out of the system as gas, and the tar components contained in the carbon source react with the surface of the primary particles (LMP) to form the multiphase region.

[0074] -Liquid battery- In some embodiments of this invention, the battery may be a liquid-based battery. A "liquid-based battery" refers to a battery containing an electrolyte. For example, polymer batteries, because they contain an electrolyte, belong to the category of liquid-based batteries. In some embodiments of this invention, the battery has a monopolar structure. In some embodiments of this invention, the battery has a bipolar structure. As an example, a battery having a bipolar structure (a bipolar battery) is described.

[0075] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the battery in this embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Figure 6. Hereinafter, "orthoplane direction" refers to the direction normal to the surface of a sheet-like member (e.g., foil, electrode, etc.). "In-plane direction" refers to any direction perpendicular to the orthoplane direction. In the figures of this embodiment, the Z-axis direction corresponds to the orthoplane direction. The X-axis and Y-axis directions are examples of in-plane directions.

[0076] The battery 100 includes an outer casing 90 and a power generation element 50. The outer casing 90 houses the power generation element 50. The outer casing 90 may include, for example, a first current collector plate 91, a first laminate film 92, a second laminate film 93, and a second current collector plate 94. The first laminate film 92 and the second laminate film 93 are joined to each other at their in-plane edges. At the joint between the first laminate film 92 and the second laminate film 93, a sealing material (not shown) may be interposed between the first laminate film 92 and the second laminate film 93.

[0077] The first current collector plate 91 and the second current collector plate 94 are joined to the power generation element 50 at their ends in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction). The first laminate film 92 is joined to the first current collector plate 91. The second laminate film 93 is joined to the second current collector plate 94. A sealing material (not shown) may be interposed between the current collector plate and the laminate film at the joint between the current collector plate and the laminate film.

[0078] The power generation element 50 includes a plurality of bipolar electrodes 10. The plurality of bipolar electrodes 10 are stacked in the direction perpendicular to the plane (Z-axis direction). Each of the plurality of bipolar electrodes 10 includes, in the direction perpendicular to the plane, a positive electrode layer 11, a current collector foil 13, and a negative electrode layer 12 in this order. In the in-plane direction (for example, in the X-axis direction), the current collector foil 13 extends outward relative to the positive electrode layer 11 and the negative electrode layer 12. For example, the current collector foil 13 may extend outward relative to the positive electrode layer 11 and the negative electrode layer 12 over the entire circumference in the in-plane direction.

[0079] The current collector foil 13 is a conductor. The current collector foil 13 may include, for example, a metal foil, a conductive resin layer, etc. For example, the current collector foil 13 may be formed by bonding an Al foil and a Cu foil together. A carbon material may be coated on the surface of the current collector foil 13. The carbon material may include, for example, carbon black.

[0080] The power generation element 50 includes a sealing material 30. At its in-plane end, the sealing material 30 is joined to the current collector foil 13. The sealing material 30 may, for example, be heat-welded to the current collector foil 13. For example, the sealing material 30 may be arranged around the entire circumference of the in-plane periphery. The sealing material may include, for example, a resin material. The sealing material 30 seals between adjacent current collector foils 13 in the direction perpendicular to the plane. The sealing material 30 between the current collector foils 13 partitions the cells 40. A cell 40 is the smallest unit of the power generation element 50. The battery 100 includes multiple cells 40 and may also be called a "bipolar module". Each of the multiple cells 40 is sealed. The multiple cells 40 are isolated from each other. Each of the multiple cells 40 includes a positive electrode layer 11, a separator 20, a negative electrode layer 12, and an electrolyte.

[0081] Positive electrode layer The positive electrode layer 11 is attached to one side of the current collector foil 13. For example, grooves may be formed in the positive electrode layer 11. The positive electrode layer 11 may be formed in a striped pattern, for example. The positive electrode layer 11 contains a positive electrode active material. That is, the battery 100 contains a positive electrode active material. Details of the positive electrode active material are as described above.

[0082] The positive electrode layer 11 may further contain, for example, a conductive material and a binder, in addition to the positive electrode active material. The amount of conductive material may be, for example, 0.1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of positive electrode active material. The conductive material may contain any components. For example, the conductive material may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of graphite, acetylene black (AB), Ketjenblack (registered trademark), vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and graphene flakes (GF).

[0083] The amount of binder may be, for example, 0.1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of positive electrode active material. The binder may contain any components. For example, the binder may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (PVdF-HFP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, and derivatives thereof.

[0084] The positive electrode layer 11 may further contain, for example, inorganic fillers, organic fillers, solid electrolytes, surface modifiers, dispersants, lubricants, flame retardants, protective agents, fluxes, coupling agents, adsorbents, etc. The positive electrode active material layer may contain, for example, polyoxyethylene allylphenyl ether phosphate, zeolite, silane coupling agents, MoS2, WO3, etc.

[0085] Negative electrode layer The negative electrode layer 12 is attached to one side of the current collector foil 13. The negative electrode layer 12 is located on the back side of the positive electrode layer 11. The negative electrode layer 12 may have a larger area than the positive electrode layer 11. The negative electrode layer 12 contains a negative electrode active material.

[0086] The negative electrode active material may be in the form of parts or sheets, for example. The D50 of the negative electrode active material may be, for example, 1 μm or more, 5 μm or more, or 10 μm or more. The D50 of the negative electrode active material may be, for example, 30 μm or less, 20 μm or less, 15 μm or less, or 10 μm or less.

[0087] The negative electrode active material may contain any components. For example, the negative electrode active material may include at least one selected from the group consisting of carbon-based active materials, alloy-based active materials, Si-C composite materials, Li metal, Li-based alloys, and lithium titanate. In some embodiments of this invention, the battery may be a Li metal negative electrode battery.

[0088] The carbon-based active material may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, graphite, soft carbon, and hard carbon. «Graphite» is a general term for natural graphite and artificial graphite. Graphite may be a mixture of natural graphite and artificial graphite. The mixing ratio (mass ratio) may be, for example, «natural graphite / artificial graphite = 1 / 9 to 9 / 1», «natural graphite / artificial graphite = 2 / 8 to 8 / 2», or «natural graphite / artificial graphite = 3 / 7 to 7 / 3».

[0089] The surface of the graphite may be coated with, for example, amorphous carbon. The surface of the graphite may be coated with, for example, a different material. The different material may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, P, W, Al, and O. The different material may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, Al(OH)3, AlOOH, Al2O3, WO3, Li2CO3, LiHCO 3、 and, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of Li3PO4.

[0090] The alloy-based active material may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, Si, Li silicate, SiO, Si-based alloy, tin (Sn), SnO, and Sn-based alloy.

[0091] SiO may be represented, for example, by the following general formula. SiO x In the formula, the relationship 0 < x < 2 is satisfied. For example, the relationship 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.5, or 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.2 may be satisfied.

[0092] «Si-C composite material» refers to a composite material of a carbon-based active material (such as graphite) and an alloy-based active material (such as Si). For example, Si fine particles may be dispersed in carbon particles. For example, Si fine particles may be dispersed in graphite particles. For example, Li silicate particles may be coated with a carbon material (such as amorphous carbon).

[0093] Separator The separator 20 can separate the positive electrode layer 11 from the negative electrode layer 12. The separator 20 has electrical insulating properties. The separator 20 may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a resin film (polymer film), an inorganic particle layer, and an organic particle layer. The separator 20 may include, for example, a resin film and an inorganic particle layer.

[0094] The resin film is porous. The resin film may include, for example, a microporous membrane, a nonwoven fabric, etc. The resin film includes a resin skeleton. The resin skeleton may be continuous, for example, in a mesh-like manner. Pores are formed in the gaps of the resin skeleton. The resin film can permeate the electrolyte. The resin film may have, for example, an average pore diameter of 1 μm or less. The average pore diameter of the resin film may be, for example, 0.01 to 1 μm, or 0.1 to 0.5 μm. The "average pore diameter" can be measured by the mercury intrusion method. The Gaurle value of the resin film is, for example, 50 to 250 s / 100 cm. 3 It may also be the case that the "Gehré value" can be measured by the Gehré test method.

[0095] The resin film may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, olefin resins, polyurethane resins, polyamide resins, cellulose resins, polyether resins, acrylic resins, and polyester resins. The resin film may also contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyimide (PI), aromatic polyamide (aramid), polyphenylene ether (PPE), and derivatives thereof. The resin film can be formed, for example, by stretching, phase separation, or the like. The thickness of the resin film may be, for example, 5 to 50 μm or 10 to 25 μm.

[0096] The resin film may have, for example, a single-layer structure. The resin film may consist of, for example, a PE layer. The framework of the PE layer is formed of PE. The PE layer may have a shutdown function. The resin film may have, for example, a multilayer structure. The resin film may include, for example, a PP layer and a PE layer. The framework of the PP layer is formed of PP. The resin film may have, for example, a three-layer structure. The resin film may be formed by laminating a PP layer, a PE layer and a PP layer in this order. The thickness of the PE layer may be, for example, 5 to 20 μm. The thickness of the PP layer may be, for example, 3 to 10 μm.

[0097] The inorganic particle layer may be formed on the surface of the resin film. The inorganic particle layer may be formed on only one side of the resin film or on both sides. The inorganic particle layer may be formed on the surface facing the positive electrode layer 11 or on the surface facing the negative electrode layer 12. The inorganic particle layer may be formed on the surface of the positive electrode layer 11 or on the surface of the negative electrode layer 12.

[0098] The inorganic particle layer is porous. The inorganic particle layer contains inorganic particles. The inorganic particles may also be called "inorganic fillers." Pores are formed in the gaps between the inorganic particles. The thickness of the inorganic particle layer may be, for example, 0.5 to 10 μm or 1 to 5 μm. The inorganic particles may contain, for example, a heat-resistant material. An inorganic particle layer containing a heat-resistant material is also called an "HRL (Heat Resistance Layer)." The inorganic particles may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of boehmite, alumina, zirconia, titania, magnesia, and silica. The inorganic particles may have any shape. For example, the inorganic particles may be spherical, rod-shaped, plate-shaped, fibrous, etc. The D50 of the inorganic particles may be, for example, 0.1 to 10 μm or 0.5 to 3 μm. The inorganic particle layer may further contain a binder. The binder may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins, polyamide resins, fluororesins, aromatic polyether resins, and liquid crystal polyester resins.

[0099] The separator 20 may include, for example, an organic particle layer. The separator 20 may include, for example, an organic particle layer instead of a resin film. The separator 20 may include, for example, an organic particle layer instead of an inorganic particle layer. The separator 20 may include both a resin film and an organic particle layer. The separator 20 may include both an inorganic particle layer and an organic particle layer. The separator 20 may include a resin film, an inorganic particle layer, and an organic particle layer.

[0100] The thickness of the organic particle layer may be, for example, 0.1 to 50 μm, 0.5 to 20 μm, 0.5 to 10 μm, or 1 to 5 μm. The organic particle layer contains organic particles. The organic particles may also be called "organic fillers". The organic particles may contain heat-resistant materials. The organic particles may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, PE, PP, PTFE, PI, PAI, PA, and aramid. The organic particles may be spherical, rod-shaped, plate-shaped, fibrous, etc. The D50 of the organic particles may be, for example, 0.1 to 10 μm, or 0.5 to 3 μm.

[0101] The separator 20 may include, for example, a mixed layer. The mixed layer may contain both inorganic and organic particles.

[0102] electrolyte The electrolyte is a liquid electrolyte. The electrolyte contains a solute and a solvent. The concentration of the solute may be, for example, 0.5 to 1 mole / L, 1 to 1.5 mole / L, 1.5 to 2 mole / L, 2 to 2.5 mole / L, or 2.5 to 3 mole / L. "mol / L" may also be written as "M". The solute contains a supporting salt (Li salt). The solute may also contain, for example, inorganic acid salts, imide salts, oxalate complexes, halides, etc. The solute may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of LiPF6, LiBF4, LiClO4, LiAsF6, LiSbF6, LiN(SO2F)2 "LiFSI", LiN(SO2CF3)2 "LiTFSI", LiB(C2O4)2 "LiBOB", LiBF2(C2O4) "LiDFOB", LiPF2(C2O4)2 "LiDFOP", LiPO2F2, FSO3Li, LiI, LiBr, and derivatives thereof.

[0103] The electrolyte may contain, for example, a carbonate-based solvent (carbonate ester-based solvent). The solvent may contain, for example, cyclic carbonates, linear carbonates, fluorinated carbonates, etc. The solvent may contain, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), monofluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), difluoroethylene carbonate, 4,4-difluoroethylene carbonate, trifluoroethylene carbonate, perfluoroethylene carbonate, fluoropropylene carbonate, difluoropropylene carbonate, and derivatives thereof.

[0104] The solvent may contain cyclic carbonates (EC, PC, FEC, etc.) and linear carbonates (EMC, DMC, DEC, etc.). The mixing ratio (volume ratio) of cyclic carbonates to linear carbonates may be, for example, "cyclic carbonate / linear carbonate = 1 / 9 to 4 / 6", "cyclic carbonate / linear carbonate = 2 / 8 to 3 / 7", or "cyclic carbonate / linear carbonate = 3 / 7 to 4 / 6".

[0105] The solvent may contain cyclic carbonates (EC, PC, etc.) and fluorinated cyclic carbonates (FEC, etc.). The mixing ratio (volume ratio) of cyclic carbonates to fluorinated cyclic carbonates may be, for example, "cyclic carbonate / fluorinated cyclic carbonate = 99 / 1 to 90 / 10", "cyclic carbonate / fluorinated cyclic carbonate = 9 / 1 to 1 / 9", "cyclic carbonate / fluorinated cyclic carbonate = 9 / 1 to 7 / 3", or "cyclic carbonate / fluorinated cyclic carbonate = 3 / 7 to 1 / 9".

[0106] The solvent may include, for example, EC, FEC, EMC, DMC, and DEC. The volume ratio of each component may satisfy the relationship expressed by, for example, the following formula. V EC +V FEC +V EMC +V DMC +V DEC =10 In the above formula, V EC , V FEC , V EMC , V DMC , V DEC These values ​​represent the volume ratios of EC, FEC, EMC, DMC, and DEC, respectively. 1 ≤ V EC ≤4, 0 ≤V FEC ≤3,V EC +V FEC ≤4, 0≦V EMC ≤9, 0 ≤V DMC ≤9, 0 ≤V DEC ≤9,6≦V EMC +V DMC +V DEC ≤9 The relationship is satisfied. For example, 1 ≤ V EC ≤ 2, or 2 ≤ V EC The condition ≤ 3 may also be satisfied. For example, 1 ≤ V FEC ≤ 2, or 2 ≤ V FEC The condition ≤ 4 may also be satisfied. For example, 3 ≤ V EMC ≤4, or 6 ≤V EMC The condition ≤ 8 may also be satisfied. For example, 3 ≤ V DMC ≤4, or 6 ≤V DMC The condition ≤ 8 may also be satisfied. For example, 3 ≤ V DEC ≤4, or 6 ≤V DEC The condition ≤ 8 may also be satisfied.

[0107] The solvent may have compositions such as "EC / EMC=3 / 7", "EC / DMC=3 / 7", "EC / FEC / DEC=1 / 2 / 7", "EC / DMC / EMC=3 / 4 / 3", "EC / DMC / EMC=3 / 3 / 4", "EC / FEC / DMC / EMC=2 / 1 / 4 / 3", "EC / FEC / DMC / EMC=1 / 2 / 4 / 3", "EC / FEC / DMC / EMC=2 / 1 / 3 / 4", and "EC / FEC / DMC / EMC=1 / 2 / 3 / 4" in volume ratio.

[0108] The electrolyte may contain an ether-based solvent. The electrolyte may contain, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,4-dioxane (DOX), 1,3-dioxolane (DOL), 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), 1,2-diethoxyethane (DEE), hydrofluoroether (HFE), ethylglycyle, triglycyle, tetraglycyle, and derivatives thereof.

[0109] The electrolyte may contain any additives. The amount of additive (mass fraction of the total electrolyte) may be, for example, 0.01 to 5%, 0.05 to 3%, or 0.1 to 1%. The additives may include, for example, SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) formation promoters, SEI formation inhibitors, gas generators, overcharge inhibitors, flame retardants, antioxidants, electrode protectants, surfactants, etc.

[0110] Additives include, for example, vinylene carbonate (VC), vinylethylene carbonate (VEC), 1,3-propanesaltone (PS), tert-amylbenzene, 1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene, biphenyl (BP), cyclohexylbenzene (CHB), ethylene sulfite (ES), ethylene sulfate (DTD), γ-butyrolactone, phosphazene compounds, carboxylic acid esters [e.g., methyl formate (MF), methyl acetate (MA), methyl propionate (MP), diethyl malonate (DEM), etc.], and fluorobenzenes [e.g., monofluorobenzene (FB), 1,2-di-butylbenzene]. Fluorobenzene, 1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, 1,2,3-trifluorobenzene, 1,2,4-trifluorobenzene, 1,3,5-trifluorobenzene, 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorobenzene, 1,2,3,5-tetrafluorobenzene, 1,2,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene, pentafluorobenzene, hexafluorobenzene, etc.), fluorotoluene (e.g., 2-fluorotoluene, 3-fluorotoluene, 4-fluorotoluene, 2,3-difluorotoluene, 2,4-difluorotoluene, 2,5-difluorotoluene, 2,6-difluorotoluene, 3,4-difluorotoluene, octafluorotoluene, etc.), benzotrifluorides (e.g., benzotrifluoride, 2-fluorobenzotrifluoride, 3-fluorobenzotrifluoride, 4-fluorobenzotrifluoride, 2-methylbenzotrifluoride, 3-methylbenzotrifluoride, 4-methylbenzotrifluoride, etc.), fluoroxylenes (e.g., 3-fluoro-o-xylene, 4-fluoro-o-xylene, 2-fluoro-m-xylene, 5-fluoro-m-xylene, etc.), sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds (e.g., benzothiazole, 2-methyl benzothiazole) It may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of (e.g., nzothiazole, tetrathiafulvalene), nitrile compounds (e.g., adiponitrile, succinonitrile), phosphate esters (e.g., trimethyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate), carboxylic acid anhydrides (e.g., acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride, oxalic anhydride, succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, benzoic anhydride), alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, n-propyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether), and derivatives thereof.

[0111] The components mentioned above may be used as solutes and solvents, or as trace components (additives). The additives may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of LiBF4, LiFSI, LiTFSI, LiBOB, LiDFOB, LiDFOP, LiPO2F2, FSO3Li, LiI, LiBr, HFE, DOX, PC, FEC, and derivatives thereof.

[0112] The electrolyte may contain an ionic liquid. The ionic liquid may contain, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of sulfonium salts, ammonium salts, pyridinium salts, piperidinium salts, pyrrolidinium salts, morpholinium salts, phosphonium salts, imidazolium salts, and derivatives thereof.

[0113] In some embodiments of this invention, the battery may include a gel electrolyte; that is, the battery may be a polymer battery. The gel electrolyte may include an electrolyte solution and a polymer material. The polymer material may form a polymer matrix. The polymer material may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of PVdF, PVdF-HFP, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), PVdF-PAN, polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and derivatives thereof.

[0114] -All-solid-state battery- In some embodiments of this invention, the battery may be an all-solid-state battery. The all-solid-state battery may have a bipolar structure. The all-solid-state battery includes a solid electrolyte instead of an electrolyte and a separator 20. The solid electrolyte may also be included in the positive electrode layer 11 and the negative electrode layer 12. Instead of a separator 20, the solid electrolyte layer separates the negative electrode layer 12 from the positive electrode layer 11. The solid electrolyte layer includes, for example, a solid electrolyte and a binder.

[0115] The solid electrolyte may be, for example, a powder or granular material. The D50 of the solid electrolyte may be, for example, 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, 0.3 μm or more, 0.4 μm or more, 0.5 μm or more, 0.6 μm or more, 0.7 μm or more, 0.8 μm or more, 0.9 μm or more, or 1 μm or more. The D50 of the solid electrolyte may be, for example, 5 μm or less, 4 μm or less, 3 μm or less, 2 μm or less, or 1 μm or less.

[0116] The solid electrolyte may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of sulfide solid electrolytes, halide solid electrolytes, oxide solid electrolytes, hydride solid electrolytes, and nitride solid electrolytes.

[0117] The sulfide solid electrolyte may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of an amorphous phase, a crystalline phase, and a glass ceramic (crystallized glass) phase. The crystalline phase may be, for example, an argyrodite type or an LGPS type. The sulfide solid electrolyte contains Li and sulfur (S). In addition to Li and S, the sulfide solid electrolyte may further contain any other components.

[0118] Examples of sulfide solid electrolytes include LiI-LiBr-Li3PS4, Li2S-SiS2, LiI-Li2S-SiS2, LiI-Li2S-P2S5, LiI-Li2O-Li2S-P2S5, LiI-Li2S-P2O5, LiI-Li3PO4-P2S5, Li2S-GeS2-P2S5, Li2S-P2S5, Li 10 GeP2S 12 Li4P2S6, Li7P3S 11 It may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Li3PS4 and Li7PS6.

[0119] For example, "LiI-LiBr-Li3PS4" indicates a sulfide solid electrolyte produced by mixing LiI, LiBr, and Li3PS4 in any molar ratio. For example, the sulfide solid electrolyte may be produced by a mechanochemical method. The mixing ratio may be specified by prefixing each raw material with a number. For example, "10LiI-15LiBr-75Li3PS4" indicates that the mixing ratio is "LiI / LiBr / Li3PS4 = 10 / 15 / 75 (molar ratio)".

[0120] The sulfide solid electrolyte may have a composition represented by the following general formula, for example. xLi2S-(1-x)P2S5 In the formula, x may be, for example, greater than 0, 0.1 or greater, 0.2 or greater, 0.25 or greater, 0.3 or greater, 0.4 or greater, 0.5 or greater, 0.6 or greater, 0.7 or greater, 0.75 or greater, 0.8 or greater, or 0.9 or greater. x may also be, for example, 1 or less, 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, 0.75 or less, 0.6 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, 0.2 or less, or 0.1 or less. For example, when x = 0.75, "xLi2S-(1-x)P2S5" may have the composition of Li3PS4.

[0121] The sulfide solid electrolyte may have a composition represented by the following general formula, for example. yLiI-zLiBr-(100-yz)[xLi2S-(1-x)P2S5] In the formula, x may be, for example, 0.5 or greater, 0.6 or greater, 0.7 or greater, 0.75 or greater, 0.8 or greater, or 0.9 or greater. x may be, for example, 1 or less, 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.75 or less, 0.7 or less, or 0.6 or less. y may be, for example, 0 or greater, 5 or greater, 10 or greater, 15 or greater, 20 or greater, or 25 or greater. y may be, for example, 30 or less, 25 or less, 20 or less, 15 or less, 10 or less, or 5 or less. z may be, for example, 0 or greater, 5 or greater, 10 or greater, 15 or greater, 20 or greater, or 25 or greater. z may be, for example, 30 or less, 25 or less, 20 or less, 15 or less, 10 or less, or 5 or less.

[0122] The sulfide solid electrolyte may have a composition represented by the following general formula, for example. Li 7-x-2y PS 6-x-y X y In the equation, the relationships "0 < 7 - x - 2y", "0 < 6 - xy", "0 ≤ x", and "0 ≤ y" are satisfied. X may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine (I).

[0123] The sulfide solid electrolyte may have a composition represented by the following general formula, for example. Li 4-x M 1-x P x S4 In the formula, x may be, for example, greater than 0, 0.1 or more, 0.2 or more, 0.3 or more, 0.4 or more, 0.5 or more, 0.6 or more, 0.7 or more, 0.8 or more, or 0.9 or more. x may be, for example, less than 1, 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, 0.6 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, 0.2 or less, or 0.1 or less. M may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, Al, Zn, In, Ge, Si, Sn, Sb, Ga, and Bi.

[0124] The sulfide solid electrolyte may have a composition represented by, for example, the following general formula. Li 10+x Ge 1+x P 2-x S 12 In the formula, x may be, for example, 0 or more, 0.1 or more, 0.2 or more, 0.3 or more, 0.4 or more, 0.5 or more, or 0.6 or more. x may be, for example, 0.7 or less, 0.6 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, 0.2 or less, or 0.1 or less. The sulfide solid electrolyte represented by the above general formula may contain, for example, a LGPS-type crystal phase.

[0125] The halide solid electrolyte may have a composition represented by, for example, the following general formula. Li 6-na M a X6 In the formula, n indicates the oxidation number of M. M may contain, for example, an atom having an oxidation number of +3. M may contain, for example, an atom having an oxidation number of +4. M may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, Y, Al, Ti, Zr, Ca, and Mg. For example, the relationship of "0 < a < 2" may be satisfied. X may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, F, Cl, Br, and I.

[0126] The halide solid electrolyte may have a composition represented by, for example, the following general formula. Li 3-a Ti a Al 1-a F6 In the formula, a may be, for example, 0 or greater, 0.1 or greater, 0.2 or greater, 0.3 or greater, 0.4 or greater, 0.5 or greater, 0.6 or greater, 0.7 or greater, 0.8 or greater, or 0.9 or greater. a may also be, for example, 1 or less, 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, 0.6 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, 0.2 or less, or 0.1 or less.

[0127] The halide solid electrolyte may have a composition represented by, for example, the following general formula. Li3YCl a Br b I 6-a-b In the expression, for example, the relationship "0 ≤ a + b ≤ 6" may be satisfied. a may be, for example, 0 or greater, 1 or greater, 2 or greater, 3 or greater, 4 or greater, or 5 or greater. a may be, for example, 6 or less, 5 or less, 4 or less, 3 or less, 2 or less, or 1 or less. b may be, for example, 0 or greater, 1 or greater, 2 or greater, 3 or greater, 4 or greater, or 5 or greater. b may be, for example, 6 or less, 5 or less, 4 or less, 3 or less, 2 or less, or 1 or less.

[0128] Oxide solid electrolytes include, for example, LiNbO3, Li 1.5 Al 0.5 Ge 1.5 (PO4)3, La 2 / 3-x Li 3x TiO3 and Li7La3Zr2O 12 It may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of the following. The hydride solid electrolyte may include, for example, LiBH4. The nitride solid electrolyte may include, for example, Li3N, Li3BN2, etc. [Examples]

[0129] -Manufacturing of positive electrode active material- No.1 (a) Formation of slurry Compositional formula “Li 1.04 Mn 0.6 Fe 0.4 Lithium hydroxide monohydrate, manganese carbonate, ferric phosphate, and lithium dihydrogen phosphate were weighed to match the composition ratio shown in "PO4". 8% glucose was weighed by mass fraction relative to the total mass of the raw materials. A slurry was formed by mixing the weighed materials with water. The solid content concentration of the slurry was 30% by mass fraction. Wet grinding was performed to achieve a D50 of 0.30 μm.

[0130] (b) Granulation Secondary particles were formed when the slurry was spray-dried. The spray dryer was set up as follows: Air intake temperature: 200℃ Spray rate: 10mL / min Spray pressure (nozzle pressure): 0.2 MPa

[0131] (c) Firing LMP (LMFP) was synthesized in an electric furnace by calcining secondary particles in an inert atmosphere. Figure 8 shows the temperature profile during calcination. First, the furnace temperature was raised to 200°C at a heating rate of 3°C / min. The furnace temperature was maintained at 200°C for 1 hour. Next, the furnace temperature was raised to 300°C at a heating rate of 5°C / min. The furnace temperature was maintained at 300°C for 1 hour. Next, the furnace temperature was raised to 650°C at a heating rate of 5°C / min. The furnace temperature was maintained at 650°C for 5 hours. After that, the furnace temperature was cooled to 400°C at a cooling rate of 2°C / min. The furnace temperature was further cooled to room temperature at a cooling rate of 15°C / min.

[0132] No.2 In the above "(c) Firing," LMFP was synthesized in the same manner as in No. 1, except that the holding temperature at 300°C was not performed, and the furnace temperature was raised from 200°C to 650°C at a heating rate of 5°C / min.

[0133] -evaluation- Coin cell production A mixture was formed by mixing the positive electrode active material, conductive material (acetylene black), and binder (PVdF). The mixing ratio (mass ratio) was "positive electrode active material / conductive material / binder = 92 / 5 / 3". A paste was formed by dispersing the mixture in a solvent (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone). The solid content concentration of the paste was 50% by mass fraction. The positive electrode layer was formed by applying the paste to the surface of an Al foil and drying it. The density of the positive electrode layer was 1.8 g / cm³ by roll pressing. 3 The cathode material was formed by adjusting the material. The cathode material was subjected to vacuum drying at 120°C for 12 hours. After drying, a disc sample (diameter: 14 mm) was removed from the cathode material by punching.

[0134] The coin cell was assembled inside the glove compartment. The cell configuration is as follows: Working electrode: Disc sample (positive electrode) Opposite pole: Li foil Separator: Polymer porous membrane Electrolyte: "EC / DMC=3 / 7 (volume ratio)", LiPF6 (1mol / L)

[0135] durability The capacity retention rate was measured using the following procedure. A higher capacity retention rate indicates better durability.

[0136] The rate equivalent to 1C is determined based on the discharge capacity (theoretical capacity) obtained from the coating mass of the positive electrode layer. "C" is a symbol indicating the current rate (time rate). At a rate of 1C, the theoretical capacity is supplied over one hour. At 25°C, the coin cell is charged by constant current-constant voltage (CCCV) charging under the following conditions. CC charging rate: 0.1C Maximum charging voltage: 4.3V Current cutoff rate during CV charging: 0.01C

[0137] After charging, the initial capacity "A" is measured by performing CC discharge at a rate of 0.1C down to 3.0V at 25°C.

[0138] At 25°C, CC charge-discharge is repeated 50 times. After 50 cycles, the post-cycle capacity "B" is measured, similar to the initial capacity. The capacity retention rate is calculated by dividing "B / A".

[0139] -result- Figure 9 is a table showing the experimental results. A tendency is observed where durability improves as the thickness of the second region (carbon + Mn) increases.

[0140] For example, when primary particles (LMP) are carbon-coated using a mechanochemical method, it is believed that the second region (carbon + Mn) will not be formed. Conventionally, it has been observed that carbon coating using a mechanochemical method tends to reduce durability. Therefore, it is thought that the inclusion of the second region (carbon + Mn) in the coating improves durability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0141] 1 Primary particle, 2 Secondary particle, 5 Coating, 5a First region, 5b Second region, 10 Bipolar electrode, 11 Positive electrode layer, 12 Negative electrode layer, 13 Current collector foil, 20 Separator, 30 Sealing material, 40 Cell, 50 Power generation element, 90 Outer casing, 91 First current collector plate, 92 First laminate film, 93 Second laminate film, 94 Second current collector plate, 100 Battery, D Radial direction, L B Baseline.

Claims

1. Includes primary particles and coatings, The primary particles include lithium manganese phosphate, The coating covers at least a portion of the surface of the primary particles. In the radial direction of the primary particles, the coating includes a first region and a second region. Each of the first and second regions contains carbon, In TEM-EDS analysis, the signal intensity of manganese in the second region is higher than the signal intensity of manganese in the first region. Cathode active material.

2. The first region and the second region 0.5<T 2 / T 1 Satisfying the relationship, Said T 1 This indicates the thickness of the first region in the radial direction, and Said T 2 This indicates the thickness of the second region in the radial direction. The positive electrode active material according to claim 1.

3. In the radial direction, The second region is located between the first region and the primary particle. The positive electrode active material according to claim 1.

4. In the aforementioned TEM-EDS analysis, Within the aforementioned first region, only carbon is detected. The positive electrode active material according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The primary particles contain manganese iron lithium phosphate, and In the aforementioned TEM-EDS analysis, Within the second region, carbon, manganese, and iron are detected. The positive electrode active material according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The first region is 1nm<T 1 <5nm Satisfying the relationship, The positive electrode active material according to claim 2.

7. The first region is 1nm<T 1 <3nm Satisfying the relationship, The positive electrode active material according to claim 6.

8. It includes a positive electrode layer, and The positive electrode layer comprises the positive electrode active material described in any one of claims 1 to 3. electrode.

9. The electrode included in claim 8, battery.

10. Having a bipolar structure, The battery according to claim 9.

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