Anode active material, anode including the same, secondary battery including the same, and method for manufacturing anode active material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a negative electrode active material, a negative electrode including the same, a secondary battery including the same, and a method for producing the negative electrode active material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an anode active material, an anode containing the same, a secondary battery containing the same, and a method for producing the anode active material.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-013138, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 18, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Recently, with the rapid spread of battery-powered electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles, the demand for secondary batteries that are small, lightweight, and have relatively high capacity has been rapidly increasing. In particular, lithium secondary batteries have been attracting attention as a driving power source for portable devices due to their light weight and high energy density. As a result, research and development efforts to improve the performance of lithium secondary batteries have been actively pursued.

[0004] Generally, a lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, an electrolyte, and an organic solvent. The positive electrode and the negative electrode may have active material layers formed on current collectors, each containing a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material. Generally, the positive electrode uses a lithium-containing metal oxide such as LiCoO2 or LiMn2O4 as the positive electrode active material, and the negative electrode uses a lithium-free carbon-based active material or a silicon-based active material as the negative electrode active material.

[0005] Silicon-based negative electrode active materials have been attracting attention due to their high capacity and excellent fast charging characteristics compared to carbon-based active materials. However, silicon-based active materials have the disadvantage of low initial efficiency due to their large irreversible capacity caused by large volume expansion / contraction during charging / discharging.

[0006] On the one hand, in the case of silicon-based active materials, specifically silicon-based oxides represented by SiOx (0 < x < 2), there is an advantage in that the degree of volume expansion / contraction due to charge / discharge is lower compared to other silicon-based active materials such as silicon (Si). However, there is still a disadvantage in that the initial efficiency is reduced due to the presence of irreversible capacity even in silicon-based oxides.

[0007] Regarding this, research has been continuously conducted to reduce the irreversible capacity and improve the initial efficiency by doping or inserting metals such as Li, Al, and Mg into silicon-based oxides. However, in the case of a negative electrode slurry containing a metal-doped silicon-based oxide as a negative electrode active material, there is a problem that the metal oxide formed by doping reacts with moisture to increase the pH of the negative electrode slurry and change the viscosity, thereby deteriorating the state of the manufactured negative electrode and reducing the charge / discharge efficiency of the negative electrode.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to develop a negative electrode active material that can improve the phase stability of a negative electrode slurry containing a silicon-based oxide and improve the charge / discharge efficiency of the negative electrode manufactured therefrom.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a negative electrode active material, a negative electrode containing the same, a secondary battery containing the same, and a method for manufacturing the negative electrode active material.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is SiO xSilicon-based particles containing (0 < x < 2) and a Li compound; a carbon layer provided on at least a part of the surface of the silicon-based particles; LiF; and CF a A negative electrode active material containing (0 < a < 4), wherein the content of F by surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is 10 at% or more and the content of Li is less than 10 at% is provided.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention provides a negative electrode containing the negative electrode active material.

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention provides a secondary battery containing the negative electrode.

[0014] One embodiment of the present invention is SiO x Forming silicon-based particles containing (0 < x < 2) and a Li compound and having a carbon layer provided on at least a part of the surface; washing the silicon-based particles with an acid or water; and subjecting the silicon-based particles to fluorine plasma treatment; A method for producing the negative electrode active material is provided.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] The negative electrode active material according to one embodiment of the present invention is SiO x Silicon-based particles containing (0 < x < 2) and a Li compound; a carbon layer provided on at least a part of the surface of the silicon-based particles; LiF; and CF a A negative electrode active material containing (0 < a < 4), wherein the content of F by surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is 10 at% or more and the content of Li is less than 10 at%. When the negative electrode active material is used, it has the effect of significantly improving the aqueous system workability of the slurry. Specifically, LiF is poorly soluble in water and can efficiently passivate silicon-based particles in an aqueous slurry, acting as an artificial SEI film during battery operation and improving the life performance of the battery. CF a(0 < a < 4) can increase the hydrophobicity of the carbon layer, suppress the reaction between moisture and the negative electrode active material in the aqueous slurry, and can effectively passivate the particles.

[0016] Therefore, the negative electrode containing the negative electrode active material according to an embodiment of the present invention and the secondary battery including the negative electrode have the effect of improving the discharge capacity, initial efficiency, resistance performance, and / or life characteristics of the battery.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, the present specification will be described in more detail.

[0018] In the present specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise stated, it does not exclude other components, but may further include other components.

[0019] In the present specification, when a certain member is located "above" another member, this includes not only the case where a certain member is in contact with another member, but also the case where there is another member between the two members.

[0020] The terms and words used in the present specification should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. The inventors should interpret them in accordance with the principle that they can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain their invention in the best way, and should interpret them in meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present invention.

[0021] The singular expressions of the terms used in the present specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] In this specification, the crystallinity of the structure contained in the negative electrode active material can be confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The X-ray diffraction analysis may be performed using an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyzer (product name: D4-endavor, manufacturer: bruker), and other devices used in the art may also be appropriately adopted in addition to the said device.

[0023] In this specification, the presence and content of elements in the negative electrode active material can be confirmed by ICP analysis, and the ICP analysis can be performed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICPAES, Perkin-Elmer 7300).

[0024] In this specification, the average particle size (D 50 ) can be defined as the particle size at the 50% reference of the volume cumulative amount in the particle size distribution curve (graph curve of the particle size distribution diagram). The average particle size (D 50 ) can be measured, for example, using the laser diffraction method. The laser diffraction method can generally measure particle sizes from the submicron region to about several millimeters, and results with high reproducibility and high resolution can be obtained.

[0025] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the embodiments of the present invention may be deformed into various forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0026] <Negative electrode active material> One embodiment of the present invention is a silicon-based particle containing SiO x (0 < x < 2) and a Li compound; a carbon layer provided on at least a part of the surface of the silicon-based particle; LiF; and CF a (0 < a < 4), and provides a negative electrode active material in which the content of F by surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is 10 at% or more and the content of Li is less than 10 at%.

[0027] The negative electrode active material according to one embodiment of the present invention includes silicon-based particles. The silicon-based particles include SiO x (0 < x < 2) and a Li compound.

[0028] The SiO x (0 < x < 2) may correspond to a matrix within the silicon-based particles. The SiO x (0 < x < 2) may be in a form containing Si and / or SiO2, and the Si may form a phase. That is, the x corresponds to the number ratio of O to Si contained in the SiO x (0 < x < 2). When the silicon-based particles contain the SiO x (0 < x < 2), the discharge capacity of the secondary battery can be improved.

[0029] The Li compound may correspond to a matrix within the silicon-based composite particles. The Li compound may exist in at least one form of lithium atoms, lithium silicate, silicide, and lithium oxide within the silicon-based particles. When the silicon-based particles contain a Li compound, it has the effect of improving the initial efficiency.

[0030] The Li compound can be distributed on the surface and / or inside of the silicon-based particles in a form doped into the silicon-based particles. The Li compound is distributed on the surface and / or inside of the silicon-based particles, can control the volume expansion / contraction of the silicon-based particles to an appropriate level, and can play a role in preventing damage to the active material. Also, the Li compound can be contained in terms of reducing the ratio of the irreversible phase (for example, SiO2) of the silicon-based oxide particles and increasing the efficiency of the active material.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the Li compound may exist in the form of lithium silicate. The lithium silicate is Li a Si b O c(2 ≤ a ≤ 4, 0 < b ≤ 2, 2 ≤ c ≤ 5), and it can be divided into crystalline lithium silicate and amorphous lithium silicate. The crystalline lithium silicate may exist in the form of at least one lithium silicate selected from the group consisting of Li2SiO3, Li4SiO4, and Li2Si2O5 within the silicon-based particles, and the amorphous lithium silicate is Li a Si b O c It may have a complex structure of the form (2 ≤ a ≤ 4, 0 < b ≤ 2, 2 ≤ c ≤ 5), and is not limited to the above form.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, based on 100 parts by weight of the entire negative electrode active material, Li may be contained in an amount of 0.1 part by weight to 40 parts by weight or 0.1 part by weight to 25 parts by weight. Specifically, it may be contained in an amount of 1 part by weight to 25 parts by weight, and more specifically, it may be contained in an amount of 2 parts by weight to 20 parts by weight. As the content of Li increases, although the initial efficiency increases, there is a problem that the discharge capacity decreases. Therefore, when the above range is satisfied, appropriate discharge capacity and initial efficiency can be realized.

[0033] The content of the Li element can be confirmed by ICP analysis. Specifically, after collecting a certain amount (about 0.01 g) of the negative electrode active material, it is transferred to a platinum crucible, and nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and sulfuric acid are added and completely decomposed on a hot plate. Then, using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICPAES, Perkin-Elmer 7300), at the specific wavelength of the element to be analyzed, the intensity of the standard solution prepared using the standard solution (5 mg / kg) is measured to create a standard calibration curve. Then, the pretreated sample solution and the blank sample are introduced into the instrument, the intensities of each are measured to calculate the actual intensity, and after calculating the concentration of each component by comparing with the created calibration curve, it is converted so that the sum of the whole becomes the theoretical value, and the element content of the manufactured negative electrode active material can be analyzed.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the silicon-based particles may contain additional metal atoms. The metal atoms may be present in the silicon-based particles in at least one form of metal atoms, metal silicates, metal silicides, and metal oxides. The metal atoms may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Mg, Li, Al, and Ca. This can improve the initial efficiency of the negative electrode active material.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the silicon-based particles have a carbon layer on at least a portion of their surface. The carbon layer may cover at least a portion of the surface, i.e., the particle surface, or the entire particle surface. The carbon layer imparts conductivity to the negative electrode active material, thereby improving the initial efficiency, lifespan characteristics, and battery capacity characteristics of the secondary battery.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the carbon layer comprises amorphous carbon.

[0037] The carbon layer may further include crystalline carbon.

[0038] The crystalline carbon can further improve the conductivity of the negative electrode active material. The crystalline carbon may include at least one selected from the group consisting of fullerene, carbon nanotube, and graphene.

[0039] The amorphous carbon can appropriately maintain the strength of the carbon layer and suppress the expansion of the silicon-based particles. The amorphous carbon may be a carbon-based material formed by using at least one carbide or hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of tar, pitch, and other organic substances as a source in a chemical vapor deposition process.

[0040] The carbonized organic material may be a carbonized organic material selected from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose, galactose, fructose, lactose, mannose, ribose, aldohexose, and ketohexose, and combinations thereof.

[0041] The hydrocarbon may be a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon. Examples of the aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon of the substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon include methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, butane, butene, pentane, isobutane, and hexane. Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon of the substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon include benzene, toluene, xylene, styrene, ethylbenzene, diphenylmethane, naphthalene, phenol, cresol, nitrobenzene, chlorobenzene, indene, coumarone, pyridine, anthracene, and phenanthrene.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon layer may be an amorphous carbon layer.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon layer may be included in an amount of 0.1 to 50 parts by weight, 0.1 to 30 parts by weight, or 0.1 to 20 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the total negative electrode active material. More specifically, the carbon layer may be included in an amount of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight, 1 to 10 parts by weight, or 1 to 5 parts by weight. When the amount is within this range, a decrease in the capacity and efficiency of the negative electrode active material can be prevented.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the carbon layer may be 1 nm to 500 nm, specifically, 5 nm to 300 nm. When the thickness is within this range, the conductivity of the negative electrode active material is improved, volume change of the negative electrode active material is easily suppressed, and side reactions between the electrolyte and the negative electrode active material are suppressed, thereby improving the initial efficiency and / or life of the battery.

[0045] Specifically, the carbon layer can be formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using at least one hydrocarbon gas selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, and acetylene.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the negative electrode active material is LiF; and CF a (0 < a < 4) may be included.

[0047] Specifically, during the production of the negative electrode active material, after forming silicon-based particles provided with a carbon layer on at least a part of the surface, F can be introduced through fluorine plasma treatment on the surface of the particles. In this process, F can be introduced into the lithium by-products generated when doping the silicon-based particles with Li to form LiF, and F can be introduced into the carbon of the carbon layer provided on the surface of the silicon-based particles, and exist in the form of CF a (0 < a < 4).

[0048] LiF formed as described above is not readily soluble in water, can efficiently passivate the silicon-based particles in an aqueous slurry, prevent the elution of the Li compounds contained in the silicon-based particles, prevent the slurry from becoming basic, and has the effect of improving the aqueous processability. In addition, LiF acts as an artificial SEI film during the operation of the battery, and has the effect of improving the life performance of the battery.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the LiF and CF a (0 < a < 4) may be provided on the silicon-based particles.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the LiF and CF a (0 < a < 4) may be provided on the outermost surface of the negative electrode active material.

[0051] The LiF may be provided on the surface of the silicon-based particles, inside the carbon layer, or on the surface of the carbon layer. Specifically, the LiF may be provided on at least a part of the carbon layer, or on at least a part of the region of the surface of the silicon-based particles where the carbon layer is not provided. Without being limited thereto, the LiF may be formed at a position where lithium by-products or lithium silicate exist in the negative electrode active material. The LiF may be in a form that partially covers the surface or covers the entire surface. Examples of the shape of the LiF include an island type or a thin film type, but the shape of the LiF is not limited thereto.

[0052] Further, the LiF may be provided on the surface of the silicon-based particles by introducing F into the Li compound contained in the silicon-based particles.

[0053] The CF a (0 < a < 4) may be provided inside the carbon layer or on the surface of the carbon layer.

[0054] Specifically, the CF a (0 < a < 4) is formed by introducing F onto the surface of the carbon layer and has a structure containing a C-F bond. That is, the CF a (0 < a < 4) may be located inside the carbon layer or on the surface of the carbon layer, and specifically, may be mainly located near the surface of the carbon layer.

[0055] By introducing F onto the surface of the carbon layer to form CF a (0 < a < 4), the hydrophobicity of the carbon layer increases, suppressing the reaction between moisture and the negative electrode active material in the aqueous slurry, so that the particles can be effectively passivated.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the negative electrode active material is SiF bIt may further include (0 < b < 4). When introducing F onto the surface of the silicon-based particles by fluorine plasma treatment, F may also be introduced into the silicon-based particles, forming a Si-F bond with silicon within the particles, and SiF b It may exist in the form of (0 < b < 4). The SiF b (0 < b < 4) may be located inside the silicon-based particles or on the surface of the silicon-based particles. Specifically, it may be mainly located near the surface of the silicon-based particles.

[0057] The components contained in the negative electrode active material can be confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

[0058] In the present invention, the elemental content and atomic ratio on the surface of the negative electrode active material can be confirmed by XPS (Nexsa ESCA System, Thermo Fisher Scientific (ESCA-02)).

[0059] Specifically, for each sample, after obtaining a survey scan spectrum and a narrow scan spectrum, the survey scan spectrum and the narrow scan spectrum can be obtained while performing a depth profile. The depth profile can be performed up to 3000 seconds using monatomic Ar ions. The measurement and data processing conditions are as follows.

[0060] - X-ray source: Monochromated Al Kα (1486.6 eV) - X-ray spot size: 400 μm -Sputtering gun: Monatomic Ar (energy: 1000 eV, current: low, raster width: 2 mm) -Etching rate: 0.09nm / s for Ta2O5 -Operation Mode: CAE (Constant Analyzer Energy) mode -Survey scan: pass energy 200eV, energy step 1eV -Narrow scan: scanned mode, pass energy 50eV, energy step 0.1eV -Charge compensation: flood gun off -SF:Al THERMO1 -ECF:TPP-2M -BG subtraction: Shirley

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profile can be measured under a monochromated Al K α X-ray source at 0.09 nm / s for up to 3000 seconds.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the surface of the negative electrode active material is analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Li, Si, C, N, O, F, or the like is detected.

[0063] Hereinafter, the element content measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is based on 100 at% of the sum of all elements measured on a 100s basis.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the F content may be 10 at % or more and the Li content may be less than 10 at % as determined by surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

[0065] Specifically, the F content may be 10 at% to 50 at%, 12 at% to 40 at%, 15 at% to 35 at%, 15 at% to 30 at%, or 20 at% to 30 at%. The lower limit of the F content may be 10 at%, 12 at%, 14 at%, 15 at%, 16 at%, 18 at%, or 20 at%, and the upper limit may be 50 at%, 45 at%, 40 at%, 35 at%, 30 at%, or 25 at%.

[0066] When the fluorine content on the surface of the negative electrode active material satisfies the above range, fluorine is sufficiently introduced into the negative electrode active material to remove lithium by-products, and fluorine can be effectively introduced into the carbon layer. This prevents the negative electrode active material from reacting with water in an aqueous slurry or prevents lithium by-products from leaching out, thereby improving aqueous processability.

[0067] When the F content is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the above range, the amount of F introduced into the surface of the negative electrode active material is appropriate, resulting in a passivation effect. When the F content is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above range, the generation of a large number of unstable F bonds such as C—F and Si—F is prevented, thereby suppressing the generation of HF in the aqueous slurry and the decomposition of components such as CMC due to HF, thereby preventing a decrease in viscosity.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, the Li content of the negative electrode active material may be less than 10 at% as determined by surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Specifically, the Li content may be 1 at% or more and less than 10 at%, 3 at% or more and less than 9 at%, 5 at% or more and less than 9 at%, or 7 at% or more and less than 8 at%. The lower limit of the Li content may be 1 at%, 3 at%, 5 at%, 6 at%, or 7 at%, and the upper limit may be 9.9 at%, 9.5 at%, 9 at%, 8.5 at%, or 8 at%.

[0069] When the content of Li element on the surface of the negative electrode active material satisfies the above content, lithium silicate is uniformly formed up to the inside of the silicon-based particles, so that appropriate capacity and efficiency can be realized. When the content of Li is below the upper limit of the above range, by suppressing the residual of excessive Li by-products, an excessive increase in the pH of the slurry can be prevented, and the generation of gas due to the reaction with Si can be minimized.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the content of Si by surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy may be 7 at% or less. Specifically, the content of Si may be 0.1 at% or more and 7 at% or less, 1 at% or more and 6 at% or less, 2 at% or more and 4 at% or less, 2.5 at% or more and 4 at% or less, or 3 at% or more and 3.5 at% or less. The lower limit of the content of Si may be 0.1 at%, 1 at%, 2 at%, 2.5 at% or 3 at%, and the upper limit may be 5 at%, 4 at% or 3.5 at%.

[0071] When the content of Si element on the surface of the negative electrode active material satisfies the above content, substances such as LiF and CF a (0 < a < 4) etc. exist in an appropriate amount, so that the passivation effect is excellent, the generation of gas in the aqueous mixing system can be prevented, and when the battery is driven, the substances that play the role of passivation act as resistors, and a smooth battery driving effect can be shown. When the content of Si is above the lower limit of the above range, an increase in resistance associated with the excessive formation of substances that play the role of passivation can be prevented, and when the content of Si is below the upper limit of the above range, substances that play the role of passivation are uniformly formed, so that the gas generation problem in the aqueous process can be prevented.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon content of the negative electrode active material may be 40 at% or more as determined by surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Specifically, the carbon content may be 40 at% to 70 at% inclusive, 45 at% to 65 at% inclusive, 45 at% to 60 at% inclusive, or 50 at% to 60 at% inclusive. The carbon content may have a lower limit of 40 at%, 45 at%, or 50 at% and an upper limit of 70 at%, 65 at%, or 60 at%.

[0073] When the C content on the surface of the negative electrode active material satisfies the above range, an appropriate amount of C functional groups is introduced into the carbon layer, thereby increasing the hydrophobicity of the carbon layer, suppressing reactivity with water and suppressing gas generation. When the C content is above the lower limit of the above range, the carbon layer is formed uniformly and exposed Si is minimized, thereby minimizing gas generation problems. When the C content is below the upper limit of the above range, the appropriate amount of carbon layer prevents a decrease in battery performance due to an excessive increase in resistance during battery operation.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the O content of the negative electrode active material as determined by surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy may be 15 at% or less. Specifically, the O content may be 2 at% to 15 at% or less, 5 at% to 12 at% or less, or 6 at% to 12 at% or less. The lower limit of the O content may be 2 at%, 4 at%, 5 at%, or 6 at%, and the upper limit may be 15 at%, 14 at%, 12 at%, or 10 at%.

[0075] When the O content is above the lower limit of the range, excessive reduction to reduce the oxygen content does not occur, thereby suppressing the generation of HF due to the bonding of unstable F elements in aqueous processes, thereby suppressing the decomposition reaction of substances such as CMC in the slurry and preventing a sudden decrease in viscosity.When the O content is below the upper limit of the range, hydrophilicity is reduced and the O does not easily react with water, preventing the generation of gas.

[0076] When the negative electrode active material of the present invention satisfies the above element content range, F is sufficiently introduced into the negative electrode active material, lithium by-products are easily removed, and LiF is formed. Furthermore, F is effectively introduced into the carbon layer, and CF a and the resulting LiF and CF a The amount of the water-based slurry is appropriate, and the negative electrode active material is prevented from reacting with water and lithium by-products are prevented from leaching out, thereby improving the processability of the aqueous slurry.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the atomic ratio of F to O (F / O ratio) determined by surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy may be 1 or more and 6 or less. Specifically, it may be 1.2 or more and 5 or 1.5 or more and 4 or less. When the above range is satisfied, F is appropriately introduced into the surface portion of the negative electrode active material, and the F / O ratio is 1.2 or more and 5 or less, and the F / O ratio is ... the F / O ratio is appropriately introduced into the surface portion of the negative electrode active material, and the F / O ratio is 1.2 or more and 5 or less, and the F / O ratio is 1 a The LiF content is preferably at or above the lower limit of the range, which allows a sufficient amount of F to be introduced into the surface of the negative electrode active material, favoring a passivation effect. The LiF content is preferably at or below the upper limit of the range, which prevents the formation of numerous unstable F bonds, such as C—F and Si—F, and suppresses the generation of HF in the aqueous slurry and the decomposition of components such as CMC in the slurry due to HF, thereby preventing a significant decrease in viscosity.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, the atomic ratio of C to Li (C / Li ratio) determined by surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy may be greater than 4 and not greater than 10. Specifically, it may be 5 or greater but not greater than 9, 6 or greater but not greater than 8.5, or 7 or greater but not greater than 8. When the above ranges are satisfied, the LiF and CF located on the surface of the negative electrode active material are aThe content is appropriate and can easily passivate the silicon-based particles in the slurry. During the operation of the battery, LiF acts as an artificial SEI film, resulting in a remarkable improvement in the processability and life performance of the slurry. When it is above the lower limit of the above range, a carbon layer can be uniformly formed, preventing the passivation effect from decreasing. The Li by-products are appropriately present and do not easily react with water. When it is below the upper limit of the above range, with an appropriate amount of the carbon layer, during the operation of the battery, it is possible to prevent a decrease in battery performance associated with an excessive increase in resistance.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, the content of the CF a (0 < a < 4) may be more than the content of LiF. Usually, after forming a carbon layer on the silicon-based particles, during the process of doping lithium into the silicon-based particles, the lithium by-products mainly exist on the carbon layer. At this time, since the generated lithium by-products are one of the causes of the basicity in the aqueous slurry, the process of removing the lithium by-products using an acid or water may be involved. Subsequently, when the silicon-based particles are treated with fluorine plasma, the amount of the remaining lithium by-products is small, and F is preferentially introduced into the carbon layer, so the content of CF a (0 < a < 4) can be more than the content of LiF.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, lithium by-products may be present on the silicon-based particles. Specifically, the lithium by-products may be present on the surface of the silicon-based particles or on the surface of the carbon layer.

[0081] Specifically, the lithium by-products may also mean lithium compounds remaining near the surface of the silicon-based particles or the carbon layer after manufacturing the silicon-based particles. As described above, even after the acid treatment process, there may be remaining lithium by-products that did not react with the acid.

[0082] The lithium by-products may include one or more selected from the group consisting of Li2O, LiOH, and Li2CO3. As in the above reaction, LiF is formed during the fluorine plasma treatment of the lithium by-products, and unreacted lithium by-products may be present on the silicon-based particles.

[0083] The presence or absence of the lithium by-product can be confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

[0084] The lithium by-product may be included in an amount of 5 parts by weight or less, based on 100 parts by weight of the total negative electrode active material. Specifically, it may be included in an amount of 0.01 to 5 parts by weight, 0.05 to 2 parts by weight, or 0.1 to 1 part by weight. More specifically, it may be included in an amount of 0.1 to 0.8 parts by weight, or 0.1 to 0.5 parts by weight. When the content of the lithium by-product satisfies the above range, side reactions in the slurry can be reduced, viscosity changes can be reduced, and aqueous processability characteristics can be improved. When the content is below the upper limit of the above range, basicity can be prevented during slurry formation, minimizing the occurrence of side reactions or problems with aqueous processability due to viscosity changes.

[0085] The content of the lithium by-product can be calculated by measuring the amount of the HCl solution at a specific pH range during titration of the aqueous solution containing the negative active material with the HCl solution using a titration device.

[0086] The average particle size (D 50 ) may be 0.1 μm to 30 μm, specifically 1 μm to 20 μm, and more specifically 1 μm to 10 μm. When the particle size satisfies this range, the active material is structurally stable during charge and discharge, preventing the problem of excessive volume expansion / contraction caused by an excessively large particle size, and preventing the problem of reduced initial efficiency caused by an excessively small particle size.

[0087] The BET specific surface area of ​​the negative electrode active material is 1 m 2 / g to 100 m 2 It may also be / g, specifically, 1 m 2 / g to 70 m 2 It may also be / g, more specifically, 1 m 2 / g to 50 m 2 / g, for example, 2 m 2 / g to 30 m 2 It may also be / g. When the above range is satisfied, during charging and discharging of the battery, side reactions with the electrolyte can be reduced, and the life characteristics of the battery can be improved.

[0088] <Method for manufacturing negative electrode active material> One embodiment of the present invention is SiO x (0 < x < 2) and a Li compound, and forming silicon-based particles provided with a carbon layer on at least a part of the surface; washing the silicon-based particles with an acid or water; and performing fluorine plasma treatment on the silicon-based particles; The method for manufacturing the negative electrode active material is provided.

[0089] The silicon-based particles can be formed by the steps of heating and vaporizing Si powder and SiO2 powder in a vacuum, and then depositing the vaporized mixed gas to form preliminary particles; forming a carbon layer on the surface of the formed preliminary particles; and after mixing the preliminary particles with the carbon layer formed and Li powder, performing heat treatment.

[0090] Specifically, the mixed powder of the Si powder and the SiO2 powder can be heat-treated at 1300°C to 1800°C, 1400°C to 1800°C or 1400°C to 1600°C under vacuum.

[0091] The formed preliminary particles may have the form of SiO.

[0092] The carbon layer can be formed by using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using a hydrocarbon gas or by a method of carbonizing a substance serving as a carbon source.

[0093] Specifically, after the formed preliminary particles are introduced into the reactor, hydrocarbon gas can be formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at 600°C to 1200°C. The hydrocarbon gas may be at least one hydrocarbon gas selected from the group including methane, ethane, propane, and acetylene, and can be heat-treated at 900°C to 1000°C.

[0094] The step of heat-treating after mixing the preliminary particles with a carbon layer formed thereon and Li powder may be performed at 700°C to 900°C for 4 to 6 hours, and specifically, may be performed at 800°C for 5 hours.

[0095] The silicon-based particles may contain, as the Li compound, Li silicate, Li silicide, Li oxide, or the like.

[0096] The particle size of the silicon-based particles can be adjusted by a method such as a ball mill, a jet mill, or air classification, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] As described above, a lithium compound (lithium by-product) is provided on at least a part of the surface of the silicon-based particles provided with a carbon layer. Specifically, in the process of forming preliminary particles containing SiO x (0 < x < 2), forming a carbon layer on the preliminary particles, and then doping with Li to produce the silicon-based particles, a lithium compound, that is, a lithium by-product formed by unreacted lithium, remains near the surface of the silicon-based particles.

[0098] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for manufacturing the negative electrode active material may include the step of washing the silicon-based particles with an acid or water.

[0099] When washing the silicon-based particles with water, deionized water (Di-water) may be used.

[0100] When the silicon-based particles are washed with an acid, the type of acid may be selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, and boric acid.

[0101] The acid may be at a concentration of 0.1M to 1M.

[0102] The silicon-based particles may be washed by mixing the silicon-based particles and the acid in a weight ratio of 1:40 to 1:60. Preferably, the silicon-based particles and the acid may be mixed in a weight ratio of 1:50. In this case, the mixture may be stirred for 30 minutes to 2 hours or 1 hour, and then filtered to obtain silicon-based particles from which lithium by-products have been partially removed.

[0103] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for manufacturing the negative electrode active material includes a step of treating the silicon-based particles with fluorine plasma.

[0104] The fluorine plasma treatment step includes the steps of: introducing the silicon-based particles into a plasma chamber, and then injecting CF4 gas; increasing the pressure inside the chamber; and forming plasma in the chamber.

[0105] The plasma treatment may be performed using RF plasma.

[0106] Specifically, the pressure inside the chamber before injecting CF4 gas into the chamber may be adjusted to 0.01 torr to 0.1 torr, preferably 0.05 torr to 0.09 torr or 0.07 torr.

[0107] Thereafter, in the step of increasing the pressure inside the chamber, the pressure inside the chamber may be adjusted to 0.1 torr to 0.5 torr. Specifically, the pressure may be adjusted to 0.15 torr to 0.3 torr or 0.2 torr.

[0108] The step of forming plasma in the chamber may be performed by applying power to the chamber, and specifically, the power may be 50W to 300W, 80W to 250W, or 100W to 200W.

[0109] The plasma may be maintained for 1 to 10 minutes, preferably 3 to 8 minutes, 5 to 7 minutes, or 6 minutes.

[0110] When the plasma treatment is performed while satisfying the above range, F can be introduced into the negative electrode active material in an appropriate amount.

[0111] Plasma is generated in the chamber to introduce F into the negative electrode active material, and then the vacuum is released at normal pressure, after which the sample can be collected.

[0112] The fluorine plasma treatment step may be repeated two or more times, and preferably, may be performed twice.

[0113] When F is introduced into the negative electrode active material by a dry method using plasma, as in the present invention, the lithium inside the silicon-based particles containing the Li compound does not dissolve, further improving the passivation properties. On the other hand, when F is introduced by methods such as hydrothermal synthesis or solvothermal synthesis, the surface of the silicon-based particles becomes porous, reducing the passivation effect.

[0114] As described above, fluorine plasma treatment introduces F into the lithium by-products formed when lithium is doped into silicon-based particles, forming LiF. The LiF thus formed easily blocks the reaction between water and the lithium compound or silicon-based particles, and acts as an artificial SEI layer during battery operation, thereby improving the battery life.

[0115] In addition, F is introduced into the surface of the carbon layer to form CF a(0 < a < 4) is formed, increasing the hydrophobicity of the carbon layer and suppressing the reaction between moisture and the negative electrode active material in the aqueous slurry, so that the particles can be effectively passivated.

[0116] <Negative electrode> The negative electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the above-mentioned negative electrode active material.

[0117] Specifically, the negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer disposed on the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include the negative electrode active material. Further, the negative electrode active material layer may further include a binder, a thickener, and / or a conductive material.

[0118] The negative electrode active material layer can be formed by applying a negative electrode slurry containing a negative electrode active material, a binder, a thickener, and / or a conductive material to at least one surface of the current collector, followed by drying and rolling.

[0119] The negative electrode slurry may further include an additional negative electrode active material.

[0120] As the additional negative electrode active material, a compound capable of reversible insertion and desorption of lithium can be used. Specific examples include carbonaceous materials such as artificial graphite, natural graphite, graphitized carbon fiber, and amorphous carbon; metallic compounds capable of alloying with lithium such as Si, Al, Sn, Pb, Zn, Bi, In, Mg, Ga, Cd, Si alloys, Sn alloys or Al alloys; SiO βExamples of the negative electrode active material include metal oxides capable of doping and dedoping lithium, such as SnO2, vanadium oxide, lithium titanium oxide, and lithium vanadium oxide (0<β<2); and composites containing the metallic compounds and carbonaceous materials, such as Si-C composites and Sn-C composites. A mixture of two or more of these may be used. A thin film of metallic lithium may also be used as the negative electrode active material. The carbon material may be either low-crystalline carbon or high-crystalline carbon. Typical low-crystalline carbons include soft carbon and hard carbon, while typical high-crystalline carbons include amorphous, plate-like, scaly, spherical, or fibrous natural or artificial graphite, Kish graphite, pyrolytic carbon, mesophase pitch-based carbon fiber, mesocarbon microbeads, mesophase pitches, and high-temperature-fired carbons such as petroleum or coal tar pitch-derived cokes.

[0121] The additional negative electrode active material may be a carbon-based negative electrode active material.

[0122] In one embodiment of the present invention, the weight ratio of the negative electrode active material to the additional negative electrode active material contained in the negative electrode slurry may be 10:90 to 90:10, specifically 10:90 to 50:50.

[0123] The negative electrode slurry may include a solvent for forming the negative electrode slurry. Specifically, the solvent for forming the negative electrode slurry may include at least one selected from the group consisting of distilled water, ethanol, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol, specifically distilled water, in order to facilitate dispersion of components.

[0124] The negative electrode slurry containing the negative electrode active material according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a pH of 7 to 11 at 25°C. When the pH of the negative electrode slurry satisfies this range, the rheological properties of the slurry are stabilized. When the pH of the negative electrode slurry is within this range, decomposition of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) used as a thickener is suppressed, a decrease in the viscosity of the slurry is prevented, and the degree of dispersion of the active material contained in the slurry can be maintained.

[0125] The negative electrode current collector is not particularly limited as long as it does not induce chemical changes in the battery and is conductive. For example, the current collector may be made of copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, baked carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel whose surface has been treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. Specifically, a transition metal that easily adsorbs carbon, such as copper or nickel, may be used as the current collector. The thickness of the current collector may be 6 μm to 20 μm, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] The binder may include at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (PVDF-co-HFP), polyvinylidene fluoride, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylic acid, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), fluororubber, polyacrylic acid, and substances in which hydrogen is substituted with Li, Na, Ca, or the like, or may include various copolymers thereof.

[0127] The conductive material is not particularly limited as long as it does not induce chemical changes in the battery and is conductive, and examples thereof include graphite such as natural graphite and artificial graphite; carbon black such as acetylene black, ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black; conductive fibers such as carbon fibers and metal fibers; conductive tubes such as carbon nanotubes; fluorocarbons; metal powders such as aluminum and nickel powder; conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; and conductive materials such as polyphenylene derivatives.

[0128] The conductive material may be contained in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 30 wt % and preferably 0.1 wt % to 20 wt % based on 100 wt % of the negative electrode active material layer.

[0129] The thickener may be, but is not limited to, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and any thickener used in the art may be appropriately employed.

[0130] In one embodiment of the present invention, the weight ratio of the negative electrode active material to the additional negative electrode active material contained in the negative electrode slurry may be 1:99 to 30:70, specifically 5:95 to 30:70 or 10:90 to 20:80.

[0131] In an embodiment of the present invention, the total amount of the negative electrode active material contained in the negative electrode slurry may be 60 parts by weight to 99 parts by weight, specifically 70 parts by weight to 98 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the total solid content of the negative electrode slurry.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present invention, the binder may be included in an amount of 0.5 to 30 parts by weight, specifically 1 to 20 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the total solid content of the negative electrode slurry.

[0133] In one embodiment of the present invention, the conductive material may be included in an amount of 0.5 to 25 parts by weight, specifically 1 to 20 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the total solid content of the negative electrode slurry.

[0134] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickener may be included in an amount of 0.5 parts by weight to 25 parts by weight, specifically 0.5 parts by weight to 20 parts by weight, more specifically 1 part by weight to 20 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the total solid content of the negative electrode slurry.

[0135] The negative electrode slurry according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a solvent for forming the negative electrode slurry. Specifically, the solvent for forming the negative electrode slurry may include at least one selected from the group consisting of distilled water, ethanol, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol, specifically distilled water, in order to facilitate dispersion of components.

[0136] In one embodiment of the present invention, the weight of the solid content of the negative electrode slurry may be 20 parts by weight to 75 parts by weight, specifically 30 parts by weight to 70 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the total negative electrode slurry.

[0137] <Secondary battery> A secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the anode according to the embodiment described above. Specifically, the secondary battery may include an anode, a cathode, a separator interposed between the cathode and the anode, and an electrolyte, and the anode is the same as the anode described above. The anode has been described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0138] The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the positive electrode current collector and including the positive electrode active material.

[0139] The positive electrode current collector in the positive electrode is not particularly limited as long as it does not induce chemical changes in the battery and is conductive. For example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like may be used. The positive electrode current collector may typically have a thickness of 3 μm to 500 μm, and the surface of the current collector may be formed with fine irregularities to enhance the adhesive strength of the positive electrode active material. The positive electrode current collector may be used in various forms, such as a film, sheet, foil, mesh, porous material, foam, or nonwoven fabric.

[0140] The positive electrode active material may be a commonly used positive electrode active material. Specifically, the positive electrode active material may be a layered compound such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), or a compound substituted with one or more transition metals; a lithium iron oxide such as LiFe3O4; 1+c1 Mn 2-c1 O4 (0≦c1≦0.33), lithium manganese oxides such as LiMnO3, LiMn2O3, and LiMnO2; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); vanadium oxides such as LiV3O8, V2O5, and Cu2V2O7; chemical formula LiNi 1-c2 M c2 Ni-site type lithium nickel oxide represented by the chemical formula LiMnO2 (wherein M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, and Ga, and 0.01≦c2≦0.3 is satisfied); 2-c3 M c3 Examples of the lithium manganese composite oxides include, but are not limited to, lithium manganese composite oxides represented by Li2Mn3MO8 (where M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn, and Ta, and 0.01≦c3≦0.1) or Li2Mn3MO8 (where M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn); and LiMn2O4, in which part of the Li in the chemical formula is substituted with an alkaline earth metal ion. The positive electrode may be Li metal.

[0141] The positive electrode active material layer may contain a positive electrode conductive material and a positive electrode binder in addition to the above-described positive electrode active material.

[0142] In this case, the positive electrode conductive material is used to impart conductivity to the electrode, and can be used without any particular limitation as long as it has electronic conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery that is constructed. Specific examples include graphite such as natural graphite and artificial graphite; carbon-containing materials such as carbon black, acetylene black, ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, thermal black, and carbon fiber; metal powder or metal fiber such as copper, nickel, aluminum, and silver; conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; and conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives, and the like, and one or more of these may be used alone or in combination.

[0143] The positive electrode binder improves adhesion between positive electrode active material particles and between the positive electrode active material and the positive electrode current collector. Specific examples of the positive electrode binder include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (PVDF-co-HFP), polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene polymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), fluororubber, and various copolymers thereof. One or more of these may be used alone or in combination.

[0144] The separator separates the negative electrode and positive electrode and provides a path for lithium ions to move. Any separator typically used in secondary batteries can be used without particular limitations. It is particularly preferable that the separator exhibits low resistance to ion migration in the electrolyte and has excellent electrolyte humidification capacity. Specifically, porous polymer films, such as those made from polyolefin 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, may be used. Conventional porous nonwoven fabrics, such as nonwoven fabrics made from high-melting-point glass fibers or polyethylene terephthalate fibers, may also be used. To ensure heat resistance or mechanical strength, a coated separator containing a ceramic component or a polymeric material may be used, and it may be selectively used as a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0145] Examples of the electrolyte solution include, but are not limited to, organic liquid electrolytes, inorganic liquid electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes, gel-type polymer electrolytes, solid inorganic electrolytes, and molten inorganic electrolytes that can be used in manufacturing lithium secondary batteries.

[0146] Specifically, the electrolytic solution may contain a non-aqueous organic solvent and a metal salt.

[0147] Examples of the non-aqueous organic solvent that can be used include aprotic organic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, γ-butyrolactone, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,3-dioxolane, formamide, dimethylformamide, dioxolane, acetonitrile, nitromethane, methyl formate, methyl acetate, phosphoric acid triester, trimethoxymethane, dioxolane derivatives, sulfolane, methyl sulfolane, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, propylene carbonate derivatives, tetrahydrofuran derivatives, ethers, methyl propionate, and ethyl propionate.

[0148] In particular, among the carbonate-based organic solvents, ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate, which are cyclic carbonates, are preferably used as high-viscosity organic solvents, have a high dielectric constant, and dissociate lithium salts well. When such cyclic carbonates are mixed in an appropriate ratio with linear carbonates having low viscosity and low dielectric constants, such as dimethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate, an electrolyte solution having high conductivity can be prepared, and therefore these cyclic carbonates are even more preferably used.

[0149] The metal salt may be a lithium salt, which is a substance that is easily dissolved in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution. For example, the anion of the lithium salt may be F - , Cl - , I - , NO3 - , N(CN)2 - , BF4 - , ClO4 - , PF6 - , (CF3)2PF4 - , (CF3)3PF3 - , (CF3)4PF2 - , (CF3)5PF - , (CF3)6P - , CF3SO3 - , CF3CF2SO3- , (CF3SO2)2N - , (FSO2)2N - , CF3CF2(CF3)2CO - , (CF3SO2)2CH - , (SF5)3C - , (CF3SO2)3C - , CF3(CF2)7SO3 - , CF3CO2 - , CH3CO2 - , SCN - , and (CF3CF2SO2)2N - One or more selected from the group consisting of:

[0150] In addition to the components of the electrolyte, the electrolyte may further include one or more additives, such as a haloalkylene carbonate compound such as difluoroethylene carbonate, pyridine, triethyl phosphite, triethanolamine, cyclic ether, ethylenediamine, n-glyme, hexamethylphosphoric triamide, nitrobenzene derivatives, sulfur, quinoneimine dye, N-substituted oxazolidinone, N,N-substituted imidazolidine, ethylene glycol dialkyl ether, ammonium salt, pyrrole, 2-methoxyethanol, or aluminum trichloride, for the purpose of improving the life characteristics of the battery, suppressing a decrease in battery capacity, and improving the discharge capacity of the battery.

[0151] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a battery module including the secondary battery as a unit cell, and a battery pack including the same. The battery module and the battery pack include the secondary battery having high capacity, high rate characteristics, and high cycle characteristics, and can be used as a power source for medium- to large-sized devices selected from the group consisting of electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and power storage systems. [Example]

[0152] <Examples and Comparative Examples> Example 1 94 g of powders of Si and SiO2 mixed in a 1:1 molar ratio were mixed in a reactor and then vacuum heated at 1400°C sublimation temperature. The vaporized Si and SiO2 mixed gas was then reacted in a vacuum cooling zone with a cooling temperature of 800°C to solidify. The solidified particles were then pulverized in a ball mill for 3 hours to produce particles with a size of 6 μm. The particles were then placed in the hot zone of a CVD device while maintaining an inert atmosphere by flowing Ar gas, and the methane was blown into the hot zone at 900°C using Ar as a carrier gas for 5 hours and 10 minutes. -1 The particles were reacted under torr to form a carbon layer on the surface of the particles, and then 6 g of Li metal powder was added and mixed with the particles with the carbon layer formed, followed by additional heat treatment at 800°C in an inert atmosphere to produce silicon-based particles containing a Li compound.

[0153] 10 g of the silicon-based particles were added to 500 g of deionized water (Di-water), stirred for 1 hour, filtered, and then dried.

[0154] 10 g of the silicon-based particles were placed in an RF plasma chamber, spread thinly to a thickness of 3 mm or less, and CF4 gas was introduced under 0.07 torr to increase the pressure inside the chamber to 0.2 torr. A power of 150 W was then applied to the chamber to generate plasma, which was then maintained for 6 minutes. The vacuum was then released to atmospheric pressure, and the sample was then collected. This process was repeated two more times (a total of three times) to obtain the negative electrode active material of Example 1.

[0155] Example 2 The negative electrode active material of Example 2 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the power intensity during plasma generation was 200 W.

[0156] Example 3 The negative electrode active material of Example 3 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the power intensity during plasma generation was 100 W.

[0157] Comparative Example 1 A negative electrode active material of Comparative Example 1 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that cleaning and plasma treatment were not performed.

[0158] Comparative Example 2 A negative electrode active material of Comparative Example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the plasma treatment was not performed.

[0159] Comparative Example 3 (additional carbon coating) Washed silicon-based particles were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no plasma treatment was performed.

[0160] The silicon-based particles were placed in a reactor and then chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was performed using propane as a hydrocarbon gas at 700°C for 4 hours to form an additional carbon layer on the silicon-based particles, thereby preparing a negative electrode active material.

[0161] Comparative Example 4 (HF treatment) Washed silicon-based particles were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no plasma treatment was performed.

[0162] The silicon-based particles and 0.1M HF solution were mixed in a weight ratio of 1:7, stirred for 1 hour, filtered, dried, and then heat-treated at 300°C to prepare a negative electrode active material having a LiF layer on the surface.

[0163] <Measurement of carbon layer content> The content of the carbon layer was analyzed using a CS-analyzer (CS-800, Eltra).

[0164] <Measurement of Li content in negative electrode active material> The Li atom content was confirmed by ICP analysis using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (Perkin-Elmer 7300 ICP-OES, AVIO 500).

[0165] <Measurement of Elemental Content and Atomic Ratio by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)> The elemental content (at%) and atomic ratio on the surface of the negative electrode active material were confirmed by XPS (Nexsa ESCA System, Thermo Fisher Scientific (ESCA-02)).

[0166] Specifically, for each sample, survey scan spectra and narrow scan spectra were obtained, and then survey scan spectra and narrow scan spectra were obtained while performing a depth profile. The depth profile was performed using monatomic Ar ions for up to 3000 seconds. The measurement and data processing conditions are as follows.

[0167] - X-ray source: Monochromated Al Kα (1486.6 eV) - X-ray spot size: 400 μm - Sputtering gun: Monatomic Ar (energy: 1000 eV, current: low, raster width: 2 mm) - Etching rate: 0.09 nm / s for Ta2O5 - Operation mode: CAE (Constant Analyzer Energy) mode - Survey scan: pass energy 200 eV, energy step 1 eV - Narrow scan: scanned mode, pass energy 50 eV, energy step 0.1 eV - Charge compensation: flood gun off - SF: Al THERMO1 - ECF: TPP-2M - BG subtraction: Shirley

[0168] Based on the total content of 100 at% of the elements measured on a 100 s basis under the above conditions, the content and atomic ratio of each element were calculated.

[0169] The compositions of the negative electrode active materials prepared in the examples and comparative examples are as shown in Table 1 below.

[0170] [Table 1]

[0171] <Experimental example: Discharge capacity, initial efficiency, and life (capacity retention) characteristic evaluation> Anode manufacturing The negative electrode material used was a mixture of the composite negative electrode active material produced in Example 1 and graphite (average particle size (D50): 20 μm) as a carbon-based active material in a weight ratio of 15:85.

[0172] The negative electrode material, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) as a binder, Super C65 as a conductive material, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a thickener were mixed in a weight ratio of 96:2:1:1, and the mixture was added to distilled water as a solvent for forming a negative electrode slurry to prepare a negative electrode slurry.

[0173] The negative electrode slurry was applied to one surface of a copper current collector (thickness: 15 μm) as a negative electrode current collector at a rate of 3.6 mAh / cm 2 The coated film was rolled and dried in a vacuum oven at 130°C for 10 hours to form a negative electrode active material layer (thickness: 50 μm), which was used as the negative electrode of Example 1 (thickness of negative electrode: 65 μm).

[0174] In addition, negative electrodes of Examples 2 and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the negative electrode active material of Example 1 was replaced with the negative electrode active material of Examples 2 and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4, respectively.

[0175] Secondary battery manufacturing A lithium metal foil was prepared as the positive electrode.

[0176] A porous polyethylene separator was interposed between the negative electrode and positive electrode of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 prepared as above, and an electrolyte solution was injected to prepare coin-shaped half cells of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4, respectively.

[0177] The electrolyte used was a solution in which ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) and ethylene carbonate (EC) were mixed at a volume ratio of 7:3, in which 0.5 wt % vinylene carbonate (VC) was dissolved and LiPF6 was dissolved at a concentration of 1M.

[0178] Discharge capacity, initial efficiency, and life (capacity retention) characteristic evaluation The secondary batteries produced in Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were evaluated for discharge capacity, initial efficiency, and cycle capacity retention rate using an electrochemical charger / discharger.

[0179] The cycle capacity retention was measured at 25°C, with the first and second cycles being charged and discharged at 0.1C, and from the third cycle onwards, the charge and discharge were carried out at 0.5C (charge conditions: CC / CV, 5mV / 0.005 cut-off, discharge conditions: CC, 1.5V cut-off).

[0180] The discharge capacity (mAh / g) and initial efficiency (%) were calculated from the results of one charge / discharge.

[0181] The capacity retention was calculated as follows:

[0182] Capacity retention rate (%) = {(discharge capacity at Nth cycle) / (discharge capacity at 1st cycle)} x 100 (In the above formula, N is an integer of 1 or more.)

[0183] The capacity retention (%) at the 50th cycle is shown in Table 2 below.

[0184] <Experimental example: Evaluation of processability (amount of slurry gas generated)> As the negative electrode material, a mixture of the negative electrode active material produced in the above Examples and Comparative Examples and graphite (average particle size (D50): 20 μm) as a carbon-based active material at a weight ratio of 15:85 was used.

[0185] The negative electrode material, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) as a binder, Super C65 as a conductive material, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a thickener were mixed at a weight ratio of 96:2:1:1, and this was added to distilled water as a solvent for forming a negative electrode slurry to prepare a negative electrode slurry.

[0186] Each of the negative electrode slurries was put into an aluminum pouch with a volume of 7 mL and sealed.

[0187] The difference between the weight of the aluminum pouch containing the negative electrode slurry in the air and the weight in water at 23°C was determined, and this was divided by the density of water at 23°C to measure the volume of the gas immediately after manufacturing the negative electrode slurry.

[0188] Next, after storing the aluminum pouch containing the negative electrode slurry at 60°C for 3 days, the difference between the weight of the aluminum pouch containing the negative electrode slurry in the air and the weight in water at 60°C was determined, and this was divided by the density of water at 60°C to measure the volume of the gas after storing the negative electrode slurry for 3 days.

[0189] The difference between the volume of the gas measured after storing the negative electrode slurry for 3 days and the volume of the gas measured immediately after manufacturing the negative electrode slurry was defined as the gas generation amount and is shown in Table 2 below.

[0190]

Table 2

[0191] The negative electrode active material according to the present invention is silicon-based particles containing SiO x (0 < x < 2) and a Li compound; a carbon layer provided on at least a part of the surface of the silicon-based particles; LiF; and CF aA negative electrode active material containing (0 < a < 4), wherein the content of F by surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is 10 at% or more, and the content of Li is less than 10 at%. In Examples 1 to 3 using the negative electrode active material of the present invention, it was confirmed that the discharge capacity, initial efficiency, and capacity retention rate were excellent, and there was no or significantly low gas generation amount in the slurry. This is because the surface of the negative electrode active material of the present invention contains Li and F within the above range, so the Li content on the surface is low, and while significantly reducing the side reaction with moisture, CF a (0 < a < 4) passivates the particles in the aqueous slurry, so it is considered that the damage of the silicon-based particles in the mixing process is minimized and the battery performance is excellent.

[0192] On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, the negative electrode active material does not contain LiF and CF a (0 < a < 4), and it was confirmed that moisture in the slurry easily reacts with the silicon-based particles to generate gas, and the discharge capacity, initial efficiency, and capacity retention rate decrease.

[0193] In Comparative Example 2, the silicon-based particles were washed after lithium doping, and the lithium content on the surface of the negative electrode active material is low, but it does not contain LiF and CF a (0 < a < 4), and it was still confirmed that the reactivity between moisture and the silicon-based particles is large, and the discharge capacity, initial efficiency, and capacity retention rate decrease.

[0194] In Comparative Example 3, instead of containing LiF and CF a (0 < a < 4), an additional carbon layer was coated on the surface of the negative electrode active material. Although the gas generation amount was slightly reduced compared to Comparative Example 1, it was still confirmed that the gas generation amount was large, and the discharge capacity, initial efficiency, and capacity retention rate decreased.

[0195] In Comparative Example 4, LiF was coated on the surface of the negative electrode active material. Although the silicon-based particles were passivated by LiF, the degree was low, and it was still confirmed that the gas generation amount was large and the discharge capacity, initial efficiency, and capacity retention rate were not improved.

[0196] Therefore, in the present invention, silicon-based particles, LiF, and CF a (0

Claims

1. SiO ｘ (0<x<2) and a lithium compound present in the form of at least one of lithium silicate, lithium silicide, and lithium oxide; and a carbon layer provided on at least a portion of the surface of the silicon-based particle; LiF; and CF ａ (0<a<4) A negative electrode active material comprising: The surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the F content was 10 at% or more. The negative electrode active material has a Li content of less than 10 at %.

2. 2. The negative electrode active material according to claim 1, wherein the atomic ratio of C to Li (C / Li ratio) determined by surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is greater than 4 and less than or equal to 10.

3. The LiF and the CF ａ The negative electrode active material according to claim 1 , wherein (0<a<4) is provided on the silicon-based particles.

4. 2. The negative electrode active material according to claim 1, wherein the F content of the negative electrode active material is 10 at % to 50 at % as determined by surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

5. The negative electrode active material according to claim 1 , wherein the lithium content of the negative electrode active material is 1 at % or more and less than 10 at % according to a surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

6. 2. The negative electrode active material according to claim 1, wherein the oxygen content of the negative electrode active material is 15 at % or less as determined by surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

7. 2. The negative electrode active material according to claim 1, wherein the Si content of the negative electrode active material is 7 at % or less according to a surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

8. 2. The negative electrode active material according to claim 1, wherein the carbon content of the negative electrode active material is 40 at % or more according to surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

9. 2 . The negative electrode active material according to claim 1 , wherein the atomic ratio of F to O (F / O ratio) determined by surface analysis of the negative electrode active material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is 1 or more and 6 or less.

10. The CF ａ The negative electrode active material according to claim 1 , wherein the content of (0<a<4) is greater than the content of LiF.

11. SiF ｂ The negative electrode active material according to claim 1 , further comprising (0<b<4).

12. The negative electrode active material of claim 1, comprising 0.1 to 40 parts by weight of Li based on 100 parts by weight of the total negative electrode active material.

13. The negative electrode active material of claim 1, wherein the carbon layer is included in an amount of 0.1 to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the total negative electrode active material.

14. The negative electrode active material according to claim 1 , wherein the LiF and the CFa (0<a<4) are provided on an outermost surface of the negative electrode active material.

15. SiO ｘ (0<x<2) and a lithium compound present in the form of at least one of lithium silicate, lithium silicide, and lithium oxide, and forming silicon-based particles having a carbon layer on at least a portion of the surface thereof; washing the silicon-based particles with acid or water; and subjecting the silicon-based particles to a fluorine plasma treatment; The method for producing the negative electrode active material according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising:

16. The fluorine plasma treatment step After the silicon-based particles are placed in a plasma chamber, CF ４ injecting gas; increasing the pressure within the plasma chamber; and forming a plasma in the plasma chamber; The method for producing a negative electrode active material according to claim 15 , comprising:

17. A negative electrode comprising the negative electrode active material according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. A secondary battery comprising the negative electrode according to claim 17.

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