Solvent blends and related methods and applications

Abstract

A solvent blend including a substituted oxazolidinone and one or both of an alkylene glycol and an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof. Said solvent blend for use in a variety of applications including semiconductor processing, secondary batteries, paint removers, petrochemical processing, agricultural chemical, and pharmaceuticals. A method including applying a slurry having a process solvent to a conductive substrate; and evaporating the process solvent. Another method including evaporating at least a portion of a process solvent in a slurry to produce a conductive electrode precursor; and applying the conductive electrode precursor to a conductive substrate. The slurry may include a conductive additive, an electrode active material, a binder, and a process solvent, where the process solvent comprises a substituted cyclic urethane. Such methods may be useful in producing a cathode or an anode for a secondary battery.

Description

SOLVENT BLENDS AND RELATED METHODS AND APPLICATIONSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 621,790 filed January 17, 2024 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 701,923 filed October 1, 2024. The noted applications are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to solvent blends that may be used as a full or partial replacement for N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and the related methods and applications of said solvent blends. The present disclosure further relates to the use of substituted cyclic urethanes (e.g, N-alkyl-oxazolidinone, 3,4-dimethyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, 4-ethyl-3-methyl-2- oxazolidinone, 3-ehtyl-5-methyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, and derivatives thereof) in process solvents or solvent blends in producing electrodes, including polyvinylidene difluoride-containing electrodes for secondary batteries and the related methods and products.BACKGROUND

[0003] N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is used as a solvent across a wide variety of industries, including semiconductor processing, secondary batteries, paint removers, petrochemical processing, agricultural chemical, and pharmaceuticals. The wide use of NMP stems from its good solvency, miscibility with water, low vapor pressure, high flashpoint, low freezing point, and high boiling point. However, health and safety testing has revealed that NMP is a potential human reproductive hazard. Accordingly, alternative solvents with similar beneficial properties are desirable.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to solvents and blends and the methods and applications associated therewith. Said solvent blends, referred to interchangeably as process solvents herein, comprise cyclic urethanes, such as substituted oxazolidinones including, without limitation, N-alkyl-oxazolidinone, 3,4-dimethyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, 4-ethyl-3-methyl-2- oxazolidinone, 3-ehtyl-5-methyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, or hydroxy-derivatives thereof, and one orboth of an alkylene glycol and an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof. Said solvent blends may have a reduced toxicity as compared to the NMP while maintaining or improving upon the properties of NMP.

[0005] Described herein are solvent blends comprising: from about 75 wt% to about 99.9 wt% of a cyclic urethane, such as a substituted oxazolidinone, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; from about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of an alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; and from about 0 wt% to about 20 wt% of an alkylene carbonate or hydroxyderivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; wherein a cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is from about 0.1 wt% to about 25 wt%.

[0006] The solvent blends of the present disclosure may be useful in methods that comprise: applying a fluid comprising a polymer or precursor thereof and the solvent blend to a substrate (e.g., glass, indium tin oxide, plastic sheet, silicon, sapphire, printed circuit board, or the like) to form a photoresist layer thereon.

[0007] The solvent blends of the present disclosure may be useful in methods that comprise: applying a photoresist layer to a substrate; exposing a portion of the photoresist layer to radiation; exposing the photoresist layer, after radiation exposure, to a developer solution, and after desired pattern was developed, exposing patterned photoresist to a stripper solution comprising the solvent blend described herein.

[0008] The solvent blends of the present disclosure may be useful in methods of manufacturing that comprise: exposing a photoresist layer on a substrate to the solvent blend to remove a substantial portion (e.g., at least about 50 wt%, at least about 75 wt%, preferably at least about 90 wt%) of the photoresist layer.

[0009] The solvent blends of the present disclosure may be useful in methods that comprise: applying a slurry to a substrate (e g., a conductive substrate), wherein the slurry comprises an electro-active material, a solvent blend of the present disclosure, optionally a binder, and optionally a conductive additive; and evaporating the solvent blend. .

[0010] The solvent blends of the present disclosure may be useful in secondary batteries that comprise: an anode; a cathode; a separator between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte solution comprising a lithium or sodium salt and the solvent blend.

[0011] The solvent blends of the present disclosure may be useful in paint removers that comprise: the solvent blend; and optionally, about 1 wt% to about 40 wt% of a co-solvent, based on a total weight of the paint remover.

[0012] The present disclosure generally relates to substituted cyclic urethanes in solvent blends or process solvents used in producing electrodes, especially polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) containing electrodes, for secondary batteries and the related methods and products.

[0013] An exemplary method of the present disclosure may comprise: applying a slurry to a conductive substrate, wherein the slurry comprises a conductive additive, an electrode active material, a binder, and a process solvent, wherein the process solvent comprises a substituted cyclic urethane; and evaporating at least a portion of the process solvent.

[0014] An exemplary method of the present disclosure may comprise: evaporating at least a portion of a solvent blend or process solvent in a slurry to produce a conductive electrode precursor, wherein the slurry comprises a conductive additive, an electrode active material, a binder, and a process solvent, wherein the process solvent comprises a substituted cyclic urethane; and applying the conductive electrode precursor to a conductive substrate.

[0015] An exemplary electrode of the present disclosure may be produced by the method of any preceding example method.

[0016] An exemplary secondary battery of the present disclosure may comprise an electrode produced by any preceding example method.

[0017] An exemplary electrode of the present disclosure may comprise: a conductive substrate having a coating thereon that comprises a conductive additive, an electrode active material, and a binder; wherein the coating is produced from a slurry comprising the conductive additive, the electrode active material, the binder, and a solvent blend or process solvent to the conductive substrate, and wherein the process solvent comprises a substituted cyclic urethane.

[0018] An exemplary secondary battery of the present disclosure may comprise: an anode; a cathode; and a separator between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte solution comprising a lithium or sodium salt; wherein the anode and / or the cathode comprises a conductive substrate having a coating thereon, the coating comprising a conductive additive, an electrode active material, and a binder; wherein the coating is produced from a slurry comprising the conductiveadditive, the electrode active material, the binder, and a solvent blend or process solvent to the conductive substrate, and wherein the process solvent comprises a substituted cyclic urethane.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] FIGs. 1 A and IB illustrate a comparative FTIR spectra of the effects of solvent blends of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a discharge capacity vs cycle number for various comparative and exemplary cathodes generated using solvent blends of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a discharge capacity vs cycle number for a comparative cathode and an exemplary cathode generated using solvent blends of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGs. 4A-E illustrate a comparative UV-V spectra of the effects of solvent blends of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates the results of photoresist stripping capabilities of various solvent blends.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] If appearing herein, the term “comprising” and derivatives thereof are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, step, or procedure, whether or not the same is disclosed herein. To avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed herein through use of the term “comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, or compound, unless stated to the contrary. In contrast, the term, “consisting essentially of’ if appearing herein, excludes from the scope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step, or procedure, except those that are not essential to operability and the term “consisting of’, if used, excludes any component, step or procedure not specifically delineated or listed. The term “or”, unless stated otherwise, refers to the listed members individually as well as in any combination.

[0025] The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, “a polyamine” means one polyamine or more than one polyamine. The phrases “in one embodiment”, “according to one embodiment” and the like generally mean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may beincluded in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure. Importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0026] The term “about” as used herein can allow for a degree of variability in a value or range, for example, it may be within 10%, within 5%, or within 1 of a stated value or of a stated limit of a range.

[0027] Values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but to also include all of the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a range from 1 to 6, should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges, such as, from 1 to 3 or from 2 to 4 or from 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0028] In the methods and processes described herein, the steps may be carried out in any order, except when a temporal or operational sequence is explicitly recited. Furthermore, specified steps may be carried out concurrently unless explicit claim language recites that they be carried out separately.

[0029] The term “substantially free” refers to a composition or mixture in which a particular compound is present in an amount that has no material effect on the composition or mixture. For example, “substantially free of choline hydroxide” means that choline hydroxide may be included in the composition or mixture in an amount that does not materially affect the odor or color of the composition or mixture. It is within the ability of one skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure to determine if and whether an amount of a compound has a material effect on the composition. In some embodiments, substantially free may be less than 2 wt% or less than 1 wt% or less than 0.5 wt% or less than 0.1 wt% or less than 0.05 wt% or even less than 0.01 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, substantially free means the particular compound is not present in any amount (i.e. 0.0 wt%) in the respective composition.

[0030] The term “alkyl” as used herein refers to a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms (C1-C30), such as methyl (“Me”), ethyl (“Et”),n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, octyl, decyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, eicosyl, tetracosyl and the like. In some aspects, alkyl groups herein may contain from 1 to 12 carbon atoms (C1-C12). The term “lower alkyl” refers to an alkyl group having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms (Cl- C7), or in some aspects from 1 to 4 carbon atoms (C1-C4). The term “higher alkyl” refers to an alkyl group having more than 7 carbon atoms (C7+).

[0031] The term “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally substituted alkyl” means that the alkyl group may or may not be substituted and that the description includes both unsubstituted alkyl and alkyl where there is substitution.

[0032] The solvent blends of the present disclosure include a cyclic urethane, such as a substituted oxazolidinone, such as, without limitation, N-alkyl-oxazolidinone, 3,4-dimethyl-l,3- oxazolidin-2-one, 4-ethyl-3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, 3-ehtyl-5-methyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, or hydroxy-derivatives thereof, and one or more of an alkylene glycol, and an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, y-valerolactone, dimethylformamide (DMF), or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Advantageously, several agencies including the European Chemicals Agency describe substituted oxazolidinones as having a lower toxicity than NMP. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that by varying the amounts of an alkylene glycol and an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof in the solvent blend, the physical properties and solvency can be tailored to meet or improve upon the properties of NMP. As such, the solvent blends of the present disclosure may be a replacement (or partial replacement) for NMP across a wide variety of industries.

[0033] The solvent blends of the present disclosure may comprise (i) a cyclic urethane such as a substituted oxazolidinone, such as, without limitation, N-alkyl-oxazolidinone, 3,4-dimethyl- l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, 4-ethyl-3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, 3-ehtyl-5-methyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, or hydroxy-derivatives thereof, and one or both of (ii) an alkylene glycol and (iii) an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof.

[0034] The cyclic urethane, or substituted oxazolidinone, may have a structure according to Compound I.Compound I wherein R is selected from a C1-C8 alkyl group or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol, and R’ and R” are each independently selected from H, a C1-C8 alkyl group, or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol.

[0035] Examples of substituted oxazolidinones can include, without limitation, N-alkyl- oxazolidinones, 3,4-dimethyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, 4-ethyl-3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, 3-ehtyl-5- methyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, or hydroxy-derivatives thereof. Further examples of N-alkyl- oxazolidinones or hydroxy-derivatives may include, but are not limited to, 3-methyl-2- oxazolidinone; 3-ethyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-propyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-butyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3- tert-butyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-octyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-(2-hydroxymethyl)-2-oxazolidinone; 3-(2- hydroxyethyl)-2-oxazolidinone; 3-(2-hydroxypropyl)-2-oxazolidinone; the like, and any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the solvent blends, or process solvents, of the present disclosure may comprise one or more substituted oxazolidinones. In at least one embodiment, the solvent blends, or process solvents, of the present disclosure may comprise one or more N-alkyl-oxazolidinones or hydroxy-derivatives thereof.

[0036] A solvent blend of the present disclosure may comprise about 75 wt% to about 99.9 wt% (or about 75 wt% to about 85 wt%, or about 80 wt% to about 95 wt%, or about 90 wt% to about 99 wt%, or about 95 wt% to about 99.9 wt%) of the substituted oxazolidinones, based on a total weight of the solvent blend.

[0037] Optionally, the solvent blends or process solvents of the present disclosure may include one or more additional compounds. Examples of additional compounds may include, but are not limited to, an alkylene glycol, an alkylene carbonate, a hydroxy-derivative of an alkylene carbonate, y-valerolactone, dimethylformamide (DMF), or dimethyl sulfoxide (DSMO), the like, and any combination thereof. The additional compounds may be used in varying concentrations totailor the physical properties and solvency of the process solvent. In some embodiments the balance of the process solvent composition may be the one or more additional components.

[0038] The alkylene glycol may be a C2-C6 alkane diol with the alcohol groups on any of the carbons. Examples of alkylene glycols may include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, 1,2- propanediol; 1,3-propanediol; 1,2-butanediol; 1,3 -butanediol; 1,4-butanediol; 2,3-butanediol; 1,2- pentanediol; 1,3-pentanediol; 1,4-pentanediol; 1,5-pentanediol; 2,3-pentanediol; 1,2-hexanediol; 1,3 -hexanediol; 1,4-hexanediol; 1,5 -hexanediol; 1,6-hexanediol; 2,3-hexanediol; 2,3-hexanediol; 2,5-hexanediol; 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol; the like; and any combination thereof. The solvent blends or process solvents of the present disclosure may comprise one or more alkylene glycols.

[0039] A solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure may comprise from about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% (or 0 wt% (i.e., be devoid of), or about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 0.1 wt% to about 2 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, or about 2 wt% to about 4 wt%, or about 3 wt% to about 5 wt%) of the alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend or process solvent.

[0040] The alkylene carbonates or hydroxy-derivatives thereof may have a structure according to Compound II.Compound II wherein R is H, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol.

[0041] Examples of alkylenes carbonate or hydroxy -derivatives thereof may include, but are not limited to, ethylene carbonate; propylene carbonate; butylene carbonate; pentylene carbonate; hexylene carbonate; glycerol- 1,2-carbonate (also known as 4-hydroxymethyl-l,3-dioxolan-2- one); 4-(2-hydroxy ethyl)- 1,3 -di oxolan-2-one; the like; and any combination thereof. The solventblends or process solvents of the present disclosure may optionally comprise one or more alkylene carbonates or hydroxy-derivatives thereof.

[0042] A solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure may comprise from 0 wt% to about 20 wt% (or 0 wt% (i.e., be devoid of), or about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt%, or about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%) of the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend or process solvent.

[0043] The solvent blend of the present disclosure may comprise at least one alkylene glycol and / or at least one alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof. A solvent blend of the present disclosure may comprise from about 0.1 wt% to about 25 wt% (or about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt%, or about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%, or about 15 wt% to about 25 wt%) of the of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, cumulatively, based on a total weight of the solvent blend. The solvent blend of the present disclosure may be devoid of (i) the alkylene glycol or (ii) the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, but may not be devoid of both (i) and (ii).

[0044] In at least one embodiment the solvent blend may be substantially free of water. For example, the solvent blend may comprise less than 2 wt% (or less than 1 wt%, or less than 0.5 wt%, or less than 0.1 wt%, or less than 0.05 wt%, or less than 0.01 wt%, or less than 500 parts per million (ppm), or less than 200 ppm, or 0.0 wt% (i.e., be devoid of)) of water, based on the total weight of the solvent blend.

[0045] The solvent blend or process solvent may have a freezing point of about 15 °C or less (or about 10°C or less, or 0°C or less, or about -10°C or less, or about -35°C to about 15°C, or about -35°C to about -10°C, or about -15°C to 0°C, or 0°C to about 15°C).

[0046] The solvent blend or process solvent may have a boiling point of about 200°C or greater (225°C or greater, or about 250°C or greater, or about 275°C or greater, or about 300°C or greater, or about 200°C to about 300°C, or about 200°C to about 275°C, or about 200°C to about 250°C, or about 250°C to about 400°C, or about 250°C to about 325°C, or about 300°C to about 400°C).

[0047] The solvent blend or process solvent may have a flash point of about 100°C or greater (or about 125°C or greater, or about 150°C or greater, or about 175°C or greater, or about 100°C to about 225°C, or about 100°C to about 175°C, or about 150°C to about 225°C).

[0048] The solvent blend or process solvent may have a vapor pressure at 25°C of about 0.2 mmHg or less (or about 0.1 mmHg or less, or about 0.05 mmHg or less, or 0.01 mmHg or less, or about 0.005 mmHg to about 0.2 mmHg, or about 0.01 mmHg to about 0.1 mmHg, or about 0.01 mmHg to about 0.05 mmHg).

[0049] The solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure may have a viscosity at 25°C of about 2.5 cP or less (or about 2 cP or less, or about 1.5 cP or less, or about 1 cP to about 2.5 cP).

[0050] The solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure may be a shear thinning fluid at room temperature. A shear thinning fluid has an apparent viscosity that decreases with increasing shear rate.

[0051] The solvent blend or process solvent may have a cloud point in the presence of lithium hexafluorophosphate at 1.0 molar (1.0 M or 1.0 mol / L) concentration of about 25°C or greater (or about 30°C or greater, or about 35°C or greater, or about 40°C or greater, or about 25°C to about 60°C, or about 25°C to about 40°C, or about 35°C to about 50°C, or about 45°C to about 60°C). Cloud point can be measured according to Method B of ISO 1065: 1991.

[0052] As discussed above, it is believed that some or all of the NMP used as a solvent across a variety of applications may be replaced with a solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure. Such applications may include, but are not limited to, semiconductor processing (e.g., semiconductor device processing), secondary batteries, paint removers, petrochemical processing, agricultural chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

[0053] In semiconductor processing including semiconductor device processing, the solvent blends or process solvents of the present disclosure may be useful in photoresist lithography (e.g., spinning, cleaning, and stripping) and wafer pre-wetting. The solvent blends or process solvents of the present disclosure may be particularly useful in semiconductor processing because the high flashpoint improves safety, and the low vapor pressure allows for recycling the solvent blend. Additional benefits of the solvent blends or process solvents of the present disclosure may also be apparent for specific steps within semiconductor processing.

[0054] For example, many intermediate steps in semiconductor processing include cleaning the substrate and / or layers disposed thereon. The solvent blends or process solvents of the present disclosure may have a similar solvency to NMP and may be used to replace some or all of the NMP in cleaning steps within semiconductor processing. Substrates may one or more materials that include, but are not limited to, glass, indium tin oxide, plastic sheet, silicon, sapphire, printed circuit board, the like, and any combination thereof.

[0055] In another example, photoresist lithography includes applying the photoresist layer, aligning a photomask, then exposing the photoresist accessible through the photomask to radiation (e.g., UV light, deep UV radiation, extreme UV radiation, x-ray radiation, and the like) to cause a chemical change in the compounds of the photoresist layer, and exposing the photoresist layer to a developer solution that preferentially removes the changed compounds of the photoresist layer. The remaining photoresist layer acts as a mask for a subsequent etching process. After said etching process, the remaining photoresist layer can be removed using a stripper solution. The solvent blends or process solvents of the present disclosure may be used as a portion of the solution used to apply the photoresist layer, in the stripper solution, to remove the remaining photoresist layer after etching, or any combination thereof.

[0056] For example, a composition comprising a polymer or precursor thereof and a solvent of the present disclosure may be applied (e.g., via spin coating) to a substrate to produce a photoresist layer thereon. Further, the composition may include photosensitive components (e.g., naphthoquinone diazide) that interact with the radiation in a subsequent step. Other additives conventional in the art may be included in the composition.

[0057] Examples of polymers suitable for use in photoresist layers may include, but are not limited to, acrylic polymers, phenolic resins, novolac resins, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), the like, and any combination thereof. Precursors thereof may include monomers and / or oligomers of the polymer. Further, the composition may include crosslinking agents, catalysts, and / or initiators to facilitate polymerization.

[0058] A composition for applying a photoresist layer may comprise from about 20 wt% to about 60 wt% (or about 20 wt% to about 40 wt%, or about 30 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 40 wt% to about 60 wt%) of the polymer or precursor thereof, based on a total weight of the photoresist layer.

[0059] In another example, the solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure may be used to pre-wet the wafer before applying the photoresist. Pre-wetting may reduce process variability and provide a photoresist layer with a more uniform thickness. Said processes may involve spin coating the wafer with the solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure, and then, before the solvent blend evaporates, depositing the photoresist layer via spin coating.

[0060] In another example, a developer solution may comprise one or more developers and a solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure. Other additives conventional in the art may be included in the developer solution.

[0061] Examples of developers that may be useful in the developer solution may include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, a quaternary ammonium hydroxide (e.g., tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), choline hydroxide, tri(2- hydroxyethyl)methylammonium hydroxide, dimethyldipropylammonium hydroxide, and the like), the like, and any combination thereof.

[0062] In yet another example, the solvent blends or process solvent of the present disclosure may have a similar solvency for polymers used in photoresist layers. Accordingly, methods of the present disclosure may include exposing a photoresist layer on a substrate to a solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure to remove at least a portion, preferably a substantial portion (e.g., at least 50 wt%, at least 75 wt%, preferably about 90 wt% or more, or about 95 wt% or more, or about 99 wt% or more) of the photoresist layer. Such exposure may be achieved, for example, by flowing the solvent blend over the substrate, immersing the substrate in the solvent blend, sonicating the substrate in the solvent blend, spraying the solvent blend onto the substrate, the like, and any combination thereof. Further, the exposing may be at an elevated temperature to facilitate faster dissolution of polymer in the photoresist layer. Said elevated temperature may be about 25°C or greater, or about 50°C or greater, or about 60°C or greater, or about 70°C or greater, or about 50°C to about 90°C, or about 50°C to about 70°C, or about 60°C to about 80°C, or about 70°C to about 90°C.

[0063] Further, photoresist stripping may further include exposing the substrate to a secondary solvent (e.g., acetone, alcohol, water, the like, and any combination thereof) after exposing the photoresist layer to the solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure. Said secondary solvent may assist with mitigating the deposition of and / or removing residue on the substrate. Theexposing may be according to any of the methods described above relative to the solvent blend, where exposure to the solvent blend and exposure to the secondary solvent may be by the same or different methods. Further, the exposing to the secondary solvent may be at a temperature (e.g., room temperature to about 90°C) that is the same or different than the exposure to the solvent blend.

[0064] While it is believed that the full range of concentrations for each of the components in the solvent blend or process solvent are applicable to semiconductor processes, the solvent blend in such an application may preferably have a concentration of the substituted oxazolidinone at the higher end of the range. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that such concentrations mitigate the formation of residue on the substrate. As such, a solvent blend or process solvent for use in semiconductor processes (e.g., photoresist lithography and wafer pre-wetting) may preferably comprise from about 85 wt% to about 99.9 wt% (or about 90 wt% to about 99.9 wt%) of a substituted oxazolidinone; from 0 wt% to about 5 wt% (or 0 wt% to about 3 wt%) of an alkylene glycol; and from 0 wt% to about 15 wt% (or 0 wt% to about 10 wt%) of an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof; wherein a cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is from about 0.1 wt% to about 15 wt% (or about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%), each wt% based on a total weight of the solvent blend or process solvent.

[0065] A process solvent of the present disclosure may be useful in a slurry containing components of an electrode for a secondary battery. The slurry may comprise an electro-active material (e.g., a material exhibiting electrical activity or responsive to electrical stimuli), a process solvent of the present disclosure, optionally a binder, and optionally a conductive additive. In at least one example, a dispersion of a conductive additive can be used, wherein the dispersion comprises the conductive additive dispersed throughout a solvent. The solvent of the dispersion may be the same as or different the solvent or solvent blend of the slurry. The slurry may be applied to a conductive substrate and, after removal of the process solvent, produce an electrode suitable for use in a secondary battery. Conventionally, NMP is used in the process solvents for such methods, as described above NMP is not an ideal solvent due to potential health concerns. The process solvents of the present disclosure include one or more substituted cyclic urethanes (e.g., a substituted oxazolidinone, including a N-alkyl-oxazolidinone, 3,4-dimethyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one,4-ethyl-3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, 3-ehtyl-5-methyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, a hydroxy-derivative thereof, or any combination thereof).

[0066] Advantageously, several agencies including the European Chemicals Agency describe substituted oxazolidinones as well as other substituted cyclic urethanes thereof as having a lower toxicity than NMP. Additionally, substituted oxazolidinones as well as other substituted cyclic urethanes may not be corrosive, or at least are less corrosive than NMP, relative to the components of the electrode, especially the conductive substrate. Specifically, the content of residual free amines present in the solvent blends as disclosed may be lower, providing synergistic advantages in secondary battery applications. Further, substituted cyclic urethanes have acceptable solvency for binders, especially polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) including homo-polymers of PVDF, copolymers of PVDF, derivatives of PVDF, and the like, used in electrodes in lithium-ion or sodium- ion batteries.

[0067] PVDF in films has four phases with varying electrical conductivity. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that substituted cyclic urethanes may allow for a higher drying temperature than NMP, which may allow the PVDF to adopt a phase with higher electrical conductivity.

[0068] As illustrated herein, the use of process solvents of the present disclosure may be useful in producing electrodes with higher discharge capacity and better discharge capacity retention compared to electrodes produced using NMP. As such, the process solvents of the present disclosure may be a replacement for NMP in electrode production processes. Advantageously, the current hardware used for producing electrodes with NMP is suitable for producing electrodes with the process solvents of the present disclosure.

[0069] In at least one example, a process solvent of the present disclosure may comprise from about 75 wt% to 100 wt% (or about 75 wt% to about 85 wt%, or about 80 wt% to about 95 wt%, or about 90 wt% to about 99 wt%, or about 90 wt% to 100 wt%, about 95 wt% to about 99.9 wt%, or about 95 wt% to 100 wt%) of substituted cyclic urethanes, based on a total weight of the process solvent. The balance of the process solvent composition may be the one or more additional compounds. In at least one example, the one or more additional compounds can be selected from those described above.

[0070] In at least one example in secondary batteries, the solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure may be useful in preparing portions of the electrodes, specifically, the portions with the electrode material. For example, solvent blends or process solvent of the present disclosure may have good solvency (or dispersibility) for polymers like poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) (including KYNAR® HS V 900, KYNAR® HS V 1810, KYNAR® HS V 1800, KYNAR® 761, and KYNAR® SUPERLEX®, all commercially available from Arkema Global), SOLEF® PVDF series commercially available from Solvay Chemicals) which can be used as binders. Generally, a slurry comprising a conductive additive (either in the form of a conductive powder or in the form of a dispersion as described above), an electrode material, optionally a binder, and optionally a dispersant, can be distributed in a solvent blend or process solvent of the present disclosure and may be applied (or coated onto) to a substrate (e.g., a conductive substrate). The electrode material can be processed by either wet or dry processing techniques. Wet processing of electrode material can be performed using the slurry, comprising the process solvent within the slurry, as described herein, which is then deposited on a substrate and dried. In wet processing methods, the slurry may have a total solids content of from about 20 wt% to about 85 wt% (or about 20 wt% to about 40 wt%, or about 30 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 40 wt% to about 85 wt%, or about 40 wt% to about 60 wt%, or about 50 wt% to about 70 wt%, or about 60 wt% to about 80 wt%). Dry processing of electrode material can be performed by combining components of the slurry and small amount of process solvent-based dispersion including a conductive additive in a mixer or extruder mixing and then compressing semi -dry powders to form an electrode. In dry processing, the amount of process solvent may be less than about 25% (or less than about 20%, or less than about 10%, or less than about 5%). Dry processing can drastically reduce the time required to dry the electrode.

[0071] In dry-electrode processing, a process solvent may be used as processing aid or a plasticizer. The dry-electrode slurry may have high total solids (e.g. 75, or 80, or 90% or higher, approaching 100 wt%). During dry-electrode processing, the process solvent may be substantially evaporated during processing prior to deposition on a conductive substrate to produce a conductive electrode precursor that can then be applied to the conductive substrate (e.g., via lamination, extrusion, and the like). Alternatively, a conductive substrate with the dry-electrode slurry thereon (e.g., via lamination, extrusion, and the like) may be dried. In dry-electrode processing, the processsolvent may not be completely evaporated and remain as part of electrode or as electrolyte additive. Both liquid electrolyte solutions and solid electrolytes are compatible with the process solvents disclosed herein. In such applications, it may be advantageous for the blended process solvents of the present application to include one or more common solvents used in electrolyte blending. Such common solvents can include, are not limited to, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, fluoride ethylene carbonate, vinylene carbonate, and the like. In at least one instance during dry-electrode processing, the blended process solvent may not dissolve the binder but act as a carrier fluid used to help homogenize the mixture of all the electrode components.

[0072] Examples of wet coating methods may include, but are not limited to, reverse-comma transfer, gravure coating, or slot die coating, pad or tampon coating, spin coating, dip coating, inkjet, spray coating, the like, and any combination thereof. Examples of dry-electrode processing may include, but are not limited to, extrusion, spray-deposition, electrostatic deposition, mechanical force lamination through an arrangement of rollers, the like, and any combinations thereof.

[0073] After coating, the substrate with the coating thereon may be heated to evaporate the process solvent. At least a portion of the process solvent, preferably at least 90 wt% of the process solvent, may be evaporated. The temperature for the evaporation step may range from about 60°C or to about 225°C (or about 60°C to about 100°C, or about 75°C to about 125°C, or about 100°C to about 150°C, or about 125°C to about 185°C, or about 140°C to about 200°C, or about 150°C to about 225°C). The higher evaporation temperature in combination with a binder comprising PVDF may advantageously improve the conductivity of the electrode compared to lower temperature (e.g., 50°C or less) evaporation steps. The process solvent of the present disclosure can be recovered during drying, or recovery step. The vapors of the process solvent can be collected, condensed to liquid phase, purified via distillation, and reused for making electrode slurries. The higher evaporation temperature imparts a higher condensation efficiency at the solvent recovery step. The solvent may be condensed from evaporated exhaust of the drier equipment attached to the coating equipment at lower cost and more efficiently, allowing for circular use of the solvent in the coatings, and lower emissions to environment. The process solvent may be condensed so efficiently, that secondary containment or abetment equipment is notnecessary, for example, a thermal oxidizer is no longer need at the exhaust of the drier to atmosphere.

[0074] After the solvent blend evaporates, the conductive substrate has disposed thereon a layer comprising the conductive additive, the electrode material, optionally the binder, and optionally the dispersant, dispersed. The layer may have a thickness of from about 0.02 pm to about 1000 pm (or about 0.1 pm to about 500 pm, or about 0.1 pm to about 250 pm, or about 0.02 pm to about 10 pm, or about 0. 1 pm to about 10 pm, or about 5 pm to about 50 pm, or about 25 pm to about 100 pm). The conductive substrate with the layer thereon after one or more applications of the slurry may be useful as an electrode in a secondary battery, which may be an anode or a cathode depending on the composition of the electrode material. In at least one example the slurry may be applied to one side of the conductive substrate. Alternatively, the slurry may be applied to both sides of the substrate. In at least one example, multiple layers of slurries may be applied to one or more sides of the conductive substrate. The number of coatings and the thickness of the layer may be adjusted based on the desired performance of the conductive substrate.

[0075] When the binder is present, the slurry may comprise from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt% (or about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%) of the binder, based on a total dry weight of the slurry (i.e., based on the total solids of the slurry). In other embodiments, the slurry may be devoid of the binder.

[0076] Examples of binders may include, but are not limited to, PVDF, homo-polymers of PVDRF, co-polymers of PVDF, derivatives of PVDF, poly (acrylic acid) (PAA), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimides (PI), polyurethanes (PU), and hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), the like, and any combination thereof.

[0077] The dispersion may comprise from about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt% (or about 0.1 wt % to about 0.25 wt %, or about 0.25 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, or about 0.5 wt % to about 1 wt %,or about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%) of the conductive additive, based on a total dry weight of the dispersion taken after the process solvent has evaporated.

[0078] Examples of conductive additives may include, but are not limited to, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon black, graphite, vapor-grown carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes (e.g., single-walled carbon nanotubes, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, MIRALON® pulp (floating catalyst, chemical vapor deposition-grown, long branched bundles of nanotubes that coalesce into a macro structure)), catalyst grown carbon fibrils, graphene, metal particles, the like, and any combination thereof.

[0079] The slurry may comprise from about 60 wt% to about 99.8 wt% (or about 60 wt% to about 80 wt%, or about 70 wt% to about 85 wt%, or about 75 wt% to about 90 wt%, or about 85 wt% to about 90 wt %, or about 90 wt% to about 99.8 wt%) of the electrode active (or electroactive) material, based on a total dry weight of the slurry.

[0080] Examples of electrode active materials suitable for cathodes may include, but are not limited to, lithium compounds comprising nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), and any combination thereof, lithium metal phosphate (e.g., LiMPO4 where M is a divalent transition metal like iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), gadolinium (Gd), and the like, LiFeo.5Mno.5PO4, and LiFei-wM’wPO4 where M’ is a transition metal and w is 0-0.5), the like, and any combination thereof. Sodium- containing active materials may include, but are not limited to polyanion-type compounds, Prussian blue compounds and its analogs, layered transition metal oxides, tunnel-type cathodes, etc. The electrode active material for the cathode may preferably have an olivine structure, for example, lithium metal phosphates.

[0081] Examples of electrode materials suitable for anodes may include, but are not limited to, graphite, graphene, silicon, silicon-containing particles, metallurgical / electronic / battery grade silicons, SiOx, A1OX, SnOx, SbOx, BiOx, AsOx, GeOx, PbOx, ZnOx, CdOx, InOx, T1OX, GaOx, LTO, LVO, the like, and any combination thereof. In the foregoing, 0<x<2.

[0082] When a dispersant is present in the slurry, the slurry may comprise from about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt% (or about 0.1 wt% to about 2 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%) of dispersant, based on a total dry weight of the slurry. In other embodiments, the slurry may be devoid of a dispersant. In at least one example, a slurry including a conductive additive such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, carbon black, and some grades of graphite can be made without a dispersant.

[0083] Examples of dispersants may include, but are not limited to, polyetheralkanolamine, polyetheramines, amine salts, amine-epoxy adducts, a non-ionic surfactant, the like, and anycombination thereof. Examples of commercially available dispersants may include, but are not limited to, JEFFSPERSE® X3503 (an amine dispersant, commercially available from Huntsman), JEFFSPERSE® X3200 (an amine dispersant, commercially available from Huntsman), JEFFSPERSE® 4105 (an ionic comb polymer, commercially available from Huntsman), poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSS) and / or its salt, the like, and any combination thereof.

[0084] Examples of materials suitable for producing the conductive substrate may include, but are not limited to, aluminum, copper, titanium, stainless steel, nickel, sintered carbon, a conductive polymer, conductive glass, carbon nanotubes (e.g., single-walled carbon nanotubes, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, MIRALON® pulp (floating catalyst, chemical vapor deposition-grown, long branched bundles of nanotubes that coalesce into a macro structure)), graphene, the like, and any combination thereof.

[0085] The conductive substate may be in any suitable form, for example, a foil, a sheet, a mesh, a fabric, a wire, and the like.

[0086] The dispersion may have a viscosity at about 25°C and 1 s’1shear rate of about 10,000 cP to about 500,000 cP (or about 10,000 cP to about 100,000 cP, or about 50,000 cP to about 250,000 cP, or about 100,000 cP to about 500,000 cP). The dispersion may have a viscosity at about 25°C and 10 s’1shear rate of about 1,000 cP to about 250,000 cP (or about 1,000 cP to about 25,000 cP, about 25,000 cP to about 100,000 cP, or about 10,000 cP to about 150,000 cP, or about 50,000 cP to about 250,000 cP).

[0087] The dispersion may have a viscosity at about 75°C and 1 s’1shear rate of about 1,00 cP to about 100,000 cP (or about 100 cP to about 10,000 cP, or about 1,000 cP to about 15,000 cP, or about 5,000 cP to about 25,000 cP, or about 1,000 cP to about 25,000 cP, or about 5,000 cP to about 50,000 cP, or about 25,000 cP to about 100,000 cP). The dispersion may have a viscosity at about 75°C and 10 s'1shear rate of about 200 cP to about 75,000 cP (or about 200 cP to about 25,000 cP, about 500 cP to about 25,000 cP, or about 2,500 cP to about 50,000 cP, or about 10,000 cP to about 75,000 cP).

[0088] In secondary batteries, the solvent blend of the present disclosure may be useful as a solvent in the electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution may comprise a lithium or sodium salt and a solvent blend of the present disclosure.

[0089] The electrolyte solution may comprise from about 1 wt% to about 30 wt% (or about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 25 wt%, or about 15 wt% to about 30 wt%), based on a total weight of the electrolyte solution.

[0090] Examples of lithium salts may include, but are not limited to, LiPFe, LiAsFe, LiBF4, LiSbF6, LiAICU, LiC104, CF3SO3Li, C4F9SO3Li, CF3COOLLi, (CF3CO)2Ni, (CF3SO2)2NLi, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesufonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), and (C2FsSO2)NLi, the like, and any combination thereof.

[0091] Examples of sodium salts may include, but are not limited to, NaC104, NaPF6, Na BF4, NaFSI, NaTFSI, NaOTf, Na So3CF3, Na(9FSO)2N, Na (CF3SO2)2N, the like, and combinations thereof.

[0092] The electrolyte solution may include a process solvent of the present disclosure at a concentration of about 10 wt% or less (e.g., about 7 wt% or less, or about 5 wt% or less, or about 1 wt% or less, or about 0.1 wt% or less, or about 0.01 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 0.01 wt% to about 7 wt%, or about 0.01 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%).

[0093] A secondary battery may comprise an anode, a cathode, a separator between the anode and the cathode, and an electrolyte solution. Other components of the secondary battery (e.g., a housing, intermediate containers, wires, and connectors) would be readily known and applied by one skilled in the art to produce a secondary battery.

[0094] The secondary battery may be a single-cell secondary battery or a multi-cell secondary battery. The configuration of the cathode, the anode, and the separator may, for example, be stacked, wound, folded, and the like.

[0095] The cathode may have a discharge capacity retention after 50 cycles at 25°C that ranges from about 70% to 100% (or about 75% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 85% to 100%, or about 90% to 100%, or about 92% to 100%, or about 95% to 100%).

[0096] The anode may have a discharge capacity retention after 50 cycles at 25°C that ranges from about 70% to 100% (or about 75% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 85% to 100%, or about 90% to 100%, or about 92% to 100%, or about 95% to 100%).

[0097] Cycles to failure are typically defined at above 80% of initial rated capacity, depending on application, the cycles to failure for cells with a cathode or anode of the present disclosure maybe about 100 cycles, or about 365 cycles, or about 728 cycles, or more in full discharge. In specialized applications with partial discharge, cells could have 20,000 or more partial cycles.

[0098] While it is believed that the full range of concentrations for each of the components in the solvent blend are applicable to electrolyte solutions in secondary battery applications, the solvent blend in such applications may preferably have a concentration of the cyclic urethane or substituted oxazolidinone at the lower end of the range. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the inclusion of more of the alkylene glycol and / or the alkylene carbonate or hydroxyderivative thereof provides a wider operating range (e.g., higher boiling points and lower melting points) for the secondary battery applications. As such, a solvent blend for use in secondary battery applications (e.g., the production of electrodes or the use in electrolyte solutions) may preferably comprises from about 75 wt% to about 95 wt% (or about 75 wt% to about 90 wt%) of a cyclic urethane or substituted oxazolidinone; from 0 wt% to about 5 wt% (or about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%) of an alkylene glycol; and from 0 wt% to about 20 wt% (or about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%) of an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof; wherein a cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is from about 5 wt% to about 25 wt% (or about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%), each wt% based on a total weight of the solvent blend.

[0099] The solvent blend of the present disclosure may be useful as or in paint removers, also referred to as paint strippers or coating strippers. For example, a paint remover may consist of a solvent blend of the present disclosure. Alternatively, a paint remover may comprise a co-solvent and the solvent blend of the present disclosure. The paint remover may comprise from about 1 wt% to about 40 wt% (or about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, or about 20 wt% to about 40 wt%) of the co-solvent, based on a total weight of the paint remover.

[0100] Examples of co-solvents may include, but are not limited to, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl isoamylbutone, hexane, toluene, xylene, methylene chloride, 1,2-trans-di chloroethylene, butyrolactone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulfoxide (DSMO), sulfolane, dioxalane, glycol ether, the like, and any combination thereof.

[0101] Additives may optionally be included in the paint remover. For each additive, the paint remover may comprise from about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt% (or about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt%,or about 1 wt% to about 7 wt%, or about 3 wt% to about 10 wt%) of the additive, based on a total weight of the paint remover. Cumulatively, the paint remover may comprise about 0.1 wt% to about 30 wt% (or about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%) of the additive, based on a total weight of the paint remover.

[0102] Examples of additives for a paint remover may include, but are not limited to, corrosion inhibitors (e.g., ethoxylated butynediol, petroleum sulfonates, and the like), antioxidants, thickeners (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, starch, guar gum, silica, clay, and the like), surfactants (e.g., monocarboxyl cocoimidoazoline, CIO to C18 alkyl sulfate sodium salts, tridecyloxy poly (alkyleneoxy ethanol), ethoxylated or propoxylated alkyl phenol, alkyl sulfoamides, CIO to Cl 8 alkaryl sulfonates, cocoamphaodipropionate, cetylpalmitic alkanol amides, hydrogenated castor oil, isooctylphenyl polyethoxy ethanol, sorbitan monopalmitate, C8-18 alkyl pyrrolidone, cocoaminoprpionic acid, and the like), chelating agents (e.g., ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid, and diketones), the like, and any combination thereof.

[0103] While some specific applications of the solvent blends of the present disclosure are described herein, the solvent blends may also be applied across a variety of technologies including, but not limited to, electrochromic devices (e.g., vehicle chromic mirrors and electronically dimmable windows), electrochromic dyes, organic electrical circuits, light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”), photovoltaic collectors, and the like.

[0104] Example Embodiments

[0105] Embodiment 1. A solvent blend comprising: about 75 wt% to about 99.9 wt% of a cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of an alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; and about 0 wt% to about 20 wt% of an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; wherein a cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxyderivative thereof is 0.1 wt% to 25 wt%.

[0106] Embodiment 2. The solvent blend of Embodiment 1, wherein the cyclic urethane is a substituted oxazolidinone. 1

[0107] Embodiment s. The solvent blend of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the cyclic urethane is N-alkyl-oxazolidinone, 3,4-dimethyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, 4-ethyl-3-methyl-2- oxazolidinone, 3-ehtyl-5-methyl-l,3-oxazolidin-2-one, or hydroxy derivatives thereof.

[0108] Embodiment 4. The solvent blend of any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the cyclic urethane comprises at least one compound according to Compound I, wherein R is a C 1 - C8 alkyl group or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol.

[0109] Embodiment s. The solvent blend of Embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the N-alkyl- oxazolidinone or hydroxy-derivative thereof comprises one or more of: 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-ethyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-propyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-butyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3 -tert-butyl -2- oxazolidinone; 3-octyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-(2-hydroxymethyl)-2-oxazolidinone; 3-(2- hydroxyethyl)-2-oxazolidinone; and 3-(2-hydroxypropyl)-2-oxazolidinone.

[0110] Embodiment 6. The solvent blend of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the alkylene glycol is present, and wherein the alkylene glycol comprises one or more C2- C6 alkane diols.[OHl] Embodiment 7. The solvent blend of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the alkylene glycol is present, and wherein the alkylene glycol comprises one or more of: ethylene lycol, 1,2 -propanediol; 1,3-propanediol; 1,2-butanediol; 1,3 -butanediol; 1,4-butanediol; 2,3-butanediol; 1,2-pentanediol; 1,3 -pentanediol; 1,4-pentanediol; 1,5-pentanediol; 2,3- pentanediol; 1,2-hexanediol; 1,3-hexanediol; 1,4-hexanediol; 1,5 -hexanediol; 1,6-hexanediol; 2,3- hexanediol; 2,3-hexanediol; 2,5-hexanediol; and 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol.

[0112] Embodiment 8. The solvent blend of any one of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the solvent blend is devoid of the alkylene glycol.

[0113] Embodiment 9. The solvent blend of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof comprises at least one compound according to Compound II, wherein R is H, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol.

[0114] Embodiment 10. The solvent blend of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is present, and wherein the alkylene carbonate comprises one or more of: ethylene carbonate; propylene carbonate; butylene carbonate;pentylene carbonate; hexylene carbonate; glycerol-1, 2-carbonate; and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-l,3- dioxolan-2-one.

[0115] Embodiment 11. The solvent blend of any one of Embodimentsl-5, wherein the solvent blend is devoid of the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof.

[0116] Embodiment 12. The solvent blend of any one of Embodimentsl-5, wherein the solvent blend is substantially free of water.

[0117] Embodiment 13. A method comprising: applying a fluid comprising a polymer or precursor thereof and the solvent blend of any one of Embodiments 1-12 to a substrate to form a photoresist layer thereon.

[0118] Embodiment 14. The method of Embodiment 13, wherein the solvent blend comprises about 85 wt% to 99.9 wt% of the cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; about 0 wt% to 5 wt% of the alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; and about 0 wt% to 15 wt% of the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; wherein the cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is about 0.1 wt% to 15 wt%.

[0119] Embodiment 15. The method of Embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the polymer is present at 20 wt% to 60 wt%, based on a total weight of the fluid.

[0120] Embodiment 16. A method comprising: applying a photoresist layer to a substrate; exposing a portion of the photoresist layer to radiation; and exposing the photoresist layer, after radiation exposure, to a stripper solution that comprises the solvent blend of any one of Embodiments 1-12.

[0121] Embodiment 17. The method of Embodiment 16, wherein the solvent blend of the stripper solution comprises about 85 wt% to 99.9 wt% of the cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; about 0 wt% to 5 wt% of the alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; and about 0 wt% to 15 wt% of the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; wherein the cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is about 0.1 wt% to 15 wt%.

[0122] Embodiment 18. The method of Embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the cyclic urethane of the stripper solution is a substituted oxazolidinone.

[0123] Embodiment 19. A method comprising: exposing a photoresist layer on a substrate to the solvent blend of any one of Embodiments 1-12 to remove a substantial portion of the photoresist layer.

[0124] Embodiment 20. The method of Embodiment 19, wherein the solvent blend comprises about 85 wt% to 99.9 wt% of the cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; about 0 wt% to 5 wt% of the alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; and 0 wt% to 15 wt% of the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; wherein the cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is 0.1 wt% to 15 wt%.

[0125] Embodiment 21. The method of Embodiment 19 or 20, wherein the exposing of the photoresist layer to the solvent blend occurs at a temperature of 25°C or greater.

[0126] Embodiment 22. The method of any one of Embodiments 19-21 further comprising: exposing the substrate to a secondary solvent after the exposing of the photoresist layer to the solvent blend.

[0127] Embodiment 23. A method comprising: applying a slurry to a conductive substrate, wherein the slurry comprises a conductive additive, an electrode material, the solvent blend of any one of Embodiments 1-12, and optionally a binder; and evaporating the solvent blend.

[0128] Embodiment 24. The method of Embodiment 23, wherein the binder is present in the slurry at about 1 wt% to 20 wt%, based on a total dry weight of the slurry.

[0129] Embodiment 25. The method of Embodiment 23 or 24, wherein the binder comprises one or more of: poly(vinylidene fluoride), poly(acrylic acid), styrene butadiene rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, and carboxymethyl cellulose, polyimides, polyurethanes and hydrogenated nitrile rubber, and the like.

[0130] Embodiment 26. The method of any one of Embodiments 23-25, wherein the conductive additive is present in a dispersion and wherein the conductive additive is present in the dispersant at an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt%, based on a total dry weight of the dispersion.

[0131] Embodiment 27. The method of any one of Embodiments 23-26, wherein the conductive additive comprises one or more of: acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon black, graphite, vapor-grown carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes (e.g., single-walled carbon nanotubes,multiwalled carbon nanotubes, MIRALON® pulp (floating catalyst, chemical vapor deposition- grown, long branched bundles of nanotubes that coalesce into a macro structure)), catalyst grown carbon fibrils, graphene, and a metal particle.

[0132] Embodiment 28. The method of any one of Embodiments 23-28, wherein the electrode material is present in the slurry at 60 wt% to 99.8 wt%, based on a total dry weight of the slurry.

[0133] Embodiment 29. The method of any one of Embodiments 23-28, wherein the electrode material comprises one or more of lithium oxides containing Ni, Mn, Co, Al, Fe, P or combination thereof.

[0134] Embodiment 30. The method of any one of Embodiments 23-89, wherein the electrode material comprises lithium, sodium.

[0135] Embodiment 31. The method of any one of Embodiments 23-28, wherein the electrode material comprises one or more of graphite, graphene, metallurgical / electronic / battery grade silicon, SiOx, A1OX, SnOx, SbOx, BiOx, AsOx, GeOx, PbOx, ZnOx, CdOx, InOx, T1OX, and GaOx.

[0136] Embodiment 32. The method of any one of Embodiments 23-31, wherein the slurry further comprises a dispersant.

[0137] Embodiment 33. A secondary battery comprising: an anode; a cathode; a separator between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte solution comprising a lithium or sodium salt and the solvent blend of any one of Embodiments 1-12.

[0138] Embodiment 34. The secondary battery of Embodiment 33, wherein the lithium and sodium salt is present in the electrolyte solution at about 1 wt% to about 30 wt%, based on a total weight of the electrolyte solution.

[0139] Embodiment 35. The secondary battery of Embodiment 33 or 34, wherein the solvent blend comprises about 75 wt% to 95 wt% of the cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; about 0 wt% to 5 wt% of the alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; and about 0 wt% to 25 wt% of the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; wherein the cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is about 5 wt% to 25 wt%.

[0140] Embodiment 36. The solvent blend of any one of Embodiments 1-12 can be recovered during electrode production process, where the vapors of the solvent blend can be collected in the drying steps, condensed to liquid phase, purified via distillation, and reused for making electrode slurries.

[0141] Embodiment 37. A paint remover comprising: the solvent blend of any one of Embodiments 1-12; and optionally, about 1 wt% to about 40 wt% of a co-solvent, based on a total weight of the paint remover.

[0142] Embodiment 38. A paint remover of Embodiment 37, further comprising: an additive selected from the group consisting of: a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a thickener, a surfactants, a chelating agent, and any combination thereof.

[0143] Embodiment 39. A paint remover of Embodiment 37 or 38, wherein the co-solvent is selected from the group consisting of: acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl isoamylbutone, hexane, toluene, xylene, methylene chloride, 1 ,2-trans-dichloroethylene, butyrolactone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulfoxide, sulfolane, dioxalane, glycol ether, and any combination thereof.

[0144] Embodiment 40. A method comprising: applying a slurry to a conductive substrate, wherein the slurry comprises a conductive additive, an electrode active material, a binder, and a process solvent, wherein the process solvent comprises a substituted cyclic urethane; and evaporating at least a portion of the process solvent.

[0145] Embodiment 41. The method of Embodiment 40, wherein the applying is a coating method that comprises reverse-comma transfer, gravure coating, slot die coating, pad or tampon coating, spin coating, dip coating, ink-jet, spray coating, or any combination thereof.

[0146] Embodiment 42. A method comprising: evaporating at least a portion of a process solvent in a slurry to produce a conductive electrode precursor, wherein the slurry comprises a conductive additive, an electrode active material, a binder, and a process solvent, wherein the process solvent comprises a substituted cyclic urethane; and applying the conductive electrode precursor to a conductive substrate.

[0147] Embodiment 43. The method of Embodiment 42, wherein the applying is a dry-coating method that comprises homogenization, extrusion, mixing, three roll milling, spraying, multiroller lamination, or any combination thereof.

[0148] Embodiment 44. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-43, wherein the evaporating is at a temperature ranging from about 60°C to about 225°C.

[0149] Embodiment 45. The method of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the electrode active material is present in the slurry at about 60 wt% to about 99.8 wt%, based on a total dry weight of the slurry.

[0150] Embodiment 46. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-45, wherein the electrode active material comprises LiMnCh, LiMn2O4, lithium nickel oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron oxide, lithium metal phosphate, or any combination thereof.

[0151] Embodiment 47. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-46, wherein the electrode active material comprises at least one LiMPC where M is a divalent transition metal.

[0152] Embodiment 48. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-47, wherein the electrode active material has an olivine structure.

[0153] Embodiment 49. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-45, wherein the electrode active material comprises graphite, graphene, silicon, silicon-containing particles, SiOx, A1OX, SnOx, SbOx, BiOx, AsOx, GeOx, PbOx, ZnOx, CdOx, InOx, T1OX, GaOx, or any combination thereof.

[0154] Embodiment 50. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-49, wherein the binder is present in the slurry at 1 wt% to 20 wt%, based on a total dry weight of the slurry.

[0155] Embodiment 51. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-50, wherein the binder comprises a homo-polymer of polyvinylidene difluoride, a co-polymer of polyvinylidene difluoride, or a derivative of polyvinylidene difluoride, styrene butadiene rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, carboxymethyl cellulose, or any combination thereof.

[0156] Embodiment 52. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-51, wherein the conductive additive is present in the slurry at about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, based on a total dry weight of the slurry.

[0157] Embodiment 53. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-52, wherein the conductive additive comprises acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon black, graphite, vapor-grown carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes (e g., single- walled carbon nanotubes, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, MIRALON® pulp (floating catalyst, chemical vapor deposition-grown, long branchedbundles of nanotubes that coalesce into a macro structure)), catalyst grown carbon fibrils, graphene, a metal particle, or any combination thereof.

[0158] Embodiment 54. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-53, wherein the slurry further comprises a dispersant.

[0159] Embodiment 55. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-53, wherein the substituted cyclic urethane comprises at least one compound according to Compound I above, wherein R is a C1-C8 alkyl group or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol.

[0160] Embodiment 56. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-55, wherein the substituted cyclic urethane comprises 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-ethyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3- propyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-butyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-tert-butyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-octyl-2- oxazolidinone; 3-(2-hydroxymethyl)-2-oxazolidinone; 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-oxazolidinone; 3-(2- hydroxypropyl)-2-oxazolidinone; or any combination thereof.

[0161] Embodiment 57. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-56 wherein the process solvent comprises about 75 wt% to about 100 wt% the substituted cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the process solvent.

[0162] Embodiment 58. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-57, wherein the process solvent further comprises an alkylene glycol, an alkylene carbonate, a hydroxy-derivative of an alkylene carbonate, or any combination thereof.

[0163] Embodiment 69. An electrode produced by the method of any one of Embodiments 40-58.

[0164] Embodiment 60. A secondary battery comprising an electrode produced by the method of any one of Embodiments 40-59.

[0165] Embodiment 61. An electrode comprising: a conductive substrate having a coating thereon that comprises a conductive additive, an electrode active material, and a binder; wherein the coating is produced from a slurry comprising the conductive additive, the electrode active material, the binder, and a process solvent to the conductive substrate, and wherein the process solvent comprises a substituted cyclic urethane.

[0166] Embodiment 62. The electrode of Embodiment 61 , wherein the electrode is a cathode, and wherein the cathode has a discharge capacity retention after 50 cycles from about 70% to about100%, or about 75% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 85% to 100%, or about 90% to 100%, or about 92% to 100%, or about 95% to 100%.

[0167] Embodiment 63. The electrode of Embodiment 61, wherein the electrode is an anode, and wherein the anode has a discharge capacity retention after 50 cycles from about 70% to about 100%, or about 75% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 85% to 100%, or about 90% to 100%, or about 92% to 100%, or about 95% to 100%.

[0168] Embodiment 64. The electrode of any one of Embodiments 61-63, wherein the binder comprises polyvinylidene difluoride.

[0169] Embodiment 65. The electrode of any one of Embodiments 61-64, wherein the electrode active material comprises lithium oxides containing Ni, Mn, Co, Al, Fe, Lithium iron phosphate (LFP), Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP), LiMnOi, LiMniC , lithium nickel oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron oxide, lithium metal phosphate, or any combination thereof.

[0170] Embodiment 66. The electrode of any one of Embodiments 61-65, wherein the electrode active material comprises at least one LiMPCL where M is a divalent transition metal.

[0171] Embodiment 67. The electrode of any one of Embodiments 61-66, wherein the electrode active material has an olivine structure.

[0172] Embodiment 68. A secondary battery comprising: an anode; a cathode; and a separator between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte solution comprising a lithium or sodium salt; wherein the anode and / or the cathode comprises a conductive substrate having a coating thereon, the coating comprising a conductive additive, an electrode active material, and a binder; wherein the coating is produced from a slurry comprising the conductive additive, the electrode active material, the binder, and a process solvent to the conductive substrate, and wherein the process solvent comprises a substituted cyclic urethane.

[0173] Embodiment 70. The secondary battery of Embodiment 68, wherein the cathode is produced by applying the slurry to the conductive substrate via a wet or dry process, and wherein the cathode has a discharge capacity retention after 50 cycles from about 70% to about 100%, or about 75% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 85% to 100%, or about 90% to 100%, or about 92% to 100%, or about 95% to 100%.

[0174] Embodiment 70. The secondary battery of any one of Embodiments 68 or 69, wherein the cathode is produced by applying the slurry to the conductive substrate via a wet or dry process, and wherein the electrode active material comprises LiMnCh, LiMn2O4, lithium nickel oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron oxide, lithium metal phosphate, or any combination thereof.

[0175] Embodiment 71. The secondary battery of any one of Embodiments 68-70, wherein the cathode is produced by applying the slurry to the conductive substrate via a wet or dry process, and wherein the electrode active material comprises at least one LiMPO4 where M is a divalent transition metal.

[0176] Embodiment 72. The secondary battery of any one of Embodiments 61-71 wherein the cathode is produced by applying the slurry to the conductive substrate via a wet or dry process, and wherein the electrode active material has an olivine structure.

[0177] Embodiment 73. The secondary battery of Embodiment 61, wherein the anode is produced by applying the slurry to the conductive substrate via a wet or dry process, and wherein the anode has a discharge capacity retention after 50 cycles from about 70% to about 100%, or about 75% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 85% to 100%, or about 90% to 100%, or about 92% to 100%, or about 95% to 100%.

[0178] Embodiment 74. The secondary battery of any one of Embodiments 61-73, wherein the binder comprises a homo-polymer of polyvinylidene difluoride, a co-polymer of poly vinylidene difluoride, a derivative of poly vinylidene difluoride, or any combination thereof.EXAMPLES

[0179] Example 1. A series of solvent blends were prepared using propylene carbonate and 3- methyl-2-oxazolidinone, the compositions for each blend are provided below in Table 1. The freezing point, flash point, and boiling point for each of the prepared solvent blends, and the pure solvents, were measured and are also provided in Table 1.

[0180] Table 1. Physical properties of various solvent blends containing propylene carbonate and 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone.*100% PG values taken from Literature

[0181] Example 2. A series of solvent blends were prepared using propylene glycol and 3- methyl-2-oxazolidinone, the compositions for each blend is provided below in Table 2. The freezing point, flash point, and boiling point for each of the prepared solvent blends, and pure solvents, were measured and are also provided in Table 2.

[0182] Table 2 Physical properties of various solvent blends comprising propylene glycol and3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone.*100% PG values taken from Literature

[0183] Example 3. A series of solvent blends were prepared using ethylene glycol and 3- methyl-2-oxazolidinone, the compositions for each blend is provided below in Table 3. The freezing point, flash point, and boiling point for each of the prepared solvent blends, and the pure solvents, were measured and are also provided in Table 3.

[0184] Table 3 Physical properties of various solvent blends comprising ethylene glycol and 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone.* 100% EG values taken from Literature

[0185] Example 4. A series of solvent blends were prepared using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, the compositions for each blend is provided below in Table 4. The freezing point, flash point, and boiling point for each of the prepared solvent blends, and the pure solvents, were measured and are also provided in Table 4.

[0186] Table 4 Physical properties of various solvent blends comprising DMSO and 3-methyl- 2-oxazolidinone.*100% DMSO values taken from Literature

[0187] As shown in Tables 1-4, the composition of the solvent blend has a significant effect on the freezing point, flash point, and boiling point of the solvent blend.

[0188] Solvent blends such as those described in Examples 1-4 can be implemented in battery production in order to improve performance. For example, dissolving PVDF in 3-methyl-2- oxazolidinone results in a change of the PVDF structure. Figures 1 A and IB are Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum graphs showing the changes in the PVDF material after mixing with solvent blends such as those disclosed as examples herein. Specifically, Figure 1A illustrates three FTIR spectra graphs, where graph 100 shows the results relating to 3-methyl-2- oxazolidinone -PVDF material, the results corresponding to PVDF starting material are shown ingraph 110, and the results corresponding to a 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone starting material are shown in graph 120, the graphs illustrate characteristic changes of the PVDF structure after mixing with 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone. Specifically, the peak at 614 cm-1 does not appear in the spectrum corresponding to PVDF cast from 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, indicating a lower content of the phase in the film. On the contrary, it has been shown that the peak of 614 cm-1 is present in films cast from NMP (as indicated in A critical analysis of the a, P and y phases in poly(vinylidene fluoride) using FTIR published in the Royal Society of Chemistry) and in spectra collected from neat PVDF (as shown in graph 110 of FIG. 1A). The improved solvent blends disclosed herein provide improved performance in batteries relating to stabilization of the desired beta and gamma structures of the PVDF binder.

[0189] Figure IB further illustrates the change of PVDF structure detected in an FTIR spectra of 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone-PVDF dried material in graph 130, as compared to a PVDF starting material as shown in graph 140.

[0190] Example 5. A series of dispersions containing 90 wt% lithium iron phosphate, 5 wt% carbon black (C65 carbon black, commercially available from MTI Corporation), and 5 wt% PVDF, each based on a total weight of solids in the dispersion, was prepared for producing a series of cathodes. The dispersion had 36-42% % solids dispersed in a solvent. An aluminum substrate was coated with the dispersion then heated to evaporate the solvent. The solvent and corresponding evaporation temperature are provided in Table 5. After evaporation, calendaring, and electrode processing, both electrodes prepared with both solvents were dried at 100°C before cell assembly. Half cells were prepared with 25 m of electrolyte IM LiPFe, EC:EMC (1 :1), (commercially available from Sigma Aldrich), H1612 (separator, commercially available from CELGARD®), and lithium anode (commercially available from MTI Corporation). Cells were formed via the following formation cycle program: CC C / 20, 4.5-2.0 V, followed by cycling at 1 C.Table 5* Volumes are 100 wt% of the compound less any impurities.

[0191] Figure 2 illustrates the discharge capacity and cycle number for the various cathodes of Example 5. Specifically, Figure 2 illustrates the capacity decrease in various batteries generated with different solvents. In Figure 2, the shaded circle, square, and triangle show low coat weight samples of batteries created using the dispersions of Table 5 and unshaded circle, square, and triangle show the high coat weight samples of the same dispersions. The shaded and unshaded squares correspond to the low coat weight and high coat weight for Dispersion 1, the shaded and unshaded triangles correspond to the low coat weight and high coat weight for Dispersion 2, the shaded and unshaded circles correspond to the low coat weight and high coat weight for Comparative Dispersion. As illustrated, the cathodes produced with Dispersion 1 and Dispersion 2 have a higher initial discharge capacity and a significantly higher discharge capacity retention.

[0192] Example 6. A series of dispersions containing 96 wt% lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (i.e., mixed metal oxides of lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt), 2 wt% carbon black (C65 carbon black, available from Imerys), and 2 wt% PVDF, each based on a total weight of solids in the dispersion, was prepared for producing a series of cathodes. The dispersion had 70% solids dispersed in a solvent (either 100 wt% 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone or 100 wt% NMP, each less any impurities). An aluminum substrate was coated with the dispersion then heated to evaporate the solvent. A battery with said cathode was produced using a 1> LiPFe electrolyte solution. Half cells were prepared with 80 mL of electrolyte (EC:EMC (3 :7 vol%) + 1 wt% VC commercially available from Solvay), Hl 609 (separator, commercially available fromCELGARD®), and lithium anode (commercially available from China Energy Lithium). Cells were formed via the following formation cycle program: CCCV C / 20, 4.3-2.6V, followed by 5 conditioning cycles at C / 5. Lifetime testing of the cycle was conducted at C / 2 for 50 cycles.

[0193] Figure 3 illustrates the discharge capacity vs cycle number for the cathodes of Example 6. The data points indicated in circles relate to values of the dispersion containing MEXO and the data points indicated in squares relate to values of the dispersion containing NMP. As indicated in Figure 3, the cycling data relating to the dispersion including 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone shows significantly improved capacity retention compared to the dispersion including NMP.

[0194] Example 7. A series of dispersions were generated comprising methyl-2-oxazolidinone and mixtures of methyl-2-oxazolidinone with various polymers. Figures 4A-4E illustrate UV-Vis spectra of the dispersions of Example 7. Specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates the UV spectra relating to pure 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, FIG. 4B illustrates a UV spectra relating to a solvent blend comprising 5% SOLEF PvDF dissolved in 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone via probe sonication, FIG. 4C illustrates a UV spectra relating to a solvent blend comprising 5% KYNAR PvDF dissolved in 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone by stirring the solution for 24 hours at 75C, FIG. 4D illustrates a UV spectra relating to a solvent blend comprising 90% 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone and 10% propylene carbonate, and FIG. 4E illustrates a UV spectra relating to a solvent blend comprising 5% KYNAR PvDF dissolved in a blend of 90% 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone and 10% propylene carbonate. The graphs presented in FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate the change in absorbance of light when a blend is made or when PVDF is dissolved in 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone. The absorbance of a dispersion or slurry can be used to determine the composition of the blend.

[0195] Example 7. There samples were provided having a photoresist pattern thereon. The effectiveness of three solvents was tested for photoresist stripping capabilities at three different temperature conditions. The results of the experiment are illustrated in Figure 5. The solvents tested include pure 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, a blend of 95% 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone and 5% propylene carbonate, and a blend of 95% 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone and 5% propylene glycol. As indicated in Figure 5, three samples were provided having a photoresist pattern thereon. The solvent effectiveness was tested at three different temperature conditions: temperatures below 200 °C, at 200 °C, and at 210 °C. As indicated, all three solvents were able to remove the photoresistpattern at a low temperature, however the 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone / propylene carbonate blend shows improved stripping at 200 °C.

[0196] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A solvent blend comprising: about 75 wt% to about 99.9 wt% of a cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of an alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; and about 0 wt% to about 20 wt% of an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend; wherein a cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is about 0.1 wt% to about 25 wt%.

2. The solvent blend of claim 1, wherein the cyclic urethane is a substituted oxazolidinone comprises at least one compound according to:wherein R is selected from a C1-C8 alkyl group or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol, and R’ and R” are each individually selected from H, a C1-C8 alkyl group, or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol.

3. The solvent blend of claim 2, wherein the substituted oxazolidinone is one or more of: 3- methyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-ethyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-propyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-butyl-2- oxazolidinone; 3-tert-butyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-octyl-2-oxazolidinone; 3-(2-hydroxymethyl)-2- oxazolidinone; 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-oxazolidinone; and 3-(2-hydroxypropyl)-2-oxazolidinone.

4. The solvent blend of claim 1, wherein the alkylene glycol is present and wherein the alkylene glycol comprises one or more C2-C6 alkane diols.

5. The solvent blend of claim 1 , wherein the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is present and comprises at least one compound according to:wherein R is H, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol.

6. The solvent blend of claim 5, wherein the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy -derivative thereof comprises one or more of ethylene carbonate; propylene carbonate; butylene carbonate; pentylene carbonate; hexylene carbonate; glycerol- 1,2-carbonate; and 4-(2-hydroxy ethyl)- 1,3 -di oxolan-2- one.

7. A method comprising: applying a photoresist layer to a substrate; exposing a portion of the photoresist layer to radiation; and exposing the photoresist layer, after radiation exposure, to a developer solution; and exposing the developed photoresist layer to a stripper solution that comprises a solvent blend, wherein the solvent blend comprises about 75 wt% to about 99.9 wt% of a cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of an alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, and about 0 wt% to about 20 wt% of an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, wherein a cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is about 0.1 wt% to about 25 wt%.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: applying a fluid comprising a polymer or precursor thereof and the solvent blend to the substrate to form the photoresist layer thereon.

9. A method comprising: generating a slurry comprising a conductive additive, an electrode material, and a solvent blend, applying the slurry to a conductive substrate; and evaporating the solvent blend, wherein the solvent blend comprises comprises about 75 wt% to about 99.9 wt% of a cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of an alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, and about 0 wt% to about 20 wt% of an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, wherein a cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is about 0.1 wt% to about 25 wt%.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the cyclic urethane is a substituted oxazolidinone comprises at least one compound according to:wherein R is selected from a C1-C8 alkyl group or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol, and R’ and R” are each individually selected from H, a C1-C8 alkyl group, or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the conductive additive is present in a dispersion with a solvent blend.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the conductive additive is present in the dispersion in an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt%, based on a total dry weight of the dispersion, and wherein the conductive additive comprises one or more of: acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon black, graphite, vapor-grown carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, catalyst grown carbon fibrils, graphene, a metal particle, or combinations thereof.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the electrode material is present in the slurry in an amount of about 60 wt% to about 99 wt%, based on a total dry weight of the slurry, and wherein the electrode material comprises compounds of lithium, or sodium, containing nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), phosphorus (P) or combination thereof.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the dispersion further comprises a binder in the amount of 1 wt% to 20 wt% by weight, based on a total dry weight of the dispersion.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the applying step is completed using one of reverse-comma transfer, gravure coating, slot die coating, pad or tampon coating, spin coating, dip coating, inkjet, spray coating, or any combination thereof.

16. A secondary battery comprising: an anode; a cathode; a separator between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte solution comprising a lithium salt and a solvent blend comprising about 75 wt% to about 99.9 wt% of a cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of an alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, and about 0 wt% to about 20 wt% of an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a totalweight of the solvent blend, wherein a cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is about 0.1 wt% to about 25 wt%.

17. The secondary battery of claim 16, wherein the cyclic urethane is a substituted oxazolidinone comprises at least one compound according to:wherein R is selected from a C1-C8 alkyl group or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol, and R’ and R” are each individually selected from H, a C1-C8 alkyl group, or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol.

18. The secondary battery of claim 16, wherein the lithium salt is present in the electrolyte solution in an amount of about 1 wt% to about 30 wt%, based on a total weight of the electrolyte solution.

19. A paint remover comprising: a solvent blend comprising about 75 wt% to about 99.9 wt% of a cyclic urethane, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of an alkylene glycol, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, and about 0 wt% to about 20 wt% of an alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof, based on a total weight of the solvent blend, wherein a cumulative concentration of the alkylene glycol and the alkylene carbonate or hydroxy-derivative thereof is about 0.1 wt% to about 25 wt%; and optionally, about 1 wt% to about 40 wt% of a co-solvent selected from the group consisting of: acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl isoamylbutone, hexane, toluene,xylene, methylene chloride, 1,2-trans-di chloroethylene, butyrolactone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulfoxide, sulfolane, dioxalane, glycol ether, and any combination thereof, based on a total weight of the paint remover.

20. The paint remover of claim 19, wherein cyclic urethane is a substituted oxazolidinone comprises at least one compound according to:wherein R is selected from a C1-C8 alkyl group or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol, and R’ and R” are each individually selected from H, a C1-C8 alkyl group, or a C1-C4 alkyl group with a terminal alcohol.

21. The paint remover of claim 19, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a thickener, a surfactants, a chelating agent, and any combination thereof.

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