Silicon anode binder

Abstract

The present invention relates to a binder for a non-aqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery, a negative electrode slurry for a rechargeable battery, a negative electrode for a rechargeable battery, and a rechargeable battery comprising the same.

Description

SILICON ANODE BINDERCross reference to previous applications

[0001] This application claims priority to European application No. 24315061.2 filed on 27 February 2024, the whole content of this application being incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a binder for a non-aqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery, a negative electrode slurry for a rechargeable battery, a negative electrode for a rechargeable battery, and a rechargeable battery comprising the same.Background Art

[0003] Non-aqueous electrolyte rechargeable batteries, such as lithium ion rechargeable batteries, are widely used as power sources for electronic devices. High capacity and long cycle-life characteristics are desirable, however current lithium ion batteries are limited in their storage of electrical charge by the capacity of the negative electrode.

[0004] As an example of a method for increasing capacity of a lithium ion rechargeable battery, an active material including a silicon atom may be used in a negative electrode.

[0005] Silicon has a theoretical capacity of about 3600 mAh / g, much higher than the incumbent anode active material, graphite (<400 mAh / g), thus being important for application of a high capacity battery in terms of capacity. However, since the volume of silicon expands by about four times when charged, during charging and discharging, the volume expansion causes irreversible reactions, such as destruction of an electrical connection between active materials, separation of an active material from a current collector, and formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer due to erosion of the active material by an electrode, and deterioration of service life associated therewith. One widely adopted strategy in the battery market is to use a limited amount of silicon (<10%) mixed with graphite as active material. This strategy mitigates the detrimental impact of silicon on electrode mechanical integrity however the achieved improvement in energy density, proportional to the amount of silicon, is quite limited.

[0006] There is much activity presently dedicated to development of new binders for silicon-containing anodes to enable higher energy density storage.

[0007] The binder, typically an organic polymer, serves as the connective matrix that maintains contact between active materials throughout the anode layer and with the current collector onto which the anode is deposited during fabrication. The binder currently used at anode with current active material (graphite with low Si amount) is not adequate for silicon rich anode (>10%) because it is not sufficiently rigid: it is a combination of a rubber (SBR) with a cellulose derivative (CMC). More efforts to achieve Si rich anodes (>10%) are still needed especially on binder design because the binder can play a key role in accommodating volume change and prevent electrical contact loss between Si particles. In fact it is believed that a robust polymeric binder, capable to interact reversibly with the surface of silicon, can inhibit mechanical fracturing of the anodes during cycling.

[0008] It is generally accepted that chemical functionalities conducive to favorable surface interactions with both the active material and current collector substrate are necessary. Furthermore, chemical compatibility with the liquid electrolyte and other additives are a prerequisite to any binder irrespective of active material compositions. To overcome the specific challenges associated with silicon, one approach is to create a self-healing mechanism within the binder matrix by incorporating weak bonding interactions that enable a degree of reversibility, where these labile bonds can be disrupted under stress but reformed upon relaxation without irreparable damage to the active material particles. There are in fact multiple polycarboxylate binders and derivatives being pursued, including polyacrylic acids, polyamic acids, polyacrylamides, and other hydrogen bonding structures. Such binders effectively make hydrogen bonding between pendant acid groups and silanol groups on the silicon surface and this addresses the silicon volume change issue.

[0009] Miranda, A. et al. (“A Comprehensive Study of Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide as a Binder for Silicon Anodes” Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2019, 11, 44090-44100) disclose the use of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide in the preparation of composite silicon anodes having good adhesion, high strength and high electrochemical storage capacity.

[0010] With respect to polycarboxylates, especially polyacrylic acids, it is also well documented that there are advantages to first convert them to lithium salts by neutralizing with a base such as lithium hydroxide. This is primarily done to avoid sequestration of lithium ions by the free acid groups in the cell, which can diminish the initial capacity.

[0011] WO 2015 / 163302 discloses that capacity retention rates after 10 cycles of charging and discharging may be improved by using an aqueous solution of acrosslinked sodium polyacrylate copolymer. Sodium polyacrylate has been used as a water-soluble high-strength, high-elasticity binder. By using sodium polyacrylate, it is expected that volume changes accompanying charging and discharging of a battery including a silicon-containing active material is suppressed or reduced and cycle characteristics may be improved. It is believed, however, that when using an aqueous solution of a copolymer including sodium polyacrylate as the main component, it is difficult in practical terms to apply the aqueous solution of the copolymer including sodium polyacrylate because cracks are generated in the electrode during the coating and drying processes of the negative electrode slurry.

[0012] Despite the current strategies to prevent degradation of silicon-rich anodes, there seems to be a limit to which they are effective, with no clear breakthrough yet reaching the higher levels of silicon needed to achieve meaningful advancements in the field. There are numerous disclosures of mixed binder systems to leverage cooperative effects between molecules to boost binder performance.

[0013] US 2020 / 0343556 provides a binder for a non-aqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery including a blend of a first copolymer that includes a unit derived from a (meth)acrylic acid-based monomer, and a unit derived from a (meth)acrylonitrile monomer, and a second copolymer that includes a unit derived from an aromatic vinyl-based monomer, and a unit derived from an ethylenic unsaturated monomer comprising a carboxylic acid moiety. Said binder is capable of suppressing or reducing electrode expansion of the negative electrode, and to improve cycle characteristics.

[0014] WO 2023 / 089133 discloses acrylic-acrylamide copolymers including certain additional comonomers that may be used in the preparation of a binder for electrodes, especially for silicon-rich anodes, exhibiting high cycle stability and electrochemical stability.

[0015] However, said polymers have the drawback of a very high viscosity of the electrode slurry, which is an issue for processing at industrial level. In fact, to handle high viscosity, the total solid content must be kept low with significant impact on productivity and costs to evaporate the liquid.

[0016] The Applicant has surprisingly found that by blending said copolymers with certain acrylate polymers including vinylphosphonic acid (VPA) moieties it is possible to significantly reduce the slurry viscosity and then achieve slurries with higher total solid content while keeping the same performance in terms of good adhesion and excellent cycling performance.Summary of invention

[0017] It is an object of the present invention an electrode-forming composition[composition (Comp)] for use in the preparation of electrodes for electrochemical devices, characterized by comprising: a) at least one polymer (P) that comprises:(A) recurring units derived from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of:(A1) at least one a,|3-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer[monomer (AA)]; and(A2) at least one (meth)acrylamide monomer [monomer (AM)] of formula (I):whereinR1and R2, being the same or different from each other, may be selected from a hydrogen atom, from a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a carboxylic group or an amide group,R3represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,R4and R5, being the same or different from each other, may be selected from a hydrogen atom or from a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and(B) recurring units derived from at least one monomer (M), different from monomer (AA) and from monomer (AM), said monomer (M) having the formula (II) below:wherein:R' is selected from the group consisting of H, -COOH, -CH2COOH or an alkyl group, wherein the alkyl group is preferably a methyl group;R" and R'" being the same or different from each other, may be selected from a hydrogen atom or from a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or can be -COOH group;A is a linkage selected from the group consisting of a -C(O)-O- group or a - C(O)-NH- group;Rxis selected from a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C3-C20 hydrocarbon chain moiety comprising at least one functional groups selected from the group consisting of ether (-O-), heterocyclic group, sulfonic acid group (-SO3H), phosphonic acid group (-PO3H2) and phosphoric acid group (-OPO3H2); and b) at least one polymer (A) consisting of: recurring units derived from at least one monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 12 carbon atoms; and recurring units derived from at least one monoethylenically unsaturated phosphonic acid; wherein said polymer (A) has a molecular weight in the range of from 4 Da to 450 kDa; c) an electrode active material; d) a solvent; and e) optionally at least one electroconductivity-imparting additive.

[0018] In another object, the present invention provides a process for preparing an electrode [electrode (E)], said process comprising:(i) providing a metal substrate having at least one surface;(ii) providing a composition (Comp) as above defined;(iii) applying the composition (Comp) provided in step (ii) onto the at least one surface of the metal substrate provided in step (i), thereby providing an assembly comprising a metal substrate coated with said composition (Comp) onto the at least one surface;(iv) drying the assembly provided in step (iii);(v) submitting the dried assembly obtained in step (iv) to a compression step to obtain the electrode (E) of the invention.

[0019] In a further aspect, the present invention pertains to the electrode [electrode (E)] obtainable by the process of the invention.

[0020] In still a further object, the present invention pertains to an electrochemical device comprising at least one electrode (E) of the present invention.Detailed description

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the term “percent by weight” (wt. %) indicates the content of a specific component in a mixture, calculated as the ratio between the weight of the component and the total weight of the mixture. When referred to the total solid content (TSC) of a liquid composition, weight percent (wt. %) indicates the ratio between the weight of all non-volatile ingredients in the liquid.

[0022] By the term "electrochemical cell", it is hereby intended to denote an electrochemical cell comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a liquid electrolyte, wherein a monolayer or multilayer separator is adhered to at least one surface of one of said electrodes.

[0023] Non-limitative examples of electrochemical cells include, notably, batteries, preferably secondary batteries, and electric double layer capacitors.

[0024] For the purpose of the present invention, by "secondary battery" it is intended to denote a rechargeable battery. Non-limitative examples of secondary batteries include, notably, alkaline or alkaline-earth secondary batteries.

[0025] As known in the art, an electrode forming composition is a composition of matter, typically a fluid composition, wherein solid components are dissolved or dispersed in a liquid, which can be applied onto a metallic substrate and subsequently dried thus forming an electrode wherein the metallic substrate acts as current collector. Electrode forming compositions typically comprise at least an electro active material and at least a binder.

[0026] The electrode-forming composition [composition (Comp)] of the present invention comprises a blend of at least one polymer (P) and a polymer (A), which functions as a binder.

[0027] The polymer (P)

[0028] Polymer (P) can be obtained by radical copolymerization of a mixture of at least one monomer (M) as above defined, and at least one monomer selected from at least one a,|3-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer [monomer (AA)] and at least one (meth)acrylamide monomer [monomer (AM)], as above defined.

[0029] The at least one a,|3-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer (AA) is preferably a compound of formula (III):wherein Ra, Rband Rc, equal to or different from each other, are independently selected from a hydrogen atom and a C1-C3 hydrocarbon group.

[0030] More preferably, monomer (AA) is a compound of formula (III) as above defined, that is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, cratonic, methyl (meth)acrylic acid, ethyl (meth)acrylic acid, propyl (meth)acrylic acid, isopropyl (meth)acrylic acid, n-butyl (meth)acrylic acid, 2- ethylhexyl (meth)acrylic acid, n-hexyl (meth)acrylic acid and n-octyl (meth)acrylic acid.

[0031] The (meth)acrylamide monomer [monomer (AM)] of formula (I) is preferably selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylamides or N-substituted (meth)acrylamide such as N-alkyl acrylamides, N,N-dialkylacrylamides.

[0032] The “heterocyclic group” in residue Rxof monomer (M) includes saturated heterocyclic group having at least one nitrogen atom compound, such as imidazolidinone.

[0033] According to a first variant wherein A in formula (II) is a -C(O)-O- group, the monomer (M) may for example be a compound of formula (Ila)(Ha), a compound of formula (lib)(lib), or a compound of formula (lie)wherein in the formulae (Ila) to (lie) R', R" and R'" are as above defined, and n is an integer from 1 to 40.

[0034] According to a second variant wherein A in formula (II) is a -C(O)-NH- group, the monomer (M) may for example be a compound of formula (lid)or a compound of formula (lie)wherein in the formulae (lid) and (lie) R', R" and R'" are as above defined.

[0035] The at least one polymer (P) may further comprise below 10% by moles of one or more further monomers (M’) selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic monomers and amphiphilic monomers provided the total amount of monomer (AA) and / or monomer (AM) is at least 60% by moles with respect to the total moles of recurring units of polymer (P).

[0036] In this embodiment where additional monomers (M’) are present in polymer (P), said hydrophobic and / or amphiphilic monomers are selected from the group consisting of monoethylenically unsaturated monomers: alkyl esters of maleic anhydride and (meth)acrylic acid, such as monomethyl maleic anhydride ester, dimethyl maleic anhydride ester, monoethylmaleic anhydride ester, diethyl maleic anhydride ester, methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, n-hexyl (meth)acrylate, n-octyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxyalkyl esters of maleic anhydride and (meth)acrylic acid, such as monohydroxyethyl maleic anhydride ester, dihydroxyethyl maleic anhydride ester, hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate ethoxylates and propoxylates that derive from maleic anhydride, such as such as polypropylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) maleic acid half ester or diester alkyl-poly(ethylene oxide) maleic acid half ester or diester, ethoxylates and / or propoxylates that derive from the ethoxylation and / or propoxylation of hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylic acid, such as polypropylene oxide)-b- polypthylene oxide)-ethyl (meth)acrylate ethoxylates and / or propoxylates that derive from the (trans)esterification of (meth)acrylic acid and esters such as polypropylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (meth)acrylate and alkyl-poly(ethylene oxide) (meth)acrylateVinyl ethers such as methyl vinyl ether, ethyl vinyl ether, propyl vinyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl vinyl ether, vinyl cyclohexyl ether, dodecyl vinyl ether, 2- (diethylamino)ethyl vinyl ether, 2-(di-n-butylamino)ethyl vinyl ether allyl ethers such as methyl vinyl ether, ethyl vinyl ether, propyl vinyl ether, 2- ethylhexyl vinyl ether,Vinyl esters, such as vinyl acetate or vinyl propionate alkyl-substituted acrylamides such as N-tert-butyl acrylamide or N-methyl (meth)acrylamide.

[0037] Preferably, additional monomers (M’) that are present in polymer (P) are selected from the group consisting of: monoethyl maleic anhydride ester, diethyl maleic anhydride ester, methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate monohydroxyethyl maleic anhydride ester, dihydroxyethyl maleic anhydride ester, hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate polypropylene oxide)-b-polypthylene oxide) maleic acid half ester polypropylene oxide)-b-polypthylene oxide)-ethyl (meth)acrylate polypropylene oxide)-b-polypthylene oxide) (meth)acrylate, alkyl— polypthylene oxide) (meth)acrylatevinyl acetate, vinyl propionate.

[0038] The proportion in moles of monomers (M’) cannot exceed 10% by moles of the total moles of monomers (AA + AM + M + M’) present in polymer (P). Advantageously the proportion in moles of monomers (M’) is below 5% by moles.

[0039] The at least one polymer (P) may further comprise below 1% by moles of one or more further crosslinking monomers (XL-M) comprising at least two ethylenic unsaturations.

[0040] In this embodiment where additional monomers (XL-M) are present in polymer (P), said crosslinking monomers may be chosen from N,N'- methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), N,N'-ethylenebisacrylamide, polyethylene glycol (PEG) diacrylate, triacrylate, divinyl ether, for example tri(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether (TEGDE), ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacylate, ditrimethylolpropane tetraacrylate (DiTMPTTA), divinylbenzene (DVB), ethoxylated or propoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate (DPGDA), tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA), propoxylated di(meth)acrylate, butyloxylated di(meth)acrylate, dimethylacrylamide, 1 , 4-butanediol dimethacrylate (BDDMA), 1 ,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate (HDDMA), 1 ,3-butylene glycol dimethacrylate (BGDMA), and derivatives thereof.

[0041] The proportion in moles of monomers (XL-M) cannot exceed 1% by moles of the total moles of monomers (AA + AM + M + M’+XL-M) present in polymer (P) to avoid gel formation and viscosity increase. Advantageously the proportion in moles of monomers (M’) is below 0.5% by moles.

[0042] According to said embodiment, polymer (P) obtained by a polymerization that further includes monomer (XL-M) is at least partially crosslinked.

[0043] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, there are no further monomers (M’) or (XL-M) in the polymer (P), which means that polymer (P) is obtained by radical copolymerization of a mixture consisting essentially of, notably consisting of:(A) at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of:(A1) at least one [monomer (AA)] as above defined; and (A2) at least one [monomer (AM)] as above defined, and(B) at least monomer (M) as above defined.

[0044] Typically, the polymer (P) is obtained by radical copolymerization of a mixture of:- at least one monomer (M),- at least one monomer (AA) and / or- at least one monomer (AM),- optionally at least one monomer (M’) and,- optionally at least one monomer (XL-M), in the presence of a source of free radicals.

[0045] Any source of free radicals can be used. It is possible in particular to generate free radicals spontaneously, for example by increasing the temperature, with appropriate monomers, such as styrene. It is possible to generate free radicals by irradiation, in particular by UV irradiation, preferably in the presence of appropriate UV-sensitive initiators. It is possible to use initiators or initiator systems of radical or redox type. The source of free radicals may or may not be water-soluble. It may be preferable to use water-soluble initiators or at least partially water-soluble initiators.

[0046] Generally, the greater the amount of free radicals, the more easily the polymerization is initiated (it is promoted) but the lower the molar masses of the copolymers obtained. Use may in particular be made of the following initiators:- peroxides, such as: hydrogen peroxides, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, tbutyl peroxyacetate, t-butyl peroxybenzoate, t-butyl peroxyoctoate, t-butyl peroxyneodecanoate, t-butyl peroxyisobutyrate, lauroyl peroxide, t-amyl peroxypivalate, tbutyl peroxypivalate, dicumyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, potassium persulfate or ammonium persulfate,- azo compounds, such as: 2,2’-azobisisobutyronitrile, 2,2’-azobis(2- butanenitrile), 4,4’- azobis(4-pentanoic acid), 1 ,1’- azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), 2-(t-butylazo)-2- cyanopropane, 2,2’-azobis{2- methyl-N-[1 ,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2- hydroxyethyl]propionamide}, 2,2’-azobis[2- methyl-N- (hydroxyethyl)propionamide], 2,2’- azobis(N,N’- dimethyleneisobutyramidine) dihydrochloride, 2,2’-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride, 2,2’-azobis(N,N’-dimethyleneisobutyramide), 2,2’-azobis{2- methyl-N-[1 ,1- bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]propionamide}, 2,2’-azobis{2- methyl-N-[1 ,1- bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]propionamide}, 2,2’-azobis[2-methyl-N-(2- hydroxyethyl)propionamide] or 2,2’-azobis(isobutyramide) dihydrate,- redox systems comprising combinations, such as: mixtures of hydrogen peroxide, alkyl peroxide, peresters, percarbonates and the like and of any iron salt, titanous salt, zinc formaldehydesulfoxylate or sodium formaldehydesulfoxylate, and reducing sugars,- alkali metal or ammonium persulfates, perborates or perchlorates, in combination with an alkali metal bisulfite, such as sodium metabisulfite, and reducing sugars, and- alkali metal persulfates in combination with an arylphosphinic acid, such as benzenephosphonic acid and others of a like nature, and reducing sugars.

[0047] The polymerization temperature can in particular be between 25°C and 95°C.The temperature can depend on the source of free radicals. If it is not a source of UV initiator type, it will be preferable to operate between 50°C and 95°C, more preferably between 60°C and 80°C. Generally, the higher the temperature, the more easily the polymerization is initiated (it is promoted) but the lower the molar masses of the copolymers obtained.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polymer (P) is obtained by radical polymerization of one monomer (AA), one monomer (AM), and one monomer (M) in the presence of a source of free radicals, in order to obtain a polymer comprising recurring units derived from monomer (AA) recurring units derived from monomer (AM) and recurring units derived from monomer (M).

[0049] According to a more preferred embodiment, an acrylic acid, an acrylamide and vinylimidazole of formula (la).

[0050] Polymer (P) can also be prepared by any controlled radical polymerization. Among these, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and macromolecular design via inter-exchange of xanthate (MADIX) can be mentioned.

[0051] The use of RAFT or MADIX controlled radical polymerization agents, hereinafter referred to as “RAFT / MADIX agents”, has been disclosed for instance WO 98 / 058974 A (RHODIA CHIMIE) 30 Dec. 1998 and WO 98 / 01478 A (E.l. DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANIZATION) 15 Jan. 1998.

[0052] Preferably, the polymer (P) is obtained by radical copolymerization of a mixture having the following molar ratio, based on the total quantity of monomer (AA), monomer (AM) and monomer (M): monomer (AA): from 0 to 95%, notably from 5 to 50%, preferably from 20 to 40%, monomer (AM): from 0 to 90%, preferably from 25 to 90%, more preferably from 60 to 80%, monomer (M): from 0.1 to 50%, for example from 1 to 30%, notably from 1 to 20% and even 2 to 15%, wherein at least one of monomer (AA) and monomer (AM) is not in amount of 0%.

[0053] As a consequence, polymer (P) preferably comprises: from 0 to 95%, notably from 5 to 50%, preferably from 20 to 40% of recurring units derived from monomer (AA), from 0 to 90%, preferably from 25 to 90%, more preferably from 50 to 80% of recurring units derived from monomer (AM), andfrom 0.1 to 50%, for example from 1 to 30%, notably from 1 to 20% and even 2 to 15% of recurring units derived from monomer (M), wherein at least one of monomer (AA) and monomer (AM) is not in amount of 0%, all the aforementioned % by moles being referred to the total moles of recurring units of the polymer (P).

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, polymer (P) comprises:- from 5 to 50%, preferably from 20 to 40% of recurring units derived from monomer (AA),- from 25 to 90%, more preferably from 50 to 80% of recurring units derived from monomer (AM), and- from 0.1 to 50%, for example from 1 to 30%, notably from 1 to 20% and even 2 to 15% of recurring units derived from monomer (M), all the aforementioned % by moles being referred to the total moles of recurring units of the polymer (P).

[0055] Besides, the polymer (P) according to the invention preferably has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 90 kDa, for example between 90 and 5000 kDa, preferably from 850 kDa to 2000 kDa.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, polymer (P) is a statistical (random) copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 100 kDa to 10000 kDa, preferably from 1000 kDa to 3000 kDa, which is obtained by radical polymerization of a mixture of monomer (AA), monomer (AM), and a monomer (M), preferably in a molar ratio of about:- from 20 to 40% of monomer (AA),- from 50 to 80% of monomer (AM), and- from 2 to 15% of monomer (M).

[0057] According to an embodiment of the invention, polymer (P) is a block copolymer obtained by controlled radical polymerization using RAFT / MADIX agents.

[0058] By "block copolymer" as used herein it is intended any controlled-architecture copolymer, including but not limited to true block polymers, which could be diblocks, tri-blocks, or multi-blocks; branched block copolymers, also known as linear star polymers; comb; and gradient polymers. Gradient polymers are linear polymers whose composition changes gradually along the polymer chains, potentially ranging from a random to a block-like structure. Each block of the block copolymers may itself be a homopolymer, a random copolymer, a random terpolymer, or a gradient polymer.

[0059] Polymer (P) can be provided in solid or dry form or in a vectorized form, for example in the form of a solution or of an emulsion or of a suspension, inparticular in the form of an aqueous solution. The vectorized form, for example an aqueous solution, can in particular comprise from 3 to 50% by weight of the polymer (P), for example from 5 to 30% by weight. The aqueous solution comprising polymer (P) can in particular be a solution obtained by an aqueous phase preparation process at the end of a radical polymerization process.

[0060] When polymer (P) comprises recurring units deriving from at least one monomer (AA), it may suitably be converted into its neutralized form polymer (P-N), thus comprising the recurring units derived from the at least an a,[3-ethylen ically unsaturated carboxylic acid in a neutralized form.

[0061] In one embodiment, the present invention thus provides a polymer (P-N), said polymer comprising:(A) recurring units derived from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of:(A1) at least one a,|3-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer [monomer (AA)] in neutralized form; and(A2) at least one (meth)acrylamide monomer [monomer (AM)] of formula (I):whereinR1and R2, being the same or different from each other, may be selected from a hydrogen atom, from a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a carboxylic group or an amide group,R3represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,R4and R5, being the same or different from each other, may be selected from a hydrogen atom or from a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and(B) recurring units derived from at least one monomer (M), different from monomer (AA) and from monomer (AM), said monomer (M) having the formula (II) below:wherein:R' is selected from the group consisting of H, -COOH, -CH2COOH or an alkyl group, wherein the alkyl group is preferably a methyl group;R" and R'" being the same or different from each other, may be selected from a hydrogen atom or from a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or can be -COOH group;A is a linkage selected from the group consisting of a -C(O)-O- group or a - C(O)-NH- group;Rxis selected from a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C3-C20 hydrocarbon chain moiety comprising at least one functional groups selected from the group consisting of ether (-O-), heterocyclic group, sulfonic acid group (-SO3H), phosphonic acid group (-PO3H2) and phosphoric acid group (-OPO3H2).

[0062] Polymer (P-N) can be prepared by neutralizing the acid groups of the recurring units derived from monomer (AA) of polymer (P) as above defined, wherein the neutralization of acid groups is carried out either with a salt [salt (S)] including a monovalent cation, preferably an alkaline metal salt, in a suitable solvent, or with ammonia.

[0063] The salt (S) can be any salt capable of neutralizing the acid groups. In some embodiments, the salt (S) is a lithium salt selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, lithium bicarbonate, and combinations thereof, preferably lithium carbonate. In some embodiments, the lithium salt is free of lithium hydroxide.

[0064] The solvent for use in the step of neutralization of polymer (P) can be any solvent capable of dissolving the salt (S) or ammonia and the resulting polymer (P-N). Preferably, the solvent is selected from at least one of an aqueous solvent, such as water, NMP, and alcohols, such as, for example, methanol, isopropanol, and ethanol. Most preferably, the solvent is an aqueous solvent. Still more preferably the solvent is water.

[0065] Preferably the content of the salt (S) in the solvent ranges from 0.5 to 10 wt. %, preferably from 1 to 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the solvent and the salt (S).

[0066] In some embodiments wherein the salt (S) is a lithium salt, the concentration of the lithium salt in the solvent provides at least 0.25 eq, 0.5 eq, 0.8 eq, 1 eq, 1.5 eq, 2 eq, 2.5 eq, 3 eq, 4, eq of lithium to acid groups. In some embodiments, the concentration of the lithium salt in the solvent provides at most 5 eq, preferably at most 4, eq of lithium to acid groups.

[0067] According to said embodiments, the polymer (P-N) comprises recurring units derived from the lithiated form of the at least one a,|3-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer.

[0068] The content of polymer (P-N) in the solution after neutralization, based on the total weight of the solvent and the polymer (P-N), ranges from 0.5 to 40 wt %, preferably from 2 to 30 wt %, more preferably 4 to 20 wt %.

[0069] The polymer (P-N) can be isolated as a solid from the solution after neutralization and optionally stored for later use. The solid polymer (P-N) can also be dissolved (or re-dissolved) in water to prepare the electrode-forming composition described below. Preferably, however, the solution including the polymer (P-N) after neutralization is an aqueous solution that can be used directly, optionally with further dilution with water, in preparing binder composition as described below.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, a lithium salt of polymer (P), namely polymer (P-Li) was prepared by adding an amount of LiOH to fully neutralize an aqueous solution containing about 10 wt. % polymer (P). The resulting solution had a pH in the range of 6.5 to 9 and contained approximately 10 wt. % of polymer (P-Li).

[0071] The neutralized polymer solution has advantages in the processing and dispersing ability of the slurry because neutralized polymer shows increased viscosity. Moreover, polymer (P-Li) has a pH more compatible with lithiated silicon types that usually show better performance if processed with slurry having a pH higher than 7. An additional advantage is that the salified form of the recurring units derived from the monomer (AA) can avoid sequestration of sodium or lithium ions by the free acid groups in the cell, which can diminish the first cycle coulombic efficiency and thus the initial capacity.

[0072] The polymer (A)

[0073] As used herein, the term “monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 12 carbon atoms” means a compound that includes a carboxylic acid and a single site of ethylenic unsaturation per molecule and includes, but is not limited to, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, crotonic acid, 2-ethylpropenoic acid, 2- propylpropenoic acid, 2-acryloxyacetic acid and 2-methacyloxyacetic acid, more preferably one or more of methacrylic acid and acrylic acid, more preferably methacrylic acid or acrylic acid.

[0074] As used herein, the term “monoethylenically unsaturated phosphonic acid” means a compound that includes a phosphonic acid and a single site of ethylenic unsaturation per molecule, such as vinylphosphonic acid, allylphosphonic acid, styrenephosphonic acid and 2-acrylamido-2- methylpropane phosphonic acid, more preferably vinylphosphonic acid.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, polymer (A) is a copolymer including recurring units derived from acrylic acid and recurring units derived from vinylphosphonic acid.

[0076] Polymer (A) for use in the composition of the present invention has a molecular weight in the range of from 4 kDa to 450 kDa, preferably from 15 kDa to 250 kDa, most preferably from 30 kDa to 150 kDa.

[0077] Polymer (A) can be obtained by radical copolymerization of a mixture of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 12 carbon atoms as above defined, and at least one monoethylenically unsaturated phosphonic acid as above defined.

[0078] The polymer (A) may further be at least partially neutralized to obtain at least a fraction of the carboxylic acid moieties in the form of a salt.

[0079] The preparation of polymer (A) may thus further include a step of neutralization of at least a fraction of carboxyl groups with a salt [salt (S)], as above defined.

[0080] The Applicant has surprisingly found that by the addition of a polymer (A) having a low Mw, and preferably in the range of from 4 kDa to 450 kDa, it is possible to significantly reduce the solution viscosity of a solution of polymer (P) and then achieve slurries with higher total solid content, while keeping the same performance in terms of good adhesion and excellent cycling performance.

[0081] The electrode-forming composition [composition (Comp)]

[0082] The amount of polymer (P) which may be used in the electrode-forming composition (Comp) is subject to various factors. One such factor is the surface area and amount of the active material, and the surface area and amount of any electroconductivity-imparting additive which are added to the electrode-forming composition. These factors are believed to be important because the binder particles provide bridges between the conductor particles and conductive material particles, keeping them in contact.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the ratio between polymer (P) and polymer (A) in the composition is of at least 50:50 by weight, more preferably of at least 70:30 by weight, still more preferably is about 90:10 by weight.

[0084] The electrode forming composition [composition (Comp)] of the present invention includes one or more electrode active material. For the purpose of the presentinvention, the term “electrode active material” is intended to denote a compound that is able to incorporate or insert into its structure, and substantially release therefrom, alkaline or alkaline-earth metal ions during the charging phase and the discharging phase of an electrochemical device. The electrode active material is preferably able to incorporate or insert and release lithium ions.

[0085] The nature of the electrode active material in the electrode forming composition (Comp) of the invention depends on whether said composition is used in the manufacture of a negative electrode (anode) or a positive electrode (cathode).

[0086] The electrode active material (AM) of the positive electrode is preferably a compound capable of intercalating lithium ions or sodium ions.

[0087] The conventional active materials (AM) at the positive electrode of sodium-ion batteries are generally selected from Na-based layered transition-metal oxides, Prussian blue analogs and polyanion-type materials.

[0088] In some embodiments the active materials are Na-based layered transition-metal oxides classified as O3-, P2-, and P3-types depending on the stacking sequence of oxygen layers. P2-type structures generally respond to the general formula NaxMO2wherein M stands for a transition metal ion such as Co, Mn and x is 2 / 3.

[0089] In some embodiments the active materials are Prussian blue analogs (PBA) of general formula AxP[R(CN)6]i-yny.mH2O with A and alkali metal ion, P a N- coordinated transition metal ion, R a C-coordinated transition metal ion, □ a [R(CN)6] vacancy, with 0 < x < 2 and 0 < y < 1 such as NaFe2(CN)6, Na1 63Fe-i 89(CN)e, Na-i 72MnFe(CN)e, NaiNa2NixCoi.xFe(CN)6 with 0 < x < 1 e.g. Na2CoFe(CN)6.

[0090] In some other embodiments the active materials are polyanion-type materials of general formula NaxMy(XO4)n (where X = S, P, Si, As, Mo and W and M is transition metal), which possess a series of tetrahedron anion units (XO4)n- and their derivatives (XmO3m+i)n'. Among them, phosphates NaMPO4such as NaFePO4, Nao7FeP04or NaMnPO4; natrium (sodium) superionic conductor of NASICON-type structures of general formula NaxM2(XO4)3(where 1 < x < 4 and

[0091] M = V, Fe, Ni, Mn, Ti, Cr, Zr...; X = P, S, Si, Se, Mo ...) - with single transition metal type such as Na3V2(PO4)3(NVP), Na3Cr2(PO4)3, Na3Fe2(PO4)3; - with binary transition metal type such as Na2VTi(PO4)3, Na3FeV(PO4)3, Na4MnV(PO4)3, Na3MnZr(PO4)3, Na3MnTi(PO4)3, Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) (NFPP); pyrophosphates Na2FeP2O7, Na2M Na3i2Fe2 44(P2O7)2fluorophosphatesXPO4)2FI+2X(with 0 < x < 1) e.g. Na3(VOPO4)2F or Na3V2(PO4)2F3(NVPF); fluorosulfates such as NaMSO4F (with M = Fe, Co, Ni); mixed phosphates / pyrophosphates of general formula Na4M3(PO4)2(P2O7) (with M representing transition metals) such as Na4Mn3(PO4)2(P2O7), Na4Co3(P04)2(P207), Na4Ni3(PO4)2(P2O7), Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) (NFPP), Na7V4(P2O7)4(PO4); sulfates such as Na2Fe2(SO4)3, Na2+2xFe2-x(SO4)3, Na2+2xCo2-x(S04)3, Na2+2xMn2-x(SO4)3(where 0 < x < 1) ; silicates of general formula Na2MSiO4(with M = Mn, Fe, Co and Ni).

[0092] In some preferred embodiments the active materials are fluorophosphates preferably selected from the list consisting of NaVPO4F, Na2CoP04F, Na2FePO4F, Na2MnPO4F, Na3( Oi.xPO4)2Fi+2x (with 0 < x < 1) e.g. Na3(VOPO4)2F or Na3V2(PO4)2F3(NVPF).

[0093] The conventional active materials (AM) at the positive electrode of lithium-ion batteries may comprise a composite metal chalcogenide of formula LiMQ2, wherein M is at least one metal selected from transition metals such as Co, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cr and and Q is a chalcogen such as O or S. Among these, it is preferred to use a lithium-based composite metal oxide of formula LiMO2, wherein M is the same as defined above. Preferred examples thereof may include LiCo02, LiNiO2, LiNixCoi.x02 (0 < x < 1) and spinel-structured LiMn2O4.

[0094] As an alternative, still, the electrode active material may comprise a lithiated or partially lithiated transition metal oxyanion-based electro-active material of formula MiM2(JO4)fEi.f, wherein Mi is lithium, which may be partially substituted by another alkali metal representing less than 20% of the Mi metals, M2is a transition metal at the oxidation level of +2 selected from Fe, Mn, Ni or mixtures thereof, which may be partially substituted by one or more additional metals at oxidation levels between +1 and +5 and representing less than 35% of the M2metals, including 0, JO4is any oxyanion wherein J is either P, S, V, Si, Nb, Mo or a combination thereof, E is a fluoride, hydroxide or chloride anion, f is the molar fraction of the JO4oxyanion, generally comprised between 0.75 and 1.

[0095] The MiM2(JO4)fEi.f electro-active material as defined above is preferably phosphate-based and may have an ordered or modified olivine structure.

[0096] More preferably, the electrode active material has formula Li3.xM’yM”2-y(JO4)3wherein 0<x<3, 0<y<2, M’ and M” are the same or different metals, at least one of which being a transition metal, JO4is preferably PO4which may be partially substituted with another oxyanion, wherein J is either S, V, Si, Nb, Mo or a combination thereof.

[0097] The A component is preferably Fe, Mn, and Ni, and particularly preferably Fe.

[0098] The D component is preferably Mg or Ca.

[0099] In the case of forming a negative electrode for a secondary battery, the electrode active material may preferably comprise one or more carbon-based materials and / or one or more silicon-based materials.

[0100] In some embodiments, the carbon-based materials may be selected from graphite, such as natural or artificial graphite, graphene, or carbon black. These materials may be used alone or as a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0101] The carbon-based material is preferably graphite.

[0102] The silicon-based compound may be one or more selected from the group consisting of chlorosilane, alkoxysilane, aminosilane, fluoroalkylsilane, silicon, silicon chloride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide and lithiated silicon.

[0103] More particularly, the silicon-based compound may be silicon oxide or silicon carbide.

[0104] When present in the electrode active material, the silicon-based compounds are comprised in an amount ranging from 1 to 70 % by weight, preferably from 5 to 30 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the electro active compounds.

[0105] One or more optional electroconductivity-imparting additives may be added in order to improve the conductivity of a resulting electrode made from the composition of the present invention. Conducting agents for batteries are known in the art.

[0106] Examples thereof may include: carbonaceous materials, such as carbon black, graphite fine powder, carbon nanotubes, graphene, or fiber, or fine powder or fibers of metals such as nickel or aluminum. The optional conductive agent is preferably carbon black. Carbon black is available, for example, under the brand names, Super P® or Ketjenblack®.

[0107] When present, the conductive agent is different from the carbon-based material described above.

[0108] The amount of optional conductive agent is preferably from 0 to 30 wt. % of the total solids in the electrode forming composition. In particular, for cathode forming compositions the optional conductive agent is typically from 0 wt. % to 10 wt. %, more preferably from 0 wt. % to 5 wt. % of the total amount of the solids within the composition.

[0109] For anode forming compositions which are free from silicon based electro active compounds the optional conductive agent is typically from 0 wt. % to 5 wt. %, more preferably from 0 wt. % to 2 wt.% of the total amount of the solids within the composition, while for anode forming compositions comprising silicon based electro active compounds it has been found to be beneficial to introduce a largeramount of optional conductive agent, typically from 0.5 to 30 wt. % of the total amount of the solids within the composition.

[0110] The solvent for use in the electrode-forming composition of the invention can be any solvent capable of dissolving or at least dispersing both polymer (A) and polymer (P). Preferably, the solvent is selected from at least one of an aqueous solvent, such as water, NMP, alcohols, such as, for example, methanol, isopropanol, and ethanol. Most preferably, the solvent is an aqueous solvent. Still more preferably the solvent is water.

[0111] Further, the electrode-forming composition of the invention can contain at least one thickener; when present, the amount of thickener (also designated as rheology modifier) is not particularly limited and generally ranges between 0.1 and 10 wt %, preferably between 0.5 and 5 wt %, with respect to the total weight of the composition (Comp). The thickener is generally added in order to prevent or slow down the settling of the powdery electrode material from the composition of the invention, while providing appropriate viscosity of the composition for a casting process.

[0112] Non-limitative examples of suitable thickeners include, notably, organic thickeners such as carboxylated alkyl cellulose like carboxylated methyl cellulose and inorganic thickeners such as natural clays like montmorillonite and bentonite, manmade clays like laponite and others like silica and talc.

[0113] The total solid content (TSC) of the composition (Comp) of the present invention is typically comprised between 15 and 70 wt. %, preferably from 40 to 60 wt. % over the total weight of the composition (Comp). The total solid content of the composition (Comp) is understood to be cumulative of all non-volatile ingredients thereof, notably including polymer (P), the electrode active material and any solid, non-volatile additional additive such as the thickener.

[0114] When the binder solution is prepared separately and subsequently combined with an electrode active material and optional conductive material and other additives to prepare composition (Comp), an amount of solvent sufficient to create a stable solution is employed. The amount of solvent used may range from the minimum amount needed to create a stable solution to an amount needed to achieve a desired total solid content in an electrode mixture after the active electrode material, optional conductive material, and other solid additives have been added.

[0115] The Applicant has surprisingly found that the blend of polymer (P) and polymer (A) shows excellent dispersing ability and allows to obtain a composition (Comp) having low slurry viscosity. This is beneficial for electrode manufacturers,because the maximum viscosity for an efficient industrial process is typically below 10000 CPs and the total solid content should be higher than 45% for fast and efficient drying. The blends of polymer (P) and polymer (A) lead to stable slurry having viscosity lower than 10000 CPs with TSC that is higher than tat of polymer (P) alone; moreover, the slurries show no sedimentation for over 2 days without the use of a rheology modifier and have the processing features to be used in industrial processes.

[0116] The electrode (E)

[0117] The electrode-forming composition (Comp) of the invention can be used in a process for the manufacture of an electrode [electrode (E)], said process comprising:(i) providing a metal substrate having at least one surface;(ii) providing an electrode-forming composition [composition (Comp)] as above defined;(iii) applying the composition (Comp) provided in step (ii) onto the at least one surface of the metal substrate provided in step (i), thereby providing an assembly comprising a metal substrate coated with said composition (Comp) onto the at least one surface;(iv) drying the assembly provided in step (iii);(v) submitting the dried assembly obtained in step (iv) to a compression step to obtain the electrode (E) of the invention.

[0118] The metal substrate is generally a foil, mesh or net made from a metal, such as copper, aluminum, iron, stainless steel, nickel, titanium or silver.

[0119] Under step (iii) of the process of the invention, the electrode forming composition (Comp) is applied onto at least one surface of the metal substrate typically by any suitable procedures such as casting, printing and roll coating.

[0120] Optionally, step (iii) may be repeated, typically one or more times, by applying the electrode forming composition (Comp) provided in step (ii) onto the assembly provided in step (iv).

[0121] Under step (iv) of the process of the invention, drying may be performed either under atmospheric pressure or under vacuum. Alternatively, drying may be performed under modified atmosphere, e.g. under an inert gas, typically exempt notably from moisture (water vapour content of less than 0.001% v / v).

[0122] The drying temperature will be selected so as to effect removal by evaporation of the liquid medium from the electrode (E) of the invention.

[0123] In step (v), the dried assembly obtained in step (iv) is submitted to a compression step such as a calendaring process, to achieve the target porosity and density of the electrode (E) of the invention.

[0124] Preferably, the dried assembly obtained at step (iv) is hot pressed, the temperature during the compression step being comprised from 25°C and 130°C, preferably being of about 60°C.

[0125] Preferred target density for electrode (E) is comprised between 1 .4 and 2 g / cc, preferably at least 1 .55 g / cc. The density of electrode (E) is calculated as the sum of the product of the densities of the components of the electrode multiplied by their mass ratio in the electrode formulation.

[0126] In a further aspect, the present invention pertains to the electrode [electrode (E)] obtainable by the process of the invention.

[0127] Therefore the present invention relates to an electrode (E) comprising:- a metal substrate having at least one surface, and- directly adhered onto at least one surface of said metal substrate, at least one layer consisting of a composition comprising: a) at least one polymer (P), b) an electrode active material, c) a solvent, and d) optionally at least one electroconductivity-imparting additive.

[0128] The composition directly adhered onto at least one surface of said metal substrate corresponds to the electrode forming composition (Comp) of the invention wherein the solvent has been at least partially removed during the manufacturing process of the electrode, for example in step (iv) (drying) and / or in the compression step (v). Therefore all the preferred embodiments described in relation to the electrode forming compositions (Comp) of the invention are also applicable to the composition directly adhered onto at least one surface of said metal substrate, in electrodes of the invention, except for the medium removed during the manufacturing process.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrode (E) is a negative electrode. More preferably, the negative electrode comprises a silicon based electro active material.

[0130] In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a negative electrode comprising, based on the total weight of the electrode:0.5 to 15 wt. %, preferably 0.5 to 10 wt. % of the polymer (P),45 to 95 wt. %, preferably 70 to 90 wt. % of the carbon-based material,3 to 50 wt. %, preferably 10 to 50 wt. % of the silicon-based material, and0 to 5 wt. %, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 wt. %, more preferably about 1 wt. % of the electroconductivity-imparting additive.

[0131] The electrode (E) of the invention is particularly suitable for use in electrochemical devices, in particular in secondary batteries.

[0132] The secondary battery of the invention is preferably an alkaline or an alkaline- earth secondary battery.

[0133] The secondary battery of the invention is more preferably a sodium-ion or a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0134] An electrochemical device according to the present invention can be prepared by standard methods known to a person skilled in the art.

[0135] Should the disclosure of any patents, patent applications, and publications which are incorporated herein by reference conflict with the description of the present application to the extent that it may render a term unclear, the present description shall take precedence.

[0136] The invention will be now described with reference to the following examples, whose purpose is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0137] EXAMPLES

[0138] RAW MATERIALS

[0139] AA: Acrylic Acid available from Aldrich;

[0140] AM: Acrylamide monomer (50% water solution) available from SNF;

[0141] Vim: vinylimidazole monomer available from Aldrich;

[0142] Transfer agent: freshly prepared 1% wt. solution in ethanol of MADIX-type transfer agent available as Rhodixan A1 from Solvay;

[0143] Sodium persulfate in powder form available from VWR; (10% wt. water solution was prepared just before the polymerization experiment);

[0144] Sodium formaldehydesulfoxylate in powder form available from Aldrich; (10% wt. water solution was prepared just before the polymerization experiment);

[0145] V-50 initiator: (2,2'-Azobis(2-methyl-propionamidine) dihydrochloride) available in powder form from Aldrich; (10% wt. water solution was prepared just before the polymerization experiment);

[0146] Lithium hydroxide monohydrate (purity 98%) available from Sigma-Aldrich;

[0147] Chemically doped KSC-7144 SiOx having specific capacity of 2100 mAh / g available from Shin Etsu;

[0148] Graphite, ACTILION GHDR from Imerys S.A.;

[0149] Carbon black, available as SC45 from Imerys S.A.;

[0150] Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), available as MAC 500LC from Nippon Paper;

[0151] Electrolyte mixture of LiPF6 1 M in EC / DMC 1 / 1 v / v with 2 % wt. VC and 10% wt. F1 EC, from Solvionic.

[0152] C1020R-H Copper foil from Hohsen 10um thick

[0153] SBR BM480B commercially available from Zeon

[0154] Addibond®829: vinyl phosphonic acid acrylic acid copolymer having a molecular weight in the range of from 30 kDa to 90 kDa, commercially available as 40 percent solution water from Syensqo.

[0155] General Synthesis procedure of polymer (P)

[0156] The synthesis was conducted in a thermally isolated reactor to minimize the heat exchange with surrounding (Thermos like flask).

[0157] The reactor was equipped with a lid containing multiple entries into which were installed a small reflux system, a mechanical stirring system, a nitrogen purge line and a raw materials feed line.

[0158] In a first step, all monomers, solvent (water) and optionally a transfer agent, were charged into the reactor and kept under stirring and nitrogen purging for around 1 hour at room temperature. Then, the redox type initiator was added to the reaction mixture. The thermal initiator was also added at same time into the reaction mixture. The initiator was homogenized in the reaction mixture for few minutes with mechanical stirring, then the stirring and nitrogen purge were stopped.

[0159] An increase of the reaction mixture temperature from room temperature up to around 80 - 90°C was obtained within around half to one hour time as an exothermic effect. Then, the reaction mixture was maintained in the reaction flask for further 24 hours.

[0160] Polymer P1 was obtained by said procedure. The details are provided in Table 1.Table 1

[0161] General procedure to prepare polymer blends

[0162] Comp-1 polymer blend comprising of polymer P1 with Addibond®829with ratio 90:10 and Comp-2 polymer blend comprising of polymer P1 with Addibond®829 with ratio 85:15 were prepared by mixing.

[0163] Preparation of Electrode-Forming Compositions and Negative Electrodes

[0164] Electrode-forming compositions and negative electrodes were prepared as detailed below, using the following equipment:

[0165] Mechanical mixer: planetary mixer (Speedmixer) and high shear mechanical mixer of the Dispermat® series with inclined impeller;Film coater / doctor blade: Elcometer® 4340 motorised I Zehntner; ZUA2000; Vacuum oven: BINDER VD 23 with vacuum; and Roll press: precision 4" hot rolling press / calender up to 100°C.

[0166] Example 1 - Negative Electrode

[0167] An aqueous composition was prepared by mixing 23.4 g of a 10.7% by weight solution of Comp-1 in water, 0.5 g of carbon black, 9.4 g of silicon oxide, 37.6 g of graphite and 29.1 g of deionized water. The mixture was homogenized by moderate stirring in a planetary mixer for 20 min and then mixed again by moderate stirring for 1 h. After 1 h, the shear was reduced and the slurry mixed again by low stirring. The slurry SE1 has a final total solid content of 50%.

[0168] A negative electrode was obtained by casting the binder composition thus obtained on a 10 pm thick copper foil with a doctor blade and drying the coating layer in an oven at temperature of 90°C for about 70 minutes. The thickness of the dried coating layer was about 68 pm. The electrode was then hot pressed at 60°C in a roll press to achieve target density of 1 .6 g / cc. The resulting negative electrode had the following composition: 18.8 wt.% of silicon oxide, 75.2 wt.% of graphite, 5 wt.% of Comp-1 and 1 wt. % of carbon black. Electrode E1 was thus obtained.

[0169] Example 2 - Negative Electrode

[0170] An aqueous composition was prepared by mixing 22.4 g of a 10.7% by weight solution of Comp-2 in water, 0.48 g of carbon black, 9.0 g of silicon oxide, 36.1 g of graphite and 32.0 g of deionized water. The mixture was homogenized by moderate stirring in a planetary mixer for 20 min and then mixed again bymoderate stirring for 1 h. After 1 h, the shear was reduced and the slurry mixed again by low stirring. The slurry SE2 has a final total solid content of 48%.

[0171] A negative electrode was obtained by casting the binder composition thus obtained on a 10 pm thick copper foil with a doctor blade and drying the coating layer in an oven at temperature of 90°C for about 70 minutes. The thickness of the dried coating layer was about 71 pm. The electrode was then hot pressed at 60°C in a roll press to achieve target density of 1 .6 g / cc. The resulting negative electrode had the following composition: 18.8 wt.% of silicon oxide, 75.2 wt.% of graphite, 5 wt.% of Comp-2 and 1 wt. % of carbon black. Electrode E2 was thus obtained.

[0172] Comparative Example CE1 : Negative Electrode Including polymer P1

[0173] An aqueous composition was prepared by mixing 28.0 g of a 7.5% by weight solution of P1 in water, 0.42 g of carbon black, 7.9 g of silicon oxide, 31 .6 g of graphite and 32.1 g of deionized water. The mixture was homogenized by moderate stirring in a planetary mixer for 20 min and then mixed again by moderate stirring for 1 h. After 1 h, the shear was reduced and the slurry mixed again by low stirring. The slurry CSE1 has a final total solid content of 42%.

[0174] A negative electrode was obtained by casting the binder composition thus obtained on a 10 pm thick copper foil with a doctor blade and drying the coating layer in an oven at temperature of 90°C for about 70 minutes. The thickness of the dried coating layer was about 68 pm. The electrode was then hot pressed at 60°C in a roll press to achieve target density of 1 .6 g / cc. The resulting negative electrode had the following composition: 18.8 wt.% of silicon oxide, 75.2 wt.% of graphite, 5 wt.% of P1 and 1 wt. % of carbon black. Electrode CE1 was thus obtained.

[0175] Comparative Example CE2: Negative Electrode Including Styrene / Butadiene Rubber (SBR) and Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)

[0176] An aqueous composition was prepared by mixing 29.0 g of a 2% by weight solution of CMC, in water, and 0.58 g of carbon black; after moderate stirring in planetary mixer for 10 min, 11.14 g of silicon oxide 44.5 g of graphite and 11.68 g of deionized water were added. The mixture was homogenized by moderate stirring in a planetary mixer for 10 min and then mixed again by moderate stirring for 1 h. After about 1 h of mixing, 3.06 g of SBR suspension was added to the composition and mixed again by low stirring for 1 h. The slurry CSE2 has a final total solid content of 58%.

[0177] A negative electrode was obtained by casting the binder composition thus obtained on a 10 pm thick copper foil with a doctor blade and drying the coatinglayer in an oven at temperature of 90°C for about 70 minutes. The thickness of the dried coating layer was about 69 pm. The electrode was then hot pressed at 60°C in a roll press to achieve target density of 1 .6 g / cc. The resulting negative electrode had the following composition: 19.2 wt.% of silicon oxide, 76.8 wt.% of graphite, 2 wt.% of SBR, 1 wt.% of CMC and 1 wt.% of carbon black. Electrode CE2 was thus obtained

[0178] Viscosity and total solid content

[0179] The slurry total solid contents, for each slurry, were chosen in order to achieve a viscosity at 10Hz in the range between 3000 and 5000 Cps. The slurry viscosity was measured using a viscometer (Anton Paar Rheolab QC) at 25°C and 10 Hz of shear. The total solid content and viscosity for the slurries including the tested binders are reported in Table 2.Table 2

[0180] The slurries in examples SE1 and SE2 according to the present invention showed the same viscosity of slurry CSE1 at significantly higher total solid content. This represent an advantage in terms of cost saving during the drying step.

[0181] Adhesion test

[0182] The peeling tests were performed in order to evaluate the adhesion of the electrode composition coating onto the metal support. The test was performed on the electrodes prepared as described above, following the procedure of ASTM D903, working at a speed of 300 mm / min at 25°C. The results are shown in Table 3.Table 3

[0183] The electrodes E1 and E2 according to the present invention showed a good adhesion level, same as the CE2.

[0184] Manufacture of Batteries

[0185] Coin cells (CR2032 type, 20 mm diameter) were prepared in a glove box under an Ar gas atmosphere by punching a small disk of the negative electrode prepared according to E1 , E2, CE1 and CE2, together with a balanced NMC positive electrode disk, purchased from CUSTOMCELLS. The electrolyte used in the preparation of the coin cells was a mixture of 1 M LiPF6solution in EC / DMC 1 / 1 v / v with 2% wt VC and 10% wt F1 EC, from Solvionic; polyethylene separators (commercially available from Tonen Chemical Corporation) were used as received.

[0186] Capacity Retention Testing

[0187] Full cell cycling stability at 1C C-rate (Open capacities were measured in triplicate and are shown in Table 4 below):Table 4

[0188] The electrodes E1 and E2 according to the present invention showed a very good capacity retention, similar to CE1 and significantly better than CE2.

Claims

ClaimsClaim 1 . An electrode-forming composition [composition (Comp)] for use in the preparation of electrodes for electrochemical devices, characterized by comprising: a) at least one polymer (P) that comprises:(A) recurring units derived from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of:(A1) at least one a,|3-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer[monomer (AA)]; and(A2) at least one (meth)acrylamide monomer [monomer (AM)] of formula (I):R1whereinR1and R2, being the same or different from each other, may be selected from a hydrogen atom, from a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a carboxylic group or an amide group,R3represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,R4and R5, being the same or different from each other, may be selected from a hydrogen atom or from a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and(B) recurring units derived from at least one monomer (M), different from monomer (AA) and from monomer (AM), said monomer (M) having the formula (II) below:wherein:R' is selected from the group consisting of H, -COOH, -CH2COOH or an alkyl group, wherein the alkyl group is preferably a methyl group;R" and R'" being the same or different from each other, may be selected from a hydrogen atom or from a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or can be -COOH group;A is a linkage selected from the group consisting of a -C(O)-O- group or a - C(O)-NH- group;Rxis selected from a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C3-C20 hydrocarbon chain moiety comprising at least one functional groups selected from the group consisting of ether (-O-), heterocyclic group, sulfonic acid group (-SO3H), phosphonic acid group (-PO3H2) and phosphoric acid group (-OPO3H2); and b) at least one polymer (A) consisting of: recurring units derived from at least one monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 12 carbon atoms; and recurring units derived from at least one monoethylenically unsaturated phosphonic acid; wherein said polymer (A) has a molecular weight in the range of from 4 kDa to 450 kDa; c) an electrode active material; d) a solvent; and e) optionally at least one electroconductivity-imparting additive.Claim 2. The composition (Comp) according to claim 1 , wherein the monomer (M) is selected from the group consisting of:- a compound of formula (Ila)a compound of formula (lib)(lib), or- a compound of formula (lie)wherein in the formulae (Ila) to (lie) n is an integer from 1 to 15.Claim 3. The composition (Comp) according to claim 1 , wherein the monomer (M) is selected from the group consisting of:- a compound of formula (lid)(lid) or- a compound of formula (lie)Claim 4. The composition (Comp) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein monomer (AA) is a compound of formula (III):Ra Rfcwherein Ra, Rband Rc, equal to or different from each other, are independently selected from a hydrogen atom and a C1-C3 hydrocarbon group.Claim 5. The composition (Comp) according to claim 4, wherein monomer (AA) of formula (III) is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, crotonic, methyl (meth)acrylic acid, ethyl (meth)acrylic acid, propyl (meth)acrylic acid, isopropyl (meth)acrylic acid, n-butyl (meth)acrylic acid, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylic acid, n-hexyl (meth)acrylic acid and n-octyl (meth)acrylic acid.Claim 6. The composition (Comp) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the (meth)acrylamide monomer [monomer (AM)] of formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylamides or N-substituted (meth)acrylamide such as N-alkyl acrylamides, N,N-dialkylacrylamides.Claim 7. The composition (Comp) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 12 carbon atoms is selected from the group consisting of methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, crotonic acid, 2-ethylpropenoic acid, 2-propylpropenoic acid, 2-acryloxyacetic acid and 2-methacyloxyacetic acid.Claim 8. The composition (Comp) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the monoethylenically unsaturated phosphonic acid is selected from the group consisting of vinylphosphonic acid, allylphosphonic acid, styrenephosphonic acid and 2-acrylamido-2- methylpropane phosphonic acid.Claim 9. The composition (Comp) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the molecular weight of polymer (A) is in the range of from 15 kDa to 250 kDa, preferably from 30 kDa to 150 kDa.Claim 10. The composition (Comp) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein polymer (A) is a copolymer including recurring units derived from acrylic acid and recurring units derived from vinylphosphonic acid.Claim 11 . The composition (Comp) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between polymer (P) and polymer (A) in the composition is of at least 50:50 by weight, more preferably of at least 70:30 by weight, still more preferably is about 90:10 by weight.Claim 12. The composition (Comp) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further includes at least one thickener.Claim 13. A process for preparing an electrode [electrode (E)], said process comprising:(i) providing a metal substrate having at least one surface;(ii) providing a composition (Comp) according to anyone of claims 1to 12;(iii) applying the composition (Comp) provided in step (ii) onto the at least one surface of the metal substrate provided in step (i), thereby providing an assembly comprising a metal substrate coated with said composition (Comp) onto the at least one surface;(iv) drying the assembly provided in step (iii);(v) submitting the dried assembly obtained in step (iv) to a compression step to obtain the electrode (E) of the invention.Claim 14. An electrode [electrode (E)] obtainable by the process according to claim 13.Claim 15. An electrochemical device comprising at least one electrode (E) according to claim 14.

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