Polyamidoamine dispersant for carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials

Abstract

Use of a dispersant to disperse carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials such as carbon-coated electrode active materials in a solvent, especially in preparation of an electrode of a battery, wherein the dispersant is obtained by 5 reacting a polyamidoamine C with one or at least two polyesters P and optionally at least one carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q. A dispersion, use of the dispersion in preparation of an electrochemical device and an electrochemical device are also provided.

Description

[0001] Polyamidoamine dispersant for carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a dispersant for electrode materials.

[0004] Background art

[0005] WO2021 028519A1 discloses in the examples dispersants based on polyethyleneimine (PEI), s-caprolactone, and lauric acid and with a low acid value of less than 3mg KOH / g. The dispersant is useful to disperse conductive carbon in solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) used in battery system. Such PEI dispersant still has the disadvantages of known PEI dispersant such as using highly toxic ethylene imine raw material, and high cost.

[0006] Polyethyleneimine (PEI) has been used in production of high performance pigment dispersants. For example, US20170274335A1 discloses dispersants based on polyamines or polyimines having primary amino groups. Side chains based on two or more poly(oxy-C1 -6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds (A) and side chains based on alkyl acids (B) are chemically bonded to the polyamines or polyimines. The description specifically disclosed dispersants based on polyethyleneimine (PEI), s- caprolactone, and lauric acid. The dispersants are suitable for organic and inorganic pigments.

[0007] Due to considerations including usage of the highly toxic ethylene imine raw material in production of PEI, non-PEI pigment dispersant was developed to replace PEI altogether with other polyamines such as triethylenetetramine (TETA) and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) in the production of dispersants. For example, US2022025193A1 discloses a non-PEI aminic pigment dispersant useful in coating formulation. The pigment dispersant is obtained by reacting amine-rich moieties C with at least one polymer P, said polymer P having one or more amine reactive groups, said amine-rich moieties C are obtainable from repetitive self-reaction of at least one type of substance B and / or from cross-reaction of at least one B with at least one substance A, wherein the at least one B is an adduct of the at least one substance A and at least one linker D, and B contains 1 -15 amine-reactive groups and 4-15 in total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quatenary amines, and wherein the at least one substance A is a branched and / or linear aliphatic and / or cycloaliphatic or aromatic polyamine containing 4-15 total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quatenary amines. The adduct C is a polyamidoamine. The description specifically disclosed dispersants based on tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) as A, polycaprolactone as P, and linker D such as butyl acrylate. The dispersant is a high performance pigment dispersant molecule that can match the performance of PEI-based dispersants. Thus, it is desirable and a challenge to develop a new non-PEI dispersant useful especially for carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials such as carbon- coated electrode active materials in a battery system.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] To solve at least part of the technical problems of the prior art, the invention provides polyamidoamine-based additives which act as a dispersing agent for carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials such as carbon-coated electrode active materials in an electrode slurry in the fabrication of electrodes for batteries, e.g. lithium-ion batteries (LiB). The inventors surprisingly found that use of such additives increases the dispersibility of carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials , such as carbon black, LFP (Lithium iron phosphate), and greatly decrease the viscosity of the electrode slurry, allowing the production of stable and homogeneous slurries with a lower viscosity. Lowering the slurry viscosity provides advantages also in terms of processing as it requires less solvent, energy and time since the electrode needs to be dried after coating on the current collector.

[0010] The invention provides use of a polyamidoamine-based additive as a dispersant to disperse carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials such as carbon- coated electrode active materials in a solvent, especially in preparation of an electrode of a battery, wherein the polyamidoamine-based additive is obtainable from reaction of a polyamidoamine C and one or at least two polyesters P and optionally at least one carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q; wherein the polyamidoamine C is obtainable from repetitive self-reaction of at least one type of substance B and / or from cross-reaction of at least one B with at least one substance A; wherein B is an adduct of the at least one substance A and at least one linker D; the at least one substance A is a branched and I or linear aliphatic and I or cycloaliphatic or aromatic polyamine containing 4-15 total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines, and the at least one linker D is an acrylate, a maleate I fumarate mono-ester or a maleate I fumarate di-ester containing 1 -15 amine-reactive groups, or a mixture thereof; wherein the amine-reactive groups in B and D are reacted with reactive amines in B and I or A; and if B has only one amine reactive group, then additional D and I or mixture of B and A is reacted to a previously formed C, wherein such an additional reaction of D and I or mixture of B and A to a formed C is repeated for 1 to 10 times; and wherein said one or at least two polyesters P each having one or more amine reactive groups.

[0011] Preferably, the amount of polyamidoamine C is 5-50 wt.%, preferably 5-30 wt. %; the amount of polyester P is 30-90 wt.%, preferably 40-90 wt. % and the amount of carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q is 0-25 wt.%, preferably 0-15 wt. %, based on the total amount of polyamidoamine C, polyester P and carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q. The carboxylic acid is preferably a monocarboxylic acid.

[0012] In this invention, the carboxylic acid ester Q is not a polyester. In other words, the carboxylic acid ester Q does not have repeating units. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid ester Q is a fatty acid ester. In some embodiments, the acholic part of the carboxylic acid ester Q has 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0013] In particular, B is a Michael adduct. In particular, the self-reaction is a selfcondensation. In particular, the cross-reaction is a cross-condensation especially a cross-condensation involving amine and amine-reactive groups.

[0014] The at least two polyesters P of the invention comprise a first polyester and a second polyester.

[0015] In some embodiments, the molecular weight, in particular the number averaged molecular weight, of the first polyester is from 300 to 1500 g / mole, for example, from 300, 400, or 500, to 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, or 1500, preferably 500 to 1400 g / mole.

[0016] In some embodiments, the molecular weight, in particular the number averaged molecular weight, of the second polyester is from 1600 to 5000 g / mole, for example, from 1600, 1700, or 1800 to 2900, 3000, 3100, 3200, 3200, 3200, 3300, 3400, 3500, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4000, 4500, or 5000, preferably from 1600 to 3100 g / mole.

[0017] In some embodiments, the molecular weight, in particular the number averaged molecular weight, difference between the first polyester and the second polyester is at least 300, for example, at least 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 g / mole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the molecular weight, in particular the number averaged molecular weight, difference between the first polyester and the second polyester is below 5000, 4900, 4800, 4700, 4600, 4500, 4400, 4300, 4200, 4100, 4000, 3900, 3800, 3700, 3600, 3500, 3400, 3300, 3200, 3100, or 3000 g / mole.

[0019] In some embodiments, the polyamidoamine C has an amine density of at least 600 mgKOH / g.

[0020] In some embodiments, the polyamidoamine C has an amine density of less than 1000 mgKOH / g.

[0021] In some embodiments, the dispersant of the invention is obtained by reacting a polyamidoamine C with one or at least two polyesters P and optionally at least one carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q; wherein said polyamidoamine C is obtainable from repetitive self-reaction of at least one type of substance B and / or from cross-reaction of at least one B with at least one substance A, wherein the at least one B is an adduct of the at least one substance A and at least one linker D, and B contains 1 -15 amine-reactive groups and 4-15 in total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quatenary amines, the at least one substance A is a branched and / or linear aliphatic and / or cycloaliphatic or aromatic polyamine containing 4-15 total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quatenary amines, and the at least one linker D is an acrylate, a maleate / fumarate mono-ester or a maleate / fumarate di-ester containing 1 -15 amine-reactive groups, or a mixture thereof; wherein the amine-reactive groups in B and D are reacted with reactive amines in B and / or A, and if B has only one amine reactive group then additional D and / or mixture of B and A is reacted to a previously formed C, wherein such additional reaction of D and / or mixture of B and A to a formed C is repeated for 1 to 10 times; and wherein said at least two polyester P each having one or more amine reactive groups.

[0022] In some embodiments, the polyester P is a polyester obtainable from ring opening polymerization of a lactone and / or lactide, and the polyester has a number averaged molecular weight of 500-20000 g / mole, preferably 500-1 OOOOg / mole, more preferably 500-5000 g / mole. The at least two different polyesters P have different chain lengths. Molecular weights of the polyesters in the invention are determined by size exclusion chromatography based on ASTM D 5296.

[0023] In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q is selected from aliphatic acids, aromatic acids and esters or anhydrides thereof.

[0024] In some embodiments, the substance A is a polyamine containing 4-15, for example, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, amines groups, such as tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA).

[0025] In some embodiments, the linker D contains 2-15, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 amine-reactive groups.

[0026] The polyamidoamine-based additive of the invention is a non-PEI aminic additive. The additive is particularly useful as a dispersant, for example, for dispersing electrode materials, especially carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials such as carbon-coated electrode active materials of electrodes for batteries.

[0027] The invention further provides a dispersant, comprising: the polyamidoamine-based additive of the invention.

[0028] The invention further provides use of the dispersant in preparation of an electrode of a battery. The dispersant of the invention is particularly useful to disperse a electrode active material, such as LFP in an electrode slurry. The electrode slurry typically comprise an electrode active material, a conductive material, a binder, a dispersant, and a solvent (especially an organic solvent). The electrode slurry components including the electrode active material, conductive material, binder, and solvent may be those conventional in the art. The electrode slurry may optionally further comprise an additional additive selected from one or more of adhesion promoters, wetting agents, and corrosion inhibitors.

[0029] The solvent for preparation of an electrode slurry may be polar or non-polar. The solvent may be an organic solvent or an inorganic solvent. The solvent is preferably selected one or more from NMP, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene), which are particularly useful in battery systems.

[0030] The invention further provides use of the dispersant according to the invention to disperse a particulate, especially a particulate selected from particulate electrode materials, carbon or carbon containing materials such as carbon-coated particles in a solvent, especially an organic solvent.

[0031] The invention further provides an electrochemical device comprising the dispersant or the dispersion according to the invention.

[0032] The electrochemical device encompasses all kinds of devices that undergo electrochemical reactions. Examples of the electrochemical device include all kinds of primary batteries, secondary batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, capacitors and the like, preferably secondary batteries.

[0033] Generally, the secondary battery is fabricated by inclusion of the electrolyte in an electrode assembly composed of a cathode and an anode, which are faced opposite to each other with (or without for solid electrolyte) a separator therebetween.

[0034] The secondary batteries are preferably lithium ion batteries.

[0035] The invention further provides a battery comprising a dispersant or dispersion according to the invention.

[0036] The invention further provides use of the dispersion according to the invention in preparation of an electrochemical device including batteries.

[0037] The invention further provides a dispersion comprising a continuous phase, a particulate to be dispersed (i.e. , a dispersed particulate) and a dispersant according to the invention. The dispersed particulate is preferably cathode active materials, such as carbon coated LFP (lithium iron phosphate). The continuous phase typically comprises a solvent, especially an organic solvent. The solvent may be solvent for preparation of an electrode slurry as mentioned above. For other applications, the continuous phase solvent may also be selected from alcohols (in particular methanol, ethanol and terpineol), hydrocarbons (in particular toluene), and ketones (in particular methyl ethyl ketone).

[0038] The amount of the dispersed particulate is preferably between 0.1 wt.% and 99.9 wt.%, more preferably between 0.5 wt.% and 99 wt.%, and most preferably between 1 wt.% and 95 wt.%, based on the total weight of the dispersion. As the amount of dispersed particulate by weight % in the overall dispersion depends largely on the density of the dispersed particulate, in dispersions useful for battery systems, the dispersion may suitably comprise between 1 wt.% to 19.9 wt.% conductive carbon, preferably between 5 wt.% to 18 wt.% and most preferably between 7 wt.% to 15 wt.%. Additionally, the dispersion may comprise 60 wt.% to 80 wt.% lithium containing material. As such, for battery system applications the dispersion may preferably comprise a total amount of dispersed particulate between 60 wt.% and 99.9 wt.%, for example, 70-99 wt.% of the dispersion.

[0039] The invention further provides an electrochemical device comprising the dispersant or the dispersion according to the invention.

[0040] The electrochemical device encompasses all kinds of devices that undergo electrochemical reactions. Examples of the electrochemical device include all kinds of primary batteries, secondary batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, capacitors and the like, preferably secondary batteries.

[0041] Generally, the secondary battery is fabricated by inclusion of the electrolyte in an electrode assembly composed of a cathode and an anode, which are faced opposite to each other with (or without for solid electrolyte) a separator therebetween.

[0042] In some embodiments, the dispersant of the invention has side chains based on two or more poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds. These side chains are also called POAC side chains hereinafter.

[0043] In some embodiments, the dispersant of the invention has one side chain based on a poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compound. Preferably, the poly(oxy-Ci-6- alkylenecarbonyl) compounds are poly(oxy-C4-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds.

[0044] In some embodiments, the at least two different polyesters P are based on two or more poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds.

[0045] In some embodiments, the two or more poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds are homopolymers but have different chain lengths.

[0046] In some embodiments, the poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compound is selected from the group of linear hydroxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarboxylic acids and lactones. In some embodiments, the poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compound is selected from b-valerolactone or s-caprolactone.

[0047] In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid Q is selected from the group of acetic, methoxyacetic, propionic, pentanoic, hexanoic, caprylic, capric, lauric, ricinoleic, stearic acid and hydroxystearic acid.

[0048] In some embodiments, the dispersant of the invention is based on polyamidoamines, wherein the dispersant has the formula (I): Formula (I) in which

[0049] X-*-*-*-X is a polyamidoamine, each comprising primary and / or secondary amino groups, are POAC side chains which are side chains based on poly(oxy-Ci-6- alkylenecarbonyl) compounds, with T = a saturated or unsaturated alkyl group,

[0050] V = an -Ci-6-alkylene group, each of m, n, r and t is an average number, m and n = each 3 to 40, where m and n are the same or different from one another, r and t = each 1 to 100, and

[0051] Z are side chains based on carboxylic acids or anhydrides or esters thereof Q with s = 0 to 100, preferably the carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of acetic, methoxyacetic, propionic, pentanoic, hexanoic, caprylic, capric, lauric, ricinoleic, stearic acid and hydroxystearic acid.

[0052] In some embodiments, the difference between m and n is from 3 to 35, preferably from 5 to 20.

[0053] It is also preferable that m and n is not less than 3 and more preferably not less than 5. Preferably, n is not greater than 40, preferably not greater than 30 and more preferably not greater than 15.

[0054] The chain length of the poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds for formation of the POAC side chains on the polyamidoamine is represented by the number of repeat units of the [-O-V-CO-] unit.

[0055] The dispersant may preferably have 3 to 40 repeat units per polyester chain. Preferably, the chain length of the poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds is not more than 30 and more preferably not more than 15 repeat units.

[0056] Preferably, r, s and t are not less than 1 and more preferably not less than 3.

[0057] It is also preferable that r, s and t are not greater than 100 and more preferably not greater than 60.

[0058] In some embodiments, the poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds are polymerized from linear hydroxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarboxylic acids or lactones.

[0059] In some embodiments, the poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds are polymerized from 5-valerolactone or s-caprolactone.

[0060] The invention further provides a method for preparing a dispersant, preferably the dispersant according to some embodiments of the invention, preferably comprises the reaction of a polyamidoamine C with one, or at least two or more polyesters P based on poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds according to with T = each independently represent a saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, V = each independently represent an -Ci-6-alkylene group, each of m, n, r and t is an average number, m and n = each 3 to 40, where m and n are the same or different from one another, r and t = each 1 to 100, and optionally carboxylic acids or anhydrides or esters thereof Q, preferably the carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of acetic, methoxyacetic, propionic, pentanoic, hexanoic, caprylic, capric, lauric, ricinoleic, stearic acid and hydroxystearic acid, wherein an amidation of carboxylic acids or anhydrides or esters thereof Q with the polyamidoamine C takes place.

[0061] In some embodiments, the difference between m and n is from 3 to 35, preferably from 5 to 20.

[0062] In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the sum total of poly(oxy-Ci-6- alkylenecarbonyl) compounds and alkyl acids or esters thereof to primary and / or secondary amino groups of the polyamidoamine is less than 1 .

[0063] In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the sum total of poly(oxy-Ci-6- alkylenecarbonyl) compounds and alkyl acids or esters thereof to primary and / or secondary amino groups of the polyamidoamine is less than 0.9.

[0064] In some embodiments, the molar ratio between the two or more different poly(oxy- Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds and the alkyl acids or esters thereof is between 90 / 10 and 10 / 90.

[0065] In some embodiments, molar ratio between the two or more different poly(oxy-Ci-6- alkylenecarbonyl) chains and the carboxylic acids or anhydrides or esters thereof is between 80 / 20 and 20 / 80.

[0066] In some embodiments, the molar ratio between the two or more different poly(oxy- Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) chains and the carboxylic acids or anhydrides or esters thereof is between 70 / 30 and 30 / 70.

[0067] In some embodiments, the polyesters P are prepared separately or in situ by polymerization of the poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds and then used for the reaction with polyamidoamine and alkyl acids or esters thereof.

[0068] In some embodiments, the poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds are polymerized from linear hydroxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarboxylic acids or lactones.

[0069] In some embodiments, the poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds are polymerized from 5-valerolactone or s-caprolactone. In some embodiments, the poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds are homopolymers having different chain lengths.

[0070] In some embodiments, the repeating unit number difference between the longest chain and the shortest chain of the different polyester P is at least 3, for example, at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.

[0071] In some embodiments, the chain length difference between the longest chain and the shortest chain of the at least two different poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds is at least 3, for example, at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, etc.

[0072] In some embodiments, the molecular weight, in particular the number averaged molecular weight, difference between the longest chain and shortest chain of the different poly(oxy-Ci-6-alkylenecarbonyl) compounds is at least 300, for example, at least 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500, etc.

[0073] The term “amine-reactive group” describes a functional group that can react with an amine. Amine reactive groups are preferably acid groups, ester groups, ketone groups, aldehyde groups, epoxy groups, isocyanate groups, uretdiones groups, carbodiimide groups, Michael acceptors or anhydride groups. Michael acceptors are substances with ethylenic or acetylenic moieties that are next to electron withdrawing group such as ketone, ester or nitrile. Most preferred amine reactive groups are ester groups or Michael acceptors.

[0074] The term “reactive amines” means primary or secondary amines. It is preferred that B and / or A comprises each at least one primary or secondary amine out of the 4-15 in total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines. More preferably B comprises at least one primary or secondary amine and A comprises at least two primary or secondary amines. Most preferably B comprises at least four primary or secondary amines and A comprises at least four primary or secondary amines.

[0075] Polyamine A is preferably smaller than 600 g / mole, more preferably smaller than 500 g / mole and most preferably smaller than 300 g / mole and it preferably contains 4-15 primary and / or secondary amines.

[0076] It is preferred that the amine-reactive groups in B and D are substantially reacted with reactive amines in B and / or A meaning these groups are reacted so that the structure of C can be built up, more preferably it means these groups are reacted close to 100 % or most preferably fully reacted with primary and / or secondary amines.

[0077] In case adduct B has only one amine reactive group the proviso applies to react additional D and / or mixture of B and A for 1 to 10 times to a previously formed C. Adduct B has only one amine reactive group if linker D is an acrylate. If adduct B has more than one amine reactive group, the additional reaction of D and / or mixture of B and A to a formed C for 1 to 10 times is optional.

[0078] Adduct B can be an intermediate that is formed by reacting linker D and substance A which then self-reacts or reacts with remaining substance A to form polyamidoamine C or adduct B can be formed first in a reaction of D and A and in a separate step is self-reacted and / or reacted with A to form polyamidoamine C.

[0079] Linker D being an acrylate, maleate / fumarate mono-ester or maleate / fumarate diester containing 1 -15 amine-reactive groups or a mixture thereof. Preferably linker D is maleate / fumarate di-ester containing 1 -15 amine-reactive groups. In another preferred embodiment linker D contains one or more Michael acceptor and one or more carboxylic acid and / or carboxylate ester and / or anhydride moieties

[0080] The molar ratio between polyamine A and linker D dictates the size of resultant polyamidoamine. Bearing in mind the multifunctionality of both polyamine and linker, the ratio of polyamine A and linker D should be kept at a level that gives optimum size build-up without gelation. However, with increased amount of linker used, the amine density of the resultant adduct B (polyamidoamine) becomes lesser. The amine values of such reaction products are typically lower than PEI of which the extent will depend on the ratio of polyamine to linker.

[0081] A dispersant obtained from polyamidoamine C having an amine density of 600 mg KOH / g to 1 ,000 mg KOH / g is thus preferred.

[0082] More preferred is a dispersant, characterized in that the polyamidoamine C having an amine density of 700 mg KOH / g to 1 ,000 mg KOH / g and most preferred is an amine density of 700 mg KOH / g to 900 mg KOH / g.

[0083] The molecular weight of polyester P preferably lies between 1 ,000 g / mole and 10,000 g / mole. The number of amine reactive groups in polyester P preferably ranges from 1 - 100, more preferably from 10 to 100.

[0084] Polyester P having amine reactive groups is preferably a polylactone or polycaprolactone.

[0085] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the dispersant is characterized in that adduct B has 2 to 15 amine-reactive groups and additional D and / or mixture of B and A is reacted to a previously formed C, such additional reaction of D and / or mixture of B and A to a formed C is repeated for 1 to 10 times.

[0086] Polyamine A is preferably selected from the group consisting of triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine and pentaethylenehexamine. The incorporation of Q serves to binder interacting moieties to the dispersant molecules. Substance Q is a non-polymeric molecule selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, carboxylic ester, or anhydride. Substance Q is preferably a carboxylic acid.

[0087] The carboxylic acid may preferably be selected from the group consisting of acetic, methoxyacetic, propionic, pentanoic, hexanoic, caprylic, capric, lauric, ricinoleic, stearic acid and hydroxystearic acid.

[0088] The present invention also pertains to a process for producing a dispersant comprising the steps of a) repetitive self-reaction of at least one type of substance B and / or cross-reaction of at least one B with at least one A to produce polyamidoamines C having an amine density of at least 600 mg KOH / g, with

[0089] B being an adduct of at least one substance A and at least one linker D and B containing 1 -15 amine-reactive groups and 4-15 in total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines, substance A being a branched and / or linear aliphatic and / or cycloaliphatic or aromatic polyamine containing 4-15 total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines,

[0090] Linker D being an acrylate, maleate / fumarate mono-ester or maleate / fumarate di-ester containing 1 -15 amine-reactive groups, or a mixture thereof; the amine-reactive groups in B and D are reacted with reactive amines in B and / or A and if B has only one amine reactive group then additional D and / or mixture of B and A is reacted to a previously formed C, such additional reaction of D and / or mixture of B and A to a formed C is repeated for 1 to 10 times. b) reacting the polyamidoamines C with one or at least two polyesters P having one or more amine reactive groups, optionally together with substance Q, wherein substance Q is a non-polymeric molecule selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, carboxylic ester, or carboxylic anhydride.

[0091] It is preferred in the process for producing a dispersant that polyamidoamines C have an amine density of 600 mg KOH / g to 1 ,000 mg KOH / g.

[0092] It is further preferred in the process for producing a dispersant that polyester P is a polylactone or polycaprolactone.

[0093] It is further preferred in the process for producing a dispersant that substance Q is a non-polymeric molecule selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, carboxylic ester, or anhydride. Substance Q is preferably a carboxylic acid.

[0094] In another preferred embodiment of the inventive process for producing a dispersant, adduct B has 2 to 15 amine-reactive groups and additional D and / or mixture of B and A is reacted to a previously formed C, such additional reaction of D and / or mixture of B and A to a formed C is repeated for 1 to 10 times. In yet another preferred embodiment of the process for producing a dispersant, polyamine A is selected from the group consisting of triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine and pentaethylenehexamine.

[0095] The invention provides chemical compounds capable to disperse cathode active materials which can be formulated in a stable dispersion. The improved dispersion is proven by a decrease of slurry viscosity. No detrimental effects in terms of coating and electrochemical stability are brought by the additive presence in the slurry composition.

[0096] Carbon material and / or carbon containing material

[0097] As used herein, the term “carbon material” refers to electrically conductive carbonbased materials which comprise 90 to 100 % by weight of carbon.

[0098] As used herein, the term “carbon containing materials” refers to materials containing 0.01 -90 wt.%, especially 0.01 -40 wt.%, for example 0.1 -20 wt.%, 0.2-10 wt.% of carbon. The carbon containing materials may be carbon-coated materials or carbon- doped materials. The carbon containing materials particularly include carbon containing electrode materials, especially carbon-coated electrode active materials, or carbon-doped electrode active materials. Examples of carbon containing electrode materials include carbon-coated LFP containing between 0.9-2.0 wt.% of carbon, and carbon-coated LMFP containing 1 .5-2.5 wt.% of carbon.

[0099] The battery material that may be dispersed according to the invention may be selected from electrode active materials and conductive materials. The electrode active materials may be selected from cathode active materials and anode active materials. Particularly, the battery material is selected from conductive materials, carbon-coated non-conductive electrode materials and anode active materials.

[0100] The carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials in the invention include electrically conductive carbon-based materials which comprise 90 to 100 % by weight of carbon. Examples of the electrically conductive carbon-based materials include carbon black, carbon nano tubes, graphite, carbon fibers, graphene, fullerenes, and mixtures thereof. Preferred electrically conductive carbon-based materials are carbon black, graphene, and carbon nano tubes. Specific types of suitable carbon black include furnace black and acetylene black.

[0101] The carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials in the invention also include carbon-coated non-conductive electrode material (i.e., carbon-coated electrode material, obtained by coating carbon on a non-conductive electrode material). Examples of non-conductive electrode materials include LiFePCM, LMFP and other cathode materials, which are used in lithium ion or lithium metal batteries for high power applications. LiFePCM or other cathode materials may be coated or doped with conductive carbon material(s) to achieve an improved conductivity, using, for example, conventional methods.

[0102] Examples of the cathode active materials that can be used in the present invention may include, but are not limited to, layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoC ) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiC>2), or compounds substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxides such as compounds of Formula Lii+xMn2-xO4 (0^x^0.33), LiMnOs, LiMn2O3 and LiMnC ; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); vanadium oxides such as LiVsOs, V2Os and CU2V2O7; Ni-site type lithium nickel oxides of Formula LiNii-xMxO2 (M=Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B or Ga, and 0.01 ^x^O.3); LiMPCM (M=Fe, Mn, Co, Ni); lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP, LiMnxFei-xPO4, such as LiMno.6Feo.4PO4, LiMno.sFeo.2PO4); lithium manganese composite oxides of Formula LiMn2-xMxO2 (M=Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn or Ta, and 0.01 ^x^0.1 ), or Formula Li2Mn3MOs (M=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or Zn); LiMn2O4 wherein a portion of Li is substituted with alkaline earth metal ions; disulfide compounds; and Fe2(MoO4)3, LiFesO4, etc.

[0103] In some embodiments, the cathode active material is selected from:

[0104] LFP or Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 / C),

[0105] LMFP, or Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (olivine LiMnxFei-xPO4 / C), LNMO or Lithium Nickel Manganese Spinel (LiNio.5Mm.5O4), NCA or Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAIO2), LMO or Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4), and LCO or Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2).

[0106] In some embodiments, the cathode active material is selected from LiFePO4, LMFP; LiCoO2, LiNio.sMno.1Coo.1O2, LiNio.6Mno.2Coo.2O2, and LiNi0.s5Co0.05AI0.1O2.

[0107] The conductive material is typically added in an amount of 1 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture including the cathode active material. There is no particular limit to the conductive material, so long as it has suitable conductivity without causing chemical changes in the fabricated battery. Examples of conductive materials may include conductive materials including graphite such as natural or artificial graphite; carbon blacks such as carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black and thermal black; conductive fibers such as carbon fibers and metallic fibers; metallic powders such as carbon fluoride powder, aluminum powder and nickel powder; conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; and polyphenylene derivatives.

[0108] Examples of the anode active materials utilizable in the present invention include carbon such as non-graphitizing carbon and graphite-based carbon; metal composite oxides such as LixFe2Os (0^x^1 ), LixWO2(0^x^1 ) and SnxMei-xMe'yOz (Me: Mn, Fe, Pb or Ge; Me': Al, B, P, Si, Group I, Group II and Group III elements of the Periodic Table of the Elements, or halogens; 0^x^1 ; 1 ^y^3; and 1 ^z^8); lithium metals; lithium alloys; silicon-based alloys; tin-based alloys; metal oxides such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb20s, PbsCM, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb20s, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, and Bi20s; conductive polymers such as polyacetylene; and Li-Co-Ni based materials.

[0109] The binder is a component assisting in binding between the active material and conductive material, and in binding with the current collector. The binder is typically added in an amount of 1 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture including the cathode active material. Examples of the binder may include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl alcohols, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropylcellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinyl pyrollidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), fluoro rubber and various copolymers.

[0110] The cathode is, for example, fabricated by applying a mixture of a cathode active material, a conductive material and a binder to a cathode current collector, followed by drying and pressing. If necessary, a filler may be further added to the above mixture.

[0111] The anode is, for example, fabricated by applying an anode active material to the anode current collector, followed by drying. If necessary, other components as described above may be further included.

[0112] Advantages brought by the invention include: a. Improved dispersion of electrode material including cathode active material; b. Increased solid content of the solvent-based suspension (slurry); c. reduced processing time and energy consumption to produce electrodes; and d. savings on solvent usage, recycling and purification.

[0113] Other advantages of the present invention would be apparent for a person skilled in the art upon reading the specification.

[0114] Detailed description of the invention

[0115] The invention is now described in detail by the following examples. The scope of the invention should not be limited to the embodiments of the examples.

[0116] Materials

[0117] In the examples, the following materials were used:

[0118] Carbon black: Super P Conductive, commercially available from Alfa Aesar (CAS 1333-86-4)

[0119] LFP: DY-1 , commercially available from Shenzhen Dynanonic Co., Ltd., China, the content of carbon was 1.11 wt.%

[0120] PVDF: Kynar® HSV 900, commercially available from Arkema

[0121] Polyethyleneimine: Lupasol® PR 8515, commercially available from BASF PVP: Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, commercially available from Sigma Aldrich

[0122] Procedures

[0123] In the examples, the following protocols were followed.

[0124] Viscosity measurement:

[0125] The dynamic viscosity of the slurries was determined by plate-plate geometry on an Anton Paar rheometer (MCR 302). For this purpose, the shear rate was gradually increased from 0.1 1 / s to 300 1 / s in logarithmic steps. Subsequently, the shear rate was reduced again to 0.1 1 / s in the same steps. The plate was kept constant at room temperature (23°C).

[0126] Example 1

[0127] Synthesis of polyamidoamine C

[0128] Diethylmaleate (90g) was mixed with polyamine TEPA (38g) at room temperature. The mixing rate was regulated such that temperature of reaction mixture did not exceed 60 °C. The mixture was then heated to 145 °C and held for 6 hours.

[0129] The prepared polyamidoamine C had an amine density of 855 mgKOH / g based on amine value titration according to ASTM D2074-07(2019).

[0130] Synthesis of Polycaprolactone P1

[0131] Lauric acid (200.3g) and s-caprolactone (342.4g) were mixed and heat to 100 °C under N2. Zirconium butoxide (0.5 wt.%) was added and the mixture heated to 160° C for 4 hours. On cooling, the product was obtained in the form of yellow solid. The reaction had a conversion of more than 95 % and the prepared polycaprolactone P1 had a number average molecular weight of 1320 g / mole. The number average molecular weight Mn was determined using size exclusion chromatography according to ASTM D 5296.

[0132] Synthesis of Polycaprolactone P2

[0133] Lauric acid (200.3g) and s-caprolactone (1365.3g) were mixed and heat to 100 °C under N2. Zirconium butoxide (0.5 wt.%) was added and the mixture heated to 160°C for 4 hours. On cooling, the product was obtained in the form of yellow solid. The reaction had a conversion of more than 95 % and the prepared polycaprolactone P2 had a number average molecular weight of 3090 g / mole.

[0134] Synthesis of polyamidoamine-based additive

[0135] Polycaprolactone P1 (25g) and polycaprolactone P2 (75g) together with lauric acid (14g) were mixed with the polyamidoamine C (32g) prepared above and heated to 120 °C, and then held at such temperature for 6 hours. Thereby polycaprolactone P1 , polycaprolactone P2 and the carboxylic acid were linked to polyamidoamine C through covalent or non-covalent bond formation. The initial acid value of the mixture was 64 mgKOH / g. The final product had an acid value of 3 mgKOH / g, indicating substantial formation of new amide bonds between P1 , P2 and Q with polyamidoamine C. The acid value was determined according to ASTM D1639-90.

[0136] Slurry preparation

[0137] A LFP-based slurry, with a solid content of 60 wt.% (the solid comprised 96.85wt.% LFP, 0.7 wt.% carbon black, 2.2 wt.% PVDF and 0.25 wt.% additive) and a solvent content of 40 wt.% was prepared in a glovebox under argon atmosphere according to the following steps: a) a 8 wt.% PVDF in NMP solution (hereinafter “binder solution”) was prepared in an extra bottle. The binder solution was prepared by dissolving PVDF in NMP under mixing at 2000 rpm for 30 min in a dual asymmetric centrifuge mixer. b) 0.39 g of carbon black was weighed in a bottle, which was used for preparing the cathode slurry. Subsequently, the required amount of binder solution, 4.5 g, was weighed from the previously prepared binder solution in step a) and dispersed for 2 min at 2000 rpm. c) 0.06 g additive was added in the mixture obtained in step b) and was dispersed for 2 min at 2000 rpm. d) 23.24 g LFP was added into the mixture obtained in step c) and dispersed for 1 min at 2000 rpm. e) Step-by-step with ca. 1 g per step the needed amount of 6.15 g NMP was added to the slurry until a solid content of 60 wt.% was reached. After each addition step of NMP, the slurry was dispersed for 1 min at 2000 rpm and cooled if the slurry had become warm.

[0138] The slurry composition followed the general recipe below. The solid content which was calculated by the weight of LFP, carbon black, PVDF and additive divided to the total weight of the slurry including NMP, was 60 wt.%.

[0139] After the slurry was prepared for one hour, the slurry viscosity was measured. The m axi m urn viscosity of the slurry reached 3317.2 mPa s at 1 / s shear rate.

[0140] Example 2

[0141] Polyamidoamine core functionalized with same polyesters but without capping Q as structure of Example 1 Synthesis of polyamidoamine-based additive

[0142] Polycaprolactone P1 (P1 , 44.9g) and polycaprolactone P2 (P2, 118.3g) together were mixed with polyamidoamine C (33g) prepared in Example 1 and heated to 120 °C. and then held at such temperature for 6 hours and thereby polycaprolactone P1 and P2 were linked to polyamidoamine C through covalent or non-covalent bond formation. The initial acid value of the mixture was 42 mgKOH / g. The final product had an acid value of 3 mgKOH / g, indicating substantial formation of new amide bonds between P1 and P2 with polyamidoamine C. The acid value was determined according to ASTM D1639-90.

[0143] Slurry preparation

[0144] A LFP-based slurry was prepared according to the same method as that of Example 1 except that the additive of Example 2 was used and that the slurry composition followed the general recipe below. The solid content of the slurry composition was 60 wt.%.

[0145] After the slurry was prepared for one hour, the slurry viscosity was measured. The m axi m urn viscosity of the slurry reached 2618.2 mPa s at 1 / s shear rate.

[0146] Example 3

[0147] Polyamidoamine core functionalized with a single polyester and without capping Q compared to the structure of Example 1

[0148] Synthesis of Polycaprolactone P3

[0149] Lauric acid (200.3g) and s-caprolactone (853.7g) were mixed and heat to 100 °C under N2. Zirconium butoxide (0.5 wt.%) was added and the mixture heated to 160° C . for 4 hours. On cooling, the product was obtained in the form of yellow solid. The reaction had a conversion of more than 95 % and the prepared polycaprolactone P3 had a number average molecular weight of 2240 g / mole.

[0150] Synthesis of polyamidoamine-based additive

[0151] Polycaprolactone P3 (174.3g) was mixed with polyamidoamine C (48.6g) prepared in Example 1 and heated to 120 °C. and then held at such temperature for 6 hours and thereby polycaprolactone P3 were linked to polyamidoamine A through covalent or non-covalent bond formation. The initial acid value of the mixture was 42 mgKOH / g. The final product had an acid value of 3 mgKOH / g, indicating substantial formation of new amide bonds between P3 with polyamidoamine C. The acid value was determined according to ASTM D1639-90.

[0152] Slurry preparation

[0153] A LFP-based slurry was prepared according to the same method as that of Example 1 except that the additive of Example 3 was used and that the slurry composition followed the general recipe below. The solid content of the slurry composition was 60 wt.%.

[0154] After the slurry was prepared for one hour, the slurry viscosity was measured. The m axi m urn viscosity of the slurry reached 2159.2 mPa s at 1 / s shear rate.

[0155] Example 4

[0156] Polyamidoamine core functionalized with a single polyester and with the same capping Q compared to the structure of Example 1

[0157] Synthesis of polyamidoamine-based additive

[0158] Polycaprolactone P3 (97.8g) together with lauric acid (13.5g) were mixed with the polyamidoamine C (31g) prepared in Example 1 and heated to 120 °C, and then held at such temperature for 6 hours. Thereby polycaprolactone P3 and the carboxylic acid were linked to polyamidoamine C through covalent or non-covalent bond formation. The initial acid value of the mixture was 64 mgKOH / g. The final product had an acid value of 2 mgKOH / g, indicating substantial formation of new amide bonds between P3 and Q with polyamidoamine C. The acid value was determined according to ASTM D1639-90.

[0159] Slurry preparation

[0160] A LFP-based slurry was prepared according to the same method as that of Example 1 except that the additive of Example 4 was used and that the slurry composition followed the general recipe below. The solid content of the slurry composition was 60 wt.%.

[0161] After the slurry was prepared for one hour, the slurry viscosity was measured. The m axi m um viscosity of the slurry reached 2193.5 mPa s at 1 / s shear rate.

[0162] Comparative Example 1

[0163] Slurry preparation

[0164] A LFP-based slurry was prepared according to the same method as that of Example 1 except that no additive was used and that the slurry composition followed the general recipe below. The solid content of the slurry composition was 60 wt.%.

[0165] After the slurry was prepared for one hour, the slurry viscosity was measured. The m axi m um viscosity of the slurry reached 4992.8 mPa s at 1 / s shear rate.

[0166] Comparative Example 2

[0167] A LFP-based slurry was prepared according to the same method as that of Example 1 except that polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used as the additive and that the slurry composition followed the general recipe below. The solid content of the slurry composition was 60 wt.%.

[0168] After the slurry was prepared for one hour, the slurry viscosity was measured. The maximum viscosity of the slurry reached 3831 .7 mPa s at 1 / s shear rate.

[0169] Comparative Example 3

[0170] Synthesis of Polycaprolactone P4

[0171] Lauric acid (200.3g) 5-valerolactone (120.3g) and s-caprolactone (1003.7g) were mixed and heated to 100 °C under N2. Zirconium butoxide (0.5 wt.%) was added and the mixture was heated to 160°C for 4 hours. On cooling, the product was obtained in the form of a yellow solid. The reaction had a conversion of more than 95 %.

[0172] Synthesis of comparative additive

[0173] Polycaprolactone P4 (175.8g) was mixed with polyethyleneimine, Mn 2000 (20.6g) and heated to 120 °C and then held at such temperature for 6 hours and thereby polycaprolactone P4 were linked to polyethyleneimine through covalent or non- covalent bond formation. The initial acid value of the mixture was 37 mgKOH / g. The final product had an acid value of 3 mgKOH / g, indicating substantial formation of new amide bonds between P4 with polyethyleneimine. The acid value was determined according to ASTM D1639-90.

[0174] A LFP-based slurry was prepared according to the same method as that of Example 1 except that the additive of Comparative Example 3 was used and that the slurry composition followed the general recipe below. The solid content of the slurry composition was 60 wt.%.

[0175] After the slurry was prepared for one hour, the slurry viscosity was measured. The m axi m urn viscosity of the slurry reached 5803.9 mPa s at 1 / s shear rate.

[0176] The viscosity reduction performance of the dispersing agents was summarized in Table 1 below:

[0177] Table 1

[0178] As shown in Table 1 above, the dispersing agents of the invention showed surprisingly good viscosity reduction effects. In particular, compared with PVP, which is commonly used as dispersing agent for lithium-ion battery cathodes, the viscosity reduction efficacy of the inventive dispersing agent was even better. Surprisingly, the dispersing agents of the invention showed much better viscosity reduction efficacy compared with the dispersant based on PEI of Comparative Example 3.

[0179] Evaluation of performance on dispersing carbon particles To evaluate the capacity of the additives on dispersing carbon and carbon coated particles, a solution of 0.25 wt.% each additive in NMP was prepared by dispersing the additive in NMP for 2 minutes at 2000 rpm in a dual asymmetric centrifuge mixer. Carbon black was stepwise added to the aforementioned solution until a carbon black content of 5 wt.% was reached and mixed for 2 minutes at 2000 rpm in the dual asymmetric centrifuge mixer to obtain an homogeneous dispersion.

[0180] The table below shows the recipe used for each example. The results in the table below show the viscosity of the obtained dispersions. All the inventive additives improved dispersion of carbon black, measured through viscosity, compared to the same dispersion without additive.

[0181] As used herein, terms such as “comprise(s)” and the like as used herein are open terms meaning “including at least” unless otherwise specifically noted.

[0182] All references, tests, standards, documents, publications, etc. mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference. Where a numerical limit or range is stated, the endpoints are included. Also, all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out.

[0183] The above description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, this invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. In this regard, certain embodiments within the invention may not show every benefit of the invention, considered broadly.

Claims

Claims1. Use of a dispersant to disperse carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials such as carbon-coated electrode active materials in a solvent, especially in preparation of an electrode of a battery, wherein the dispersant is obtained by reacting a polyamidoamine C with one or at least two polyesters P and optionally at least one carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q; wherein said polyamidoamine C is obtainable from repetitive self-reaction of at least one type of substance B and I or from cross-reaction of at least one B with at least one substance A; wherein the at least one B is an adduct of the at least one substance A and at least one linker D, and B contains 1 -15 amine-reactive groups and 4-15 in total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines, the at least one substance A is a branched and I or linear aliphatic and I or cycloaliphatic or aromatic polyamine containing 4-15 total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines, and the at least one linker D is an acrylate, a maleate I fumarate mono-ester or a maleate I fumarate di-ester containing 1 -15 amine-reactive groups, or a mixture thereof; wherein the amine-reactive groups in B and D are reacted with reactive amines in B and I or A, and if B has only one amine reactive group, then additional D and I or mixture of B and A is reacted to a previously formed C, wherein such additional reaction of D and I or mixture of B and A to a formed C is repeated for 1 to 10 times; and wherein said one or at least two polyesters P each having one or more amine reactive groups.

2. The use of claim 1 , wherein the amount of polyamidoamine C is 5-50 wt.%, preferably 5-30 wt. %; the amount of polyester P is 30-90 wt.%, preferably 40-90 wt. % and the amount of carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q is 0-25 wt.%, preferably 0-15 wt. %, based on the total amount of polyamidoamine C, polyester P and carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q.

3. The use of claim 1 , wherein the polyamidoamine C has an amine density of at least 600 mgKOH / g and / or less than 1000 mg KOH / g, preferably from 700 mg KOH / g to 1 ,000 mg KOH / g, more preferably from 700 mg KOH / g to 900 mg KOH / g.

4. The use of claim 1 , wherein the at least two polyesters P comprise a first polyester and a second polyester, the number averaged molecular weight difference between the first polyester and the second polyester is at least 300, preferably at least 500 g / mole; preferably the number averaged molecular weight difference between the first polyester and the second polyester is below 5000, preferably below 3500 g / mole.

5. The use of claim 1 , wherein carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q is selected from aliphatic acids, aromatic acids and esters or anhydrides thereof.

6. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that polyester P is a polylactone or polycaprolactone.

7. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that substance B has 2 to 15 amine-reactive groups and additional D and / or mixture of B and A is reacted to a previously formed C, such additional reaction of D and / or mixture of B and A to a formed C is repeated for 1 to 10 times.

8. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that substance A is selected from the group consisting of triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine and pentaethylenehexamine.

9. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the dispersant has the formula (I):Formula (I) in whichX-*-*-*-X is a polyamidoamine, each comprising primary and / or secondary amino groups,are POAC side chains which are side chains based on poly(oxy-Ci-6- alkylenecarbonyl) compounds,with T = a saturated or unsaturated alkyl group,V = an -Ci-6-alkylene group, each of m, n, r and t is an average number, m and n = each 3 to 40, where m and n are the same or different from one another, r and t = each 1 to 100, andZ are optional side chains based on carboxylic acids or anhydrides or esters thereof Q with s = 0 to 100, preferably the carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of acetic, methoxyacetic, propionic, pentanoic, hexanoic, caprylic, capric, lauric, ricinoleic, stearic acid and hydroxystearic acid.

10. A dispersion comprising a continuous phase, a dispersed particulate and a dispersant obtained by reacting a polyamidoamine C with one or at least two polyesters P and optionally at least one carboxylic acid or its anhydride or its ester Q; wherein said polyamidoamine C is obtainable from repetitive self-reaction of at least one type of substance B and I or from cross-reaction of at least one B with at least one substance A, wherein the at least one B is an adduct of the at least one substance A and at least one linker D, and B contains 1 -15 amine-reactive groups and 4-15 in total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines, the at least one substance A is a branched and I or linear aliphatic and I or cycloaliphatic or aromatic polyamine containing 4-15 total number of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines, and the at least one linker D is an acrylate, a maleate I fumarate mono-ester or a maleate I fumarate di-ester containing 1 -15 amine-reactive groups, or a mixture thereof; wherein the amine-reactive groups in B and D are reacted with reactive amines in B and I or A, and if B has only one amine reactive group, then additional D and I or mixture of B and A is reacted to a previously formed C, wherein such additional reaction of D and I or mixture of B and A to a formed C is repeated for 1 to 10 times; and wherein said one or at least two polyesters P each having one or more amine reactive groups.

11. The dispersion of claim 10, wherein the dispersed particulate is selected from carbon materials and / or carbon containing materials such as electrically conductive carbon-based materials and carbon-coated electrode active materials, and / or the dispersion is an electrode slurry.

12. Use of the dispersion according to claim 10 or 11 in preparation of an electrochemical device including batteries.

13. An electrochemical device comprising the dispersion according to claim 10 or 11 .

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