Aqueous Polymer Binders for Silicon Anodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional approaches for battery electrodes are costly, cumbersome, and inefficient, limiting battery lifetime due to the use of toxic organic solvents and non-conductive binders, which hinder the integration of high-capacity silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries.

Innovation Solution

The use of aqueous-based polymers as binders to fabricate silicon-based anode materials, eliminating the need for toxic organic solvents and enhancing the adhesion and conductivity of silicon anodes, allowing for high Si content and improved cycle performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional organic solvents and non-conductive binders are used in battery electrode fabrication, then the manufacturing process is established, but the battery lifetime is limited and toxicity issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifetimeVSAvoidtoxicity of organic solvents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the binder system from organic-based to aqueous-based. This substitution transforms the chemical composition and properties of the electrode slurry, eliminating toxic organic solvents while maintaining the binder's essential functions of adhesion and conductivity enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the traditionally harmful organic solvents into beneficial aqueous-based polymers. By using water-soluble polymers, the system eliminates toxicity while preserving and even enhancing the binding and conductive properties that were previously achieved only through organic chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If conventional binders are used, then the electrode structure is maintained, but adhesion and conductivity of silicon anodes are hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion of silicon anodeVSAvoidintegration of high-capacity silicon anodes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The aqueous-based polymer acts as an intermediary substance between the silicon particles and the current collector. It provides a water-soluble matrix that facilitates uniform distribution and strong adhesion of silicon anode materials, enabling better integration than conventional organic binders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite aqueous-based polymer systems that combine multiple functional properties in a single binder material. These composite polymers simultaneously provide adhesion, conductivity enhancement, and structural integrity, making them superior to conventional single-function organic binders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional approaches are used for electrode fabrication, then the process is established, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication of silicon-based anodesVSAvoidcomplexity of electrode fabrication process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adopts aqueous-based polymers that can be easily processed and potentially disposed of or recycled through simple water-based methods. This approach eliminates the need for complex solvent recovery systems required by organic binders, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The aqueous-based polymer system is self-sufficient in providing multiple functions (adhesion, conductivity, structural support) through a single material component. This eliminates the need for multiple separate additives and processing steps, simplifying the overall fabrication process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20220115651A1Aqueous based polymers for silicon dominant anodes

Publication Date: 2022.04.14 ENEVATE CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods utilizing aqueous-based polymer binders for silicon-dominant anodes may include an electrode coating layer on a current collector, where the electrode coating layer is formed from silicon and a water soluble polymer and may comprise one or more of the following materials: pH modifiers, viscosity modifiers, strengthening additives, surfactants and anti-foaming agents. The electrode coating layer may include more than 70% silicon and the anode may be in a lithium ion battery.