Positive Electrode Binder Composition for Low-Resistance Dense Slurries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional binder compositions for secondary battery positive electrodes do not adequately enhance output characteristics and cycle characteristics, such as internal resistance and electrode density, in secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

A binder composition comprising a polymer with a nitrile group-containing monomer unit, an aromatic vinyl monomer unit, a hydrophilic group-containing monomer unit, a conjugated diene monomer unit, and a linear alkylene structural unit, where the aromatic vinyl monomer unit is included in a proportion of 30.0 to 60.0 mass % and the iodine value is between 60 mg/100 mg and 150 mg, optimizing the balance for improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional binder composition is used, then basic electrode formation is achieved, but output characteristics and cycle characteristics are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle characteristicsVSAvoidoutput characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder by incorporating a copolymer with specific monomer units (acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, vinylidene fluoride) in controlled proportions. The nitrile group-containing unit (10-30 mass%) and fluorine-containing unit (5-20 mass%) are carefully balanced to achieve both high output characteristics and excellent cycle characteristics, resolving the contradiction between power and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The binder uses a composite polymer structure combining multiple monomer units with different functional properties: acrylic acid provides hydrophilicity and adhesion, acrylonitrile provides nitrile groups for coordination, and vinylidene fluoride provides fluorine groups for stability. This composite approach enables simultaneous improvement of both output and cycle characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If aromatic vinyl monomer unit proportion is increased, then output characteristics improve, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput characteristicsVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the proportion of aromatic vinyl monomer unit (styrene) to be 30-60 mass%, which provides sufficient output characteristics while maintaining structural stability. This balanced composition prevents excessive softening while ensuring adequate electrical conductivity and adhesion, resolving the trade-off between power and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If polymer dispersion is increased, then electrode density improves, but aggregation occurs reducing performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode densityVSAvoiddispersion uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of the polymer by controlling the content of hydrophilic acrylic acid units (10-30 mass%) alongside the nitrile and fluorine containing units. This balanced composition optimizes dispersion in the slurry medium, achieving high electrode density without aggregation by maintaining uniform distribution of polymer chains throughout the electrode mixture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11742489B2Binder composition for secondary battery positive electrode, slurry composition for secondary battery positive electrode and method of producing same, positive electrode for secondary battery, and secondary battery
Publication Date: 2023.08.29 ZEON CORP

AI summary

A binder composition for a secondary battery positive electrode contains a polymer including a nitrile group-containing monomer unit, an aromatic vinyl monomer unit, a hydrophilic group-containing monomer unit, a conjugated diene monomer unit, and a linear alkylene structural unit having a carbon number of 4 or more. The aromatic vinyl monomer unit is included in the polymer in a proportion of not less than 30.0 mass % and not more than 60.0 mass %. The polymer has an iodine value of not less than 60 mg/100 mg and not more than 150 mg/100 mg.