Secondary Battery Electrode Conductive Network Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conductive materials in lithium secondary batteries, such as carbon black and graphite, limit the loading density and electrical conductivity of cathode mixtures, hindering the enhancement of battery performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conductive material, such as carbon nanotubes or graphene, in an amount of 0.1 to 15% based on the total weight of the electrode mixture, specifically designed to improve electrical conductivity while maintaining a sufficient active material ratio, enhancing the output and capacity of secondary batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conductive materials (carbon black, graphite) are added to cathode mixture, then electrical conductivity is improved, but loading density cannot be enlarged at compression process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the conductive material by using carbon nanotubes with specific structural characteristics (high aspect ratio, high conductivity) instead of conventional carbon black or graphite. This parameter change allows achieving high electrical conductivity with minimal addition amount (0.1-15 wt%), thereby enabling higher loading density of active material in the cathode mixture without compromising conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where carbon nanotubes form a conductive network within the cathode mixture. The carbon nanotubes act as a scaffold that provides electrical pathways while occupying minimal volume, allowing the composite material to achieve both high conductivity and high loading density of active material simultaneously.
2Reliability
If conductive material is added to cathode mixture, then electrical conductivity is improved, but active material ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the exceptional electrical conductivity parameter of carbon nanotubes (orders of magnitude higher than conventional conductive materials) to achieve the required conductivity threshold with minimal addition amounts. This allows maintaining active material ratio above 80 wt% while still achieving satisfactory electrical conductivity for battery operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon nanotubes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical conductivity, form a conductive network structure, and enhance the mechanical integrity of the cathode mixture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate conductive additives and allows higher active material content.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of high-conductivity materials like carbon nanotubes or graphene improves electrical conductivity and battery output, even at lower concentrations, reducing capacity reduction rates as C-rate levels increase, resulting in superior performance and charge rates for secondary batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive material is included in an amount of 0.1 to 15% based on total weight of the electrode mixture... the use of high-conductivity materials like carbon nanotubes or graphene improves electrical conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electrode for secondary batteries including an electrode mixture including an electrode active material, binder and conductive material coated on a current collector. The present invention provides an electrode for secondary batteries wherein an electrode active material is a cathode active material and/or anode active material, and the conductive material is included in an amount of 0.1 to 15% based on total weight of the electrode mixture, and a secondary battery including the same.