Binder Composition for Non-Aqueous Battery Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current binder compositions for non-aqueous secondary battery electrodes face challenges such as insufficient adhesion to current collectors, poor cycling life, and environmental concerns due to the use of fluorine resins, which also have limitations in cushioning properties and adhesion, leading to reduced active material density and increased manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A binder composition featuring fine particles of a functional group-containing cross-linkage type resin obtained through emulsification polymerization, incorporating monomers with epoxy, amide, hydroxide, and alkoxysilyl groups, which provide enhanced adhesion, anti-electrolyte solution properties, and flexibility, allowing for improved charge and discharge cycles and reduced environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If fluorine resin is used as binder, then adhesion to current collector is improved, but cushioning property is insufficient and adhesion to active material is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion to current collectorVSAvoidcushioning property
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite binder system combining carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) instead of single-component fluorine resin. CMC provides adhesion to the current collector while SBR provides cushioning properties through its elastic nature, successfully resolving the contradiction between adhesion strength and cushioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the binder composition by introducing specific functional groups (carboxyl groups in CMC) and adjusting the molecular structure (polymerization degree of SBR) to achieve both strong adhesion and adequate cushioning. The carboxyl groups enhance bonding to the current collector while the polymer chain structure of SBR provides flexibility and shock absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If fluorine resin is used as binder, then adhesion to current collector is improved, but active material density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion to current collectorVSAvoidactive material density
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The CMC-SBR composite binder system achieves effective adhesion with lower binder content compared to fluorine resin. This reduces the volume occupied by binder material, allowing higher packing density of active material in the electrode structure while maintaining sufficient adhesion performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If cross-linking agent is added to acrylate resin, then binding property is improved, but manufacturing process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding propertyVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs SBR which inherently possesses adhesive and binding properties without requiring additional cross-linking agents or complex chemical modifications. The natural elasticity and bonding capability of SBR provide sufficient binding performance, eliminating the need for extra manufacturing steps involving cross-linking chemistry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If organic solvent is removed from binder solution, then adhesion is improved, but odor problem persists and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidenergy consumption for solvent removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses water as the solvent instead of organic solvents, and the water can be easily removed through simple drying processes without requiring high energy input. The binder system is designed to function effectively with minimal or no solvent remaining, eliminating odor issues and reducing energy consumption associated with solvent evaporation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 binder composition ensures excellent adhesion to current collectors, extends the life of non-aqueous secondary batteries by maintaining high electric discharge capacity, and reduces environmental concerns through improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced solvent usage.

Implementation Method 1

a binder composition for a non-aqueous secondary battery electrode that contains fine particles of a functional group-containing cross-linkage type resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

fine particles of a resin obtained by emulsification polymerization of monomers having an ethylenically unsaturated group with a radical polymerization initiator in water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsification polymerization: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS9905855B2Binder composition for non-aqueous secondary battery electrode
Publication Date: 2018.02.27 TOYOCHEM CO LTD

AI summary

A binder composition for a non-aqueous secondary battery electrode may comprise functional group-containing crosslinked resin microparticles produced by polymerizing: (A) at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of (a) a monomer having one ethylenically unsaturated group per molecule and also having a monofunctional or polyfunctional epoxy group, (b) a monomer having one ethylenically unsaturated group per molecule and also having a monofunctional or polyfunctional amide group, and (c) a monomer having one ethylenically unsaturated group per molecule and also having a monofunctional or polyfunctional hydroxy group; (B) at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of (d) a monomer having one ethylenically unsaturated group per molecule and also having an alkoxysilyl group and (e) a monomer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups per molecule; and (C) (k) a monomer which has an ethylenically unsaturated group and is different from the monomers (a) to (e).