Carbon Black Composition for Conductive Battery Electrode Slurries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium ion secondary batteries face challenges in achieving excellent discharge rate and cycle characteristics due to limitations in the conductive properties of carbon black used in their electrodes.

Innovation Solution

Carbon black with a specific surface area of 150 to 400 m2/g, hydrochloric acid absorption of 30 to 60 mL/5 g, and slurry viscosity of 200 to 1,200 mPa·s, along with low ash and iron content, is used to enhance the conductivity and dispersion in the battery electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If carbon black with large specific surface area is used to improve conductivity, then discharge rate characteristic is improved, but slurry viscosity increases making electrode formation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge rate characteristicVSAvoidelectrode formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the specific surface area of carbon black within 150-400 m²/g and hydrochloric acid absorption amount within 30-60 mL/5g. These parameter optimizations ensure the carbon black provides sufficient conductivity improvement while maintaining slurry viscosity at manageable levels (200-1,200 mPa·s), thus resolving the contradiction between enhanced discharge rate characteristic and ease of electrode formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If carbon black with high hydrochloric acid absorption amount is used to improve dispersion, then cycle characteristic is improved, but slurry viscosity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle characteristicVSAvoidslurry preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by establishing an optimal range for hydrochloric acid absorption amount (30-60 mL/5g). This parameter optimization ensures sufficient dispersion and cycle characteristic improvement while preventing excessive slurry viscosity increase, maintaining slurry viscosity between 200-1,200 mPa·s for ease of preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If carbon black with large specific surface area is used to enhance conductivity, then discharge rate characteristic is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge rate characteristicVSAvoidslurry viscosity control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses this contradiction through comprehensive parameter changes that define a coordinated range: specific surface area (150-400 m²/g), hydrochloric acid absorption amount (30-60 mL/5g), and resulting slurry viscosity (200-1,200 mPa·s). This multi-parameter optimization ensures that conductivity enhancement is achieved while keeping manufacturing precision requirements manageable through well-defined viscosity control ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If carbon black with optimized properties is used to improve battery performance, then discharge rate and cycle characteristics are improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery performanceVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes that define an optimal balance point: carbon black with specific surface area of 150-400 m²/g and hydrochloric acid absorption of 30-60 mL/5g. These parameters deliver excellent discharge rate and cycle characteristics while avoiding excessive viscosity control requirements and expensive ultra-fine carbon black materials, thus maintaining reasonable production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 specified carbon black properties result in improved discharge rate and cycle characteristics of lithium ion secondary batteries, ensuring high capacity and uniform conductivity across the electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

hydrochloric acid absorption amount of 30 mL/5 g or more

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the slurry viscosity at 25° C. and a shear rate of 10 s−1 is 200 mPa·s or more and 1,200 mPa·s or less

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity:

Implementation Method 3

As the conductive agent, for example, carbon black is used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240002670A1Carbon black, slurry, and lithium ion secondary battery
Publication Date: 2024.01.04 DENKA CO LTD

AI summary

Carbon black having a specific surface area of 150 m2/g or more and 400 m2/g or less and a hydrochloric acid absorption amount of 30 mL/5 g or more, wherein, when a 3 mass % slurry is prepared using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone as a dispersion medium, the slurry viscosity at 25° C. and a shear rate of 10 s−1 is 200 mPa·s or more and 1,200 mPa·s or less.