Carbon-Coated Spherical Graphite Anode With Pre-Densified Particles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbonaceous negative electrode materials, particularly those derived from spheronized natural graphite, suffer from high internal porosity, reduced density, and poor sphericity, leading to issues such as electrode swelling, irreversible reactions, and degradation of high-temperature storage characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A method involving spheronization of scaly graphite, followed by cold isostatic pressing, disintegration, and carbon coating at controlled temperatures to produce a carbonaceous negative electrode active material with reduced internal pores and improved sphericity, characterized by specific particle size and density ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If natural graphite is spheronized to improve processability and reduce irreversible reaction, then spherical shape is achieved, but internal pores are generated reducing density

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprocessabilityVSAvoiddensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies cold isostatic pressing to change the density parameter of spheronized graphite particles from 1.8-2.0 g/cc to 2.5-2.7 g/cc, thereby increasing the quantity of substance while maintaining the spherical shape and processability benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If low-crystalline carbon coating is applied to prevent electrolyte destruction, then edge surface protection is achieved, but coating film breaks during densification exposing graphite edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge surface protectionVSAvoidcoating film integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs cold isostatic pressing before carbon coating, pre-densifying the graphite particles to 2.5-2.7 g/cc. This preliminary densification prevents coating film breakage during subsequent electrode manufacturing processes, maintaining coating integrity and continuous protection of graphite edges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If internal pores are reduced by densification to improve capacity, then density increases, but coating film breaks and graphite edges are exposed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedensityVSAvoidcoating film integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs cold isostatic pressing before carbon coating, pre-densifying the graphite particles to 2.5-2.7 g/cc. This preliminary densification prevents coating film breakage during subsequent electrode manufacturing processes, maintaining coating integrity and continuous protection of graphite edges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If spheronization is performed to reduce irreversible reaction, then spherical shape is achieved, but internal pores cause gas generation and high-temperature degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirreversible reaction reductionVSAvoidgas generation and high-temperature degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies cold isostatic pressing to change the density parameter from 1.8-2.0 g/cc to 2.5-2.7 g/cc, significantly reducing internal pore volume. This eliminates the harmful effects of gas generation and high-temperature degradation while preserving the spherical shape and low irreversible reaction characteristics

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 solution results in a negative electrode with enhanced capacity retention, reduced swelling, and improved high-temperature storage characteristics, facilitating rapid charge/discharge cycles and minimizing internal stress.

Implementation Method 1

spheronization of scaly graphite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpheronization:

Implementation Method 2

cold isostatic pressing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCold isostatic pressing: Compression

Implementation Method 3

carbonizing the mixture at a temperature ranging from 1,400° C. to 600° C. to form a carbon coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCarbonization: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12476252B2Globular carbon-based anode active material, method for manufacturing same, and anode and lithium secondary battery comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A spheronized carbonaceous negative electrode active material and a method of preparing a spheronized carbonaceous negative electrode active material, which has an average particle diameter (D50) of 8.5-10.5 μm, a minimum particle diameter (Dmin) of 2.3 μm or more, and a tap density of 1.00-1.20 g/cc.