Non-graphitizable Carbon Negative Electrode Pore Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Energy storage devices, such as lithium ion batteries, face challenges in achieving high power and durability when using non-graphitizable carbon as a negative active material, particularly due to limitations in pore size and volume which affect electrolyte diffusion and structural resistance.

Innovation Solution

The energy storage device incorporates a negative electrode with a non-graphitizable carbon active material layer having pores between 0.1 µm and 1.0 µm in size, a total pore volume of 0.26 cm³ to 0.46 cm³ per gram, and a 90% cumulative diameter (D90) of 1.9 µm to 11.5 µm, optimized through specific production conditions and the use of an aqueous binder, to enhance power and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If non-graphitizable carbon formed into particles having a small particle size is used as a negative active material, then the power of the energy storage device can be increased, but the durability may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepowerVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses non-graphitizable carbon particles with a specific pore structure (pore size 0.03-1.0 μm and pore volume 0.03-0.30 ml/g) as the negative active material. The porous structure allows efficient electrolyte penetration and ion transport while maintaining structural integrity, thereby achieving both high power and high durability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes specific parameters of the non-graphitizable carbon particles, including pore size (0.03-1.0 μm), pore volume (0.03-0.30 ml/g), and particle size distribution (D90: 3.0-11.5 μm), to achieve the best balance between power and durability. By precisely controlling these parameters, the invention resolves the contradiction between high power and high durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the pore size and pore volume of the active material layer are increased to enhance electrolyte diffusion, then the power increases, but the structural resistance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepowerVSAvoidstructural resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs non-graphitizable carbon particles with an optimized pore structure (pore size 0.03-1.0 μm, pore volume 0.03-0.30 ml/g) that provides sufficient electrolyte diffusion pathways while maintaining structural integrity. The specific pore size range ensures good electrolyte penetration without compromising the structural resistance of the active material layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates different local structures within the active material layer by controlling the pore size distribution and particle size distribution (D90: 3.0-11.5 μm). The porous structure provides local regions for electrolyte diffusion while the overall particle structure maintains structural resistance, achieving both high power and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration enables the battery to maintain high power and durability by balancing electrolyte diffusion and structural resistance, with the specific pore volume and particle size distribution ensuring effective performance over time.

Implementation Method 1

the active material layer has pores having a pore size of 0.1 μm or more and 1.0 μm or less, a total volume of the pores is 0.26 cm³ to 0.46 cm³ per gram

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3070768B1Energy storage device
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 GS YUASA INT LTD
  • EP3070768B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3070768B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3070768B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An energy storage device includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution. The negative electrode includes an active material layer, and the active material layer has pores having a pore size of 0.1 µm or more and 1.0 µm or less, and a total volume of the pores is 0.26 cm3/g or more and 0.46 cm3/g or less.