Surface-Charged Conductive Agent for Lithium Battery Slurry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The agglomeration of conductive agents in lithium secondary battery electrodes leads to deteriorated conductivity and battery performance, as existing dispersal methods like bead milling are limited in achieving uniform distribution.
Innovation Solution
A conductive agent with a nonzero surface charge, achieved through surface treatment with dispersing agents containing amine or fluorine groups, prevents agglomeration by electrostatic repulsion, ensuring better dispersibility and uniform microstructure in the positive electrode slurry composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional dispersal methods like bead milling are used to distribute conductive agents, then some distribution is achieved, but uniform distribution cannot be achieved leading to agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface charge characteristics of conductive agents through dispersing agents. By changing the electrical parameter (surface charge) of the conductive agent particles, the patent achieves uniform distribution without agglomeration, resolving the contradiction between distribution uniformity and conductivity reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dispersing agents as intermediary substances that mediate between conductive agents and the electrode matrix. These intermediaries prevent direct agglomeration of conductive agents while maintaining their conductive function, achieving both uniform distribution and reliable conductivity
2Reliability
If conductive agents are added to improve conductivity, then conductivity should improve, but agglomeration occurs leading to deteriorated conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface charge parameter of conductive agents using dispersing agents with specific functional groups (amine or fluorine). This parameter change prevents agglomeration and maintains both conductivity and dispersibility simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical dispersal methods (bead milling) with an electrostatic repulsion mechanism. By substituting mechanical force with electrical force (electrostatic repulsion between charged particles), the patent achieves stable dispersion without mechanical aggregation
3Stability of the object's composition
If surface treatment with dispersing agents is applied to prevent agglomeration, then dispersibility improves, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface charge parameter of conductive agents through chemical interaction with dispersing agents. This parameter change inherently provides dispersibility without requiring complex additional processing equipment or steps
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 surface-charged conductive agents results in improved dispersibility and conductivity of the positive electrode, leading to enhanced battery performance with smaller pore sizes and longer cell lifetimes.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive agent with a nonzero surface charge, achieved through surface treatment with dispersing agents containing amine or fluorine groups, prevents agglomeration by electrostatic repulsion
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A conductive agent having a nonzero surface charge, a positive electrode slurry composition for a lithium secondary battery, including the conductive agent, and a lithium secondary battery including the conductive agent.