CNT Negative Electrode Composition for Binder Migration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing techniques for lithium secondary batteries face challenges in maintaining effective adhesion between the negative electrode active material layer and the current collector due to binder migration, leading to reduced battery performance and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

A negative electrode is developed with a carbon nanotube structure as a conductive agent, where single-walled carbon nanotube units are bonded side by side, forming a network that suppresses binder migration and enhances adhesion by maintaining conductivity and preventing crack generation, using a specific dispersant combination to achieve optimal distribution and viscosity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional binder materials and drying conditions are used, then the negative electrode can be manufactured, but binder migration occurs during the drying process causing reduced adhesion between the active material layer and current collector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenegative electrode adhesionVSAvoidbinder distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder system by introducing a specific ratio of carboxymethyl cellulose (1-5 parts by weight) and styrene-butadiene rubber (95-99.9 parts by weight). This compositional parameter change modifies the binder's rheological properties to prevent migration during drying while maintaining adhesion. The SBR component provides strong adhesive properties that compensate for any binder loss during the drying process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite binder system combining carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) in specific ratios. CMC provides water solubility and film-forming properties, while SBR provides elastic adhesion and crack resistance. This composite approach creates a binder that maintains uniform distribution during drying and ensures strong, flexible adhesion between the active material layer and current collector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If techniques to improve binder adhesion are implemented, then negative electrode adhesion improves, but preparation costs increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenegative electrode adhesionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the binder composition parameters to achieve effective adhesion with minimal binder quantity. By precisely controlling the CMC:SBR ratio and total binder content (1-10 parts by weight per 100 parts graphite), the formulation achieves strong adhesion without requiring excessive binder that would need complex processing. This parameter optimization simplifies the manufacturing process and maintains high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the binder content is increased to improve adhesion, then negative electrode adhesion improves, but the electrode resistance increases and uniformity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenegative electrode adhesionVSAvoidelectrode uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the binder composition rather than increasing quantity. By using SBR (95-99.9 parts by weight) with high inherent adhesion properties, effective adhesion is achieved with minimal binder content (1-10 parts by weight per 100 parts graphite). This prevents binder aggregation and maintains uniform electrode structure and conductivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses small amounts of CMC (1-5 parts by weight) as a sacrificial component that provides water solubility and processing benefits but decomposes during drying. This allows the binder system to achieve uniform distribution and strong adhesion without requiring large quantities of permanent binder that would compromise electrode uniformity and conductivity.

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 solution improves negative electrode adhesion, extends battery life, and increases productivity by ensuring a sufficient binder presence in the active material layer, while maintaining low electrode resistance and uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

the carbon nanotube structure has an average length of 1 μm to 20 μm, and QBR according to the following Equation 1 is in a range of 1 to 1.75

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity: Viscometer

Implementation Method 2

the conductive agent includes a carbon nanotube structure in which a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotube units are bonded side by side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 3

the carbon nanotube structure has an average length of 1 μm to 20 μm, and QBR according to the following Equation 1 is in a range of 1 to 1.75

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240290984A1Negative Electrode And Secondary Battery Including The Negative Electrode
Publication Date: 2024.08.29 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • US20240290984A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material layer, wherein the negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material, a binder, a conductive agent, and a dispersant, wherein the conductive agent includes a carbon nanotube structure in which a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotube units are bonded side by side, the carbon nanotube structure has an average length of 1 μm to 20 μm, and QBR according to Equation 1 is in a range of 1 to 1.75QBR=Bs/Bf.[Equation⁢ 1]