Polymer-Coated Cathode Composition for Crack-Resistant Electrodes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing lithium-ion battery electrodes using compression molding with a roll press often result in cracks, which reduce the electrode's strength and thickness.

Innovation Solution

A cathode composition comprising coated cathode active material particles with a polymer compound coating and a conductive filler, where the ratio of aerated bulk density to packed bulk density is between 0.47 and 0.65, is used to reduce cracks during compression molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If compression molding is used to reduce production time and energy, then productivity is improved, but cracks occur in the electrode reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction timeVSAvoidelectrode crack resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive filler is pre-selected with a specific aerated bulk density to packed bulk density ratio (0.47 to 0.65) before the compression molding process. This preliminary selection of material properties ensures that the electrode structure can withstand the compression forces without cracking, while still allowing for rapid production using compression molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If compression molding pressure is increased to improve manufacturing efficiency, then productivity is improved, but electrode cracks increase reducing strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidelectrode strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical parameter of the conductive filler by selecting materials with a specific aerated bulk density to packed bulk density ratio (0.47 to 0.65). This parameter change allows the electrode to maintain structural integrity under compression molding pressure, enabling high manufacturing efficiency without sacrificing electrode strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of moving object

If electrode thickness is reduced to enable thinner designs, then compactness is improved, but crack resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode thicknessVSAvoidcrack resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the physical parameter of the conductive filler (aerated bulk density to packed bulk density ratio to 0.47-0.65), the invention enables thinner electrode designs that maintain adequate crack resistance. The optimized filler properties provide structural support even at reduced thickness, allowing for compact battery designs without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250183318A1Cathode composition for lithium-ion batteries
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 APB CORP

AI summary

A cathode composition for lithium-ion batteries comprises: a coated cathode active material particle, wherein at least a part of a cathode active material particle surface is coated by a coating layer that contains a polymer compound; and a conductive filler, wherein the ratio of an aerated bulk density to a packed bulk density (aerated bulk density/packed bulk density) is 0.47 to 0.65.