Composite Polymer Binder for Thermal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion secondary batteries face challenges in maintaining performance, particularly in abnormal temperature conditions such as high-temperature environments, where they may generate heat, leading to reduced charge/discharge performance and durability.

Innovation Solution

A binder composition for lithium-ion secondary battery electrodes is developed using composite polymer particles obtained through solution polymerization in an aqueous medium, with specific temperature-sensitive polymers and a core-shell structure to enhance binding properties and thermal stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional binders are used in lithium-ion secondary batteries, then normal charge/discharge performance is maintained, but charge/discharge performance degrades significantly in abnormal high-temperature environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery performance in abnormal temperatureVSAvoidheat generation in abnormal conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the phase transition temperature of the polymer binder. The binder is designed to undergo a specific physical change (phase transition) at temperatures of 50°C or higher, which fundamentally alters its properties from a normal binding state to a safety-responsive state. This parameter change enables the binder to automatically reduce ion permeability and lower charge/discharge performance when abnormal heat is detected, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining normal performance and responding to abnormal temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by creating a binder that dynamically adjusts its properties based on temperature conditions. The polymer binder transitions from a static binding function at normal temperatures to an active safety mechanism at elevated temperatures. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt its charge/discharge characteristics in real-time according to thermal conditions, enabling the battery to maintain reliability across different temperature scenarios while automatically mitigating heat generation risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the binder maintains high binding strength at normal temperatures, then electrode integrity is preserved, but charge/discharge performance is lowered when abnormal heat is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinder binding strengthVSAvoidcharge/discharge performance in abnormal conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by designing the polymer binder with a specific phase transition temperature (50°C or higher). Below this temperature, the binder maintains its normal binding strength and structural integrity. When the temperature reaches or exceeds the phase transition point, the binder undergoes a physical change that reduces its ion permeability and binding strength, thereby automatically lowering charge/discharge performance. This parameter-driven transformation resolves the contradiction by enabling the binder to switch between strong binding mode and performance-limited mode based on thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a temperature-responsive binder that dynamically adjusts its binding characteristics. At normal operating temperatures, the binder provides strong adhesion to maintain electrode integrity. When abnormal heat is generated and temperature reaches the phase transition point, the binder dynamically transforms its properties to reduce binding strength and ion transport, thereby automatically limiting charge/discharge performance. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to preserve electrode strength during normal operation while automatically reducing productivity under abnormal thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 binder composition effectively lowers charge/discharge performance degradation in abnormal high-temperature environments, improving the battery's thermal stability and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a composite polymer particle obtained by polymerizing a monomer solution containing a polymer in an aqueous medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

a binder composition for a lithium-ion secondary battery electrode, containing a composite polymer particle obtained by polymerizing a monomer solution containing a polymer in an aqueous medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS11038158B2Method for manufacturing a binder composition for lithium-ion secondary battery electrode
Publication Date: 2021.06.15 ZEON CORP

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a binder composition for a lithium-ion secondary battery electrode. The method comprises a step of dissolving a polymer having a melting point in a range of 50° C. to 150° C. in a monomer and obtaining a monomer solution in which the polymer is dissolved in the monomer; and a step of obtaining a composite polymer particle by subjecting the monomer solution to suspension polymerization or emulsion polymerization in an aqueous medium. The binder composition contains the composite polymer particle.