Core-Shell Functional Layer Composition for Electrolyte Wettability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrochemical devices face challenges in achieving excellent process adhesiveness and electrolyte solution injectability during production, as well as storage characteristics, due to limitations in the functional layers used in these devices.

Innovation Solution

A composition for an electrochemical device functional layer is developed, comprising a particulate polymer with a core-shell structure, specific electrolyte solution contact angle, and volume-average particle diameter, along with a binder and heat-resistant fine particles, which enhances process adhesiveness and electrolyte solution injectability and storage characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a functional layer is formed using conventional compositions (binder, inorganic particles, particulate polymer), then the basic structure is achieved, but process adhesiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess adhesivenessVSAvoidadhesiveness during production
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite particulate polymer consisting of a core portion (polymer A) and a shell portion (polymer B) that at least partially covers the core. This core-shell composite structure combines the adhesive properties of polymer A with the electrolyte wettability of polymer B, achieving both excellent process adhesiveness and electrolyte solution injectability that cannot be obtained with conventional single-material functional layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The functional layer is designed with spatially differentiated properties: the core portion provides adhesive strength while the shell portion provides electrolyte wettability. This local differentiation of material functions within the particulate polymer allows different regions to perform different functions, simultaneously improving adhesiveness and electrolyte injectability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If inorganic particles are used to form functional layer with high area proportion (>90%), then heat resistance is improved, but electrolyte solution injectability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidelectrolyte solution injectability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shell portion (polymer B) acts as an intermediary between the inorganic particles/core portion and the electrolyte solution. It provides a surface that is highly wettable by electrolyte solution while allowing the underlying core portion to maintain heat resistance properties. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction between heat resistance and electrolyte injectability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface properties of the functional layer by introducing a shell portion with different chemical composition and surface energy characteristics. This parameter change in surface chemistry enables high electrolyte wettability while maintaining the thermal stability provided by the core portion and inorganic particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If particulate polymer with large particle diameter is used, then process adhesiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess adhesivenessVSAvoiduniformity of functional layer
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The functional layer is segmented into multiple components: inorganic particles, binder, and particulate polymer with core-shell structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the use of larger particulate polymer for adhesiveness while maintaining uniformity through the distributed nature of the segmented components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 described composition forms a functional layer with improved adhesiveness and injectability, leading to enhanced performance and storage characteristics in electrochemical devices, as demonstrated by increased peel strength and capacity maintenance rates.

Implementation Method 1

the particulate polymer has an electrolyte solution contact angle of not less than 0° and not more than 35°

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a functional layer that has excellent process adhesiveness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface adhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20240047825A1Composition for electrochemical device functional layer, laminate for electrochemical device, and electrochemical device
Publication Date: 2024.02.08 ZEON CORP

AI summary

A composition for an electrochemical device functional layer contains a particulate polymer, a binder, and heat-resistant fine particles. The particulate polymer has a core-shell structure including a core portion formed of a polymer A and a shell portion formed of a polymer B that at least partially covers an outer surface of the core portion, with the polymer A and the polymer B being different from each other. The particulate polymer also has an electrolyte solution contact angle of not less than 0° and not more than 35° and a volume-average particle diameter of not less than 1.0 μm and not more than 10.0 μm.