Lithium-Ion Electrode Assembly Low Water Content Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes face challenges in achieving low water content in electrode assemblies, which affects electrochemical performance and stability, and current methods are costly due to stringent moisture control requirements.
Innovation Solution
An electrode assembly with a water content of less than 20 ppm is achieved by using a method that involves stacking anodes, cathodes, and separators under controlled humidity, followed by vacuum drying and gas treatment to reduce moisture levels, allowing for efficient drying outside a dry room and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrode assembly is dried by conventional vacuum heating method, then water content is reduced to 110-488 ppm, but production cost increases due to stringent moisture control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inert atmosphere by introducing nitrogen gas into the drying chamber during the drying process. The nitrogen atmosphere prevents moisture reabsorption and allows for more relaxed humidity control in the manufacturing environment, reducing production costs while achieving lower water content (less than 20 ppm) in the electrode assembly.
2Quantity of substance
If electrode assembly is dried by conventional vacuum heating method, then water content is reduced to 110-488 ppm, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between vacuum heating phases and nitrogen gas introduction phases during the drying process. This periodic cycle allows for more efficient energy utilization, as the nitrogen gas helps maintain low moisture levels without requiring continuous high-energy vacuum heating, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while achieving water content less than 20 ppm.
3Quantity of substance
If stringent moisture control is implemented during production, then water content is reduced, but investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inert nitrogen atmosphere to create a moisture-controlled environment during drying without requiring the entire production facility to be a costly dry room. The nitrogen gas treatment allows for relaxed humidity control in other production areas, significantly reducing investment costs for moisture control infrastructure while still achieving water content less than 20 ppm in the final product.
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 method results in reliable lithium-ion battery performance with low water content, reducing production costs and energy consumption, and enabling manufacturing outside a dry room, thus lowering investment costs.
Implementation Method 1
heating an electrode assembly under vacuum at a temperature of 30-100° C.
Implementation Method 2
heating an electrode assembly under vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an electrode assembly of lithium-ion battery, comprising at least one anode, at least one cathode and at least one separator interposed between the at least one anode and at least one cathode, wherein the water content of the electrode assembly is less than 20 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the electrode assembly.