Electrode Material With Aromatic Elastomer for Fiber Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrode materials face challenges in achieving improved electron conductivity while maintaining energy density and cycle characteristics, particularly due to the aggregation of conductive fibers and the adverse effects of dispersants on ion conductivity and adhesion in all-solid-state batteries.

Innovation Solution

An electrode material comprising a carbon-based conductive fiber and a hydrogenated elastomer binder with a repeating unit having an aromatic ring, where the aromatic ring content is 15 mass % or more, which enhances the dispersibility and conductivity of the conductive fiber, even at lower fiber concentrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional conductive fibers are used in electrode materials, then electron conductivity is improved, but the conductive fibers aggregate and energy density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectron conductivityVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dispersant as an intermediary substance to prevent aggregation of conductive fibers. The dispersant mediates between the conductive fibers and the electrode matrix, enabling uniform distribution of fibers at lower concentrations while maintaining electron conductivity and energy density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the surface properties of conductive fibers through treatment with the dispersant, changing parameters such as surface charge, hydrophilicity, or chemical functionality. This parameter change prevents fiber aggregation and enables better dispersion in the electrode material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If dispersants are added to prevent fiber aggregation, then fiber dispersibility is improved, but ion conductivity and adhesion deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber dispersibilityVSAvoidion conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using minimal amounts of dispersant only where needed to prevent fiber aggregation, rather than uniformly distributing dispersant throughout the entire electrode. This localized application maintains ion conductivity in regions not affected by fiber clusters while achieving sufficient fiber dispersion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dispersant that can be easily removed or decomposed after serving its purpose of preventing fiber aggregation during electrode fabrication. This disposable approach allows the dispersant to fulfill its function temporarily without permanently compromising ion conductivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If conventional binders are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but electron conductivity and cycle characteristics are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcycle characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a composite binder system that combines organic binder materials with conductive additives or functional modifiers. This composite approach allows the binder to simultaneously provide structural integrity through the organic matrix and enhance electron conductivity through the conductive components, improving cycle characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of structural binding and electrical conduction into a single integrated binder component. By combining the adhesive properties of organic binders with the conductive properties of carbon-based materials or conductive polymers, the binder simultaneously maintains structural integrity and enhances electron conductivity for improved cycle performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 proposed electrode material achieves improved electron conductivity and energy density, along with enhanced cycle characteristics, by effectively dispersing the conductive fibers and maintaining the structural integrity of the active material layer.

Implementation Method 1

the elastomer is a hydrogenated product and includes a repeating unit having an aromatic ring, and the content rate of the repeating unit in the elastomer is 15 mass % or more

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20240055611A1Electrode material, method for manufacturing electrode material, and battery
Publication Date: 2024.02.15 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US20240055611A1 patent drawing
  • US20240055611A1 patent drawing
  • US20240055611A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The electrode material in an aspect of the present disclosure includes an active material, a conductive fiber including a carbon material, and a binder including an elastomer. The elastomer is a hydrogenated product and includes a repeating unit having an aromatic ring. The content rate of the repeating unit in the elastomer is 15 mass % or more.