Electrode Slurry Composition for High-Loading Adhesion Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional anode slurry compositions using carboxymethyl cellulose as a dispersant and thickener in high energy electrodes suffer from poor electrode adhesion and delamination issues, particularly when applied in sodium or manganese-based secondary batteries, and existing lithium secondary battery materials degrade when used in these systems.

Innovation Solution

A slurry composition for secondary battery electrodes comprising a hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion (HASE) and poly(meth)acrylic acid, replacing traditional dispersants and binders, to enhance stability and adhesion, using components like carbonaceous and silicon-based active materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a dispersant and thickener in high energy electrodes, then viscosity control and dispersibility are improved, but electrode adhesion deteriorates and delamination occurs during slitting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviscosity control and dispersibilityVSAvoidelectrode adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing carboxymethyl cellulose with a specific copolymer having defined repeat units (a1, a2, a3) with specific ratios. This parameter change maintains viscosity control while improving adhesion by eliminating the brittleness issue of carboxymethyl cellulose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite copolymer material containing three types of repeat units with specific functions: a1 units for adhesion, a2 units for viscosity control, and a3 units for dispersibility. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by combining multiple functional units within a single polymer structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing lithium secondary battery electrode materials are applied to sodium or manganese-based secondary batteries, then battery development for novel materials is enabled, but battery capacity and electrode properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to novel battery systemsVSAvoidbattery capacity and electrode properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal slurry composition that can be applied to multiple battery systems (lithium, sodium, manganese-based) while maintaining excellent electrode properties. The copolymer binder with specific repeat unit ratios provides multi-functional performance that adapts to different battery chemistries without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If high active material content is used in electrodes, then energy density is improved, but electrode adhesion deteriorates and delamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive material contentVSAvoidelectrode adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the binder composition parameters to a copolymer with specific repeat unit ratios (a1: 5-75%, a2: 20-75%, a3: 1-20%) that enables high active material content (95-99.5%) while maintaining adhesion. The specific parameter optimization of the copolymer structure allows it to function effectively as a binder in high-energy-density electrodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 new composition achieves excellent electrode adhesion and stability, preventing delamination during processes like electrode slitting, and maintains battery performance even with high active material content, improving cycle life characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion(HASE)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

a hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion(HASE)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlkali swelling: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

acrylate-based copolymer emulsion comprising: a1) first repeat units derived from (meth)acrylic acid monomers; a2) second repeat units derived from alkyl (meth)acrylate-based monomers... a3) third repeat units derived from (meth)acrylate-based monomers comprising an alkyl group having a carbon number of 6 to 30 as a hydrophobic pendant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmphiphilic interaction: Amphiphiles

Data Source

PatentEP3876318B1Slurry composition for electrode of secondary battery, electrode of secondary battery, and secondary battery
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a slurry composition for an electrode of a secondary battery, an electrode of a secondary battery prepared using the same, and a secondary battery, and more specifically, a slurry composition for an electrode of a secondary battery capable of realizing excellent electrode adhesion in high energy electrode, an electrode of a secondary battery prepared using the same, and a secondary battery.