Conductive Graphene Polymer Binder for Battery Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion battery binders like PVDF and SBR are not electrically or thermally conductive, leading to heat dissipation issues and reduced lithium ion storage capacity due to the need for additional conductive additives, which increases the risk of thermal runaway and compromises battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A conductive graphene polymer binder that is both thermally and electrically conductive, capable of bonding electroactive materials together to form a stable electrode structure without the need for separate additives, using graphene polymers dissolved or dispersed in a liquid medium to create a precursor solution or paste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional binders (PVDF or SBR) are used, then the electrode structure is stable, but the electrical and thermal conductivity is poor leading to heat dissipation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the binder material from conventional non-conductive polymers (PVDF/SBR) to conductive graphene-based materials. This parameter change simultaneously improves electrical conductivity (enabling better heat dissipation) and maintains structural stability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite graphene polymers that combine the structural stability of polymer binders with the electrical and thermal conductivity of graphene materials. This composite approach allows the binder to simultaneously provide mechanical support and conductive pathways for heat and electron transport.
2Loss of energy
If conductive additives (carbon black, graphite particles) are added to improve electrical conductivity, then the electrode becomes more conductive, but the proportion of electroactive material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The graphene polymer binder performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural binding (like conventional binders), conducts electricity (like conductive additives), and maintains high electroactive material content. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to add separate conductive additives, resolving the contradiction between electrical conductivity and electroactive material concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the binder and conductive additive into a single graphene polymer material. Instead of using separate binder and conductive additive components, the graphene polymer simultaneously provides both binding and conductivity functions, maximizing the proportion of electroactive material in the electrode.
3Stability of the object's composition
If non-electroactive binder materials are used, then the electrode structure is maintained, but the lithium ion storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The graphene polymer binder serves as a multi-functional material that provides both structural integrity and electroactive functionality. Unlike conventional non-electroactive binders, the graphene polymer can participate in lithium ion storage while maintaining electrode structure, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and lithium ion storage capacity.
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 graphene polymer binder enhances heat dissipation and reduces electrical resistance, improving battery reliability and lithium ion storage capacity by eliminating the need for additional conductive additives and providing a stable electrode structure.
Implementation Method 1
The exothermic heat generation is attributed to a combination of effects, including the reaction of the PVDF in the electrodes with 'lithiated' carbon... Low heat dissipation rates in the Li-ion battery can compromise the performance of the battery... it is critically important to have both the binder and the electrically conductive additive being thermally conductive
Implementation Method 2
Due to extremely poor electrical conductivity of all cathode active materials in a lithium-ion or lithium metal cell, a conductive additive (e.g. carbon black, fine graphite particles, expanded graphite particles, or their combinations), typically in the amount of 5%-20% (sometimes up to 50%), must be added into the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electrically conductive electrode comprising particles of an electroactive material and a conductive graphene polymer binder that bonds multiple particles of the electroactive material together, wherein the binder is in an amount of from 0.01% to 90% by weight based on the total electrode weight. Also provided are (a) a precursor solution or suspension to the graphene polymer binder for the electrode; (b) a paste containing electroactive particles and a graphene polymer dispersed in a liquid; (c) a method of producing the electrode from the precursor paste; and (d) an electrochemical cell (a battery or supercapacitor) containing such an electrode.