Graphite Anode Composition Using Fine Powder for High-Output Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium secondary batteries face challenges in achieving high output characteristics, productivity, and economic efficiency, particularly due to limitations in the negative active material used.

Innovation Solution

A negative active material for lithium secondary batteries is developed, comprising a mixture of first and second graphite particles with specific weight and particle diameter ratios, along with a pitch binder and a coating material, which enhances output characteristics and manufacturing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If artificial graphite is manufactured through carbonization and high temperature heat treatment of pitch, then graphite negative electrode materials can be produced, but the manufacturing process is complex and productivity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphite negative electrode material qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the manufacturing parameters by using lower temperature carbonization (800-1500°C) instead of high temperature graphitization, and by controlling particle size distribution (D50 of second graphite particle less than 80% of first graphite particle) to achieve both quality and productivity improvements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite graphite material by mixing first graphite particles (larger, 5-25 μm D50) and second graphite particles (smaller, fine powder with high specific surface area greater than 2.0 m2/g) in specific weight ratios (85:15 to 95:5), combining the advantages of both particle types to improve both performance and manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If waste fine powder is utilized in the manufacturing process, then economic efficiency improves, but particle size consistency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeconomic efficiencyVSAvoidparticle size consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the waste fine powder (previously a harmful byproduct) into a beneficial component by incorporating it as the second graphite particle in the composite material, improving economic efficiency while maintaining particle size consistency through controlled mixing ratios and specific surface area parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different particle sizes to different functional requirements: larger first graphite particles provide structural stability while smaller second graphite particles (with specific surface area greater than 2.0 m2/g) enhance reactivity and output characteristics, achieving both precision and economic efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250132337A1Anode active material for lithium secondary battery, preparing method thereof, and lithium secondary battery comprising same

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 POSCO FUTURE M CO LTD

AI summary

One embodiment provides a negative active material for a lithium secondary battery, that includes a first graphite particle and a second graphite particle at a weight ratio of 80:20 to 95:5, and the particle diameter D50 of the second graphite particle is 80% or less of the particle diameter D50 of the first graphite particle. The lithium secondary battery containing the negative active material has excellent output characteristics and excellent productivity and economic efficiency.