Graphite Electrode Dispersion for Low-Viscosity Conductive Slurries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphite-based battery electrodes face issues with non-uniform distribution of electroconductive agents and active materials, leading to high viscosity, increased resistance, and negative impacts on cycle and self-discharge characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A graphite dispersion comprising specific particle sizes, dispersing agents, and water, which homogeneously disperses flaked graphite, maintaining low viscosity and reducing electrode resistance while ensuring high cycle and self-discharge characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flaked graphite is used as an electroconductive agent in battery electrodes, then electrical conductivity is improved, but viscosity increases significantly and uniform dispersion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle size distribution of flaked graphite within specific ranges (D10≥5μm, D50≥10μm, D90≥20μm) and adjusting the ratio of graphite to binder (95:5 to 99:1) to achieve optimal balance between electrical conductivity and viscosity. This resolves the contradiction by finding the precise parameter window where both requirements are satisfied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different graphite particle sizes and concentrations within the electrode structure. The controlled particle size distribution ensures that finer particles fill gaps between larger particles, creating locally optimized conductive networks while maintaining overall low viscosity and uniform dispersion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If flaked graphite is dispersed in solvents without reactive functional groups, then dispersion stability is improved, but dispersing agents cannot be used and viscosity remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting graphite with specific surface area ranges (0.1-10 m²/g) and controlling particle size distribution to achieve stable dispersion without dispersing agents. The specific parameter window allows the graphite to maintain stability through inherent surface properties rather than chemical functional groups.
3Productivity
If high surface area graphite is used to promote electrochemical reactions, then reaction efficiency is improved, but cycle life and self-discharge characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the surface area of flaked graphite within the range of 0.1-10 m²/g. This specific parameter range provides sufficient surface area for effective electrochemical reactions while preventing excessive surface area that would lead to increased side reactions, electrolyte decomposition, and deterioration of cycle life and self-discharge characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a hierarchical structure where the controlled surface area and particle size distribution provide locally optimized reaction sites without creating excessive total surface area. This ensures efficient electrochemical reactions at active sites while maintaining overall electrode stability and longevity.
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 graphite dispersion achieves uniform distribution of electroconductive agents and active materials, maintaining low resistance and high efficiency in lithium ion batteries, with improved electrical conductivity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a graphite dispersion for a battery electrode, in which flaked graphite and the like is homogeneously dispersed
Implementation Method 2
a dispersing agent
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a graphite dispersion for a battery electrode, which is suitable for production of a battery electrode of a lithium ion battery or the like. The graphite dispersion for a battery electrode of the present disclosure includes at least graphite particles having an average particle size of 5 to 50 μm, a dispersing agent, and water.