Graphite-Silicon Anode Particles With Low Chromaticity b*

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing negative electrode materials for secondary batteries, such as those described in Patent Literatures 1 to 3, have high chromaticity b* values due to large particle size and exposed silicon, leading to insufficient battery characteristics in lithium-ion secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

The use of particles with a chromaticity b* of 2.0 or less, comprising graphite (A) and silicon-containing particles (B) with specific physical properties, such as a d50 of 0.3 μm or more and SiOx in the range of 0.5 to 1.5, which are mixed and subjected to spheroidization treatment to enhance their compositeness and reactivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If particles with large particle size and exposed silicon are used (as in Patent Literatures 1-3), then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the chromaticity b* value increases leading to insufficient battery characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidbattery characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the particle size parameter (reducing to d50 of 0.3 μm or more) and compositional parameters (controlling SiOx ratio of 0.5 to 1.5) to achieve chromaticity b* of 2.0 or less, thereby improving battery characteristics while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite particles comprising graphite (A) and silicon-containing particles (B) with specific properties, creating a composite material that achieves both good battery characteristics and acceptable manufacturing conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If silicon-containing particles with high exposed silicon content are used, then the capacity increases, but the reactivity with electrolyte increases causing deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacityVSAvoidreactivity with electrolyte
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the SiOx ratio parameter to 0.5 to 1.5 and controls particle size at d50 of 0.3 μm or more, which reduces the harmful reactivity with electrolyte while maintaining high capacity through controlled silicon content

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates particles with non-uniform structure where silicon-containing particles are distributed within graphite matrix, providing different local properties: graphite provides stability and low reactivity, while silicon provides high capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20240282921A1Particles and method for producing same, and secondary battery and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2024.08.22 MITSUBISHI CHEM CORP

AI summary

Particles may have a chromaticity b* of 2.0 or less. Such particles may include graphite (A) and particles (B) containing a silicon element. The chromaticity b* of the particles is preferably 0.2 or more and 1.1 or less, and the chromaticity a* of the particles is preferably 0.2 or more and 1.2 or less. A method can manufacture a secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte, wherein the negative electrode includes a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer disposed on the current collector, and the negative electrode active material layer contains such graphite.