Hole-Doped Graphene Composite for Battery Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode active materials for nonaqueous secondary batteries face challenges in achieving sufficient electric conductivity, which affects the output characteristics of these batteries, despite the use of conductive assistants like acetylene black.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating hole-doped graphene with an anion onto the surface of alkali metal-transition metal composite oxide particles to enhance electric conductivity and improve output characteristics, where the hole-doped graphene is produced by contacting graphene with a two-coordinate boron cation, promoting exfoliation and uniform adherence to the composite oxide particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive assistants such as acetylene black are mixed in the electrode active material layer, then electric conductivity is improved, but room for improvement remains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric conductivityVSAvoidoutput characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material where graphene wraps around alkali metal-transition metal composite oxide particles to form a core-shell structure. This composite structure combines the high conductivity of graphene with the electrochemical activity of the composite oxide, achieving superior electric conductivity and output characteristics compared to conventional conductive assistants like acetylene black.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies graphene specifically to the surface of the composite oxide particles, creating a localized conductive network at the particle surfaces and interfaces. This local application of conductive material maximizes the conductivity improvement where it is most needed for charge transfer, while maintaining the electrochemical activity of the bulk material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If graphene oxide is mixed with nanoparticle-size active material and reduced, then electric conductivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric conductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the graphene synthesis and functionalization steps beforehand to create pre-functionalized graphene or graphene oxide with specific properties. This preliminary preparation allows for better control over the final composite material's conductivity and simplifies the subsequent mixing and processing steps in electrode manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention modifies the chemical and physical parameters of graphene through controlled oxidation and reduction processes, creating graphene oxide or functionalized graphene with tailored properties. By adjusting oxidation degree, particle size, and surface functionality, the material achieves optimal conductivity and compatibility with composite oxide particles while streamlining the overall manufacturing process.

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 use of hole-doped graphene significantly improves the electric conductivity of the electrode active material layer, leading to enhanced output characteristics and reduced internal resistance in nonaqueous secondary batteries.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining a hole-doped graphene by bringing a graphene raw material into contact with a two-coordinate boron cation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHole doping:

Implementation Method 2

bringing the hole-doped graphene into contact with an alkali metal-transition metal composite oxide particle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS11677068B2Electrode active material for nonaqueous secondary battery, and method for manufacturing same

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 NICHIA CORP

AI summary

An electrode active material for a nonaqueous secondary battery comprising: an alkali metal-transition metal composite oxide particles, a hole-doped graphene with an anion. The electrode active material for a nonaqueous secondary battery may be manufactured by a method which includes obtaining a hole-doped graphene by bringing a graphene raw material into contact with a two-coordinate boron cation, and bringing the hole-doped graphene into contact with an alkali metal-transition metal composite oxide particle.