Hydroxyl-Modified Binder Inhibits Electrode Swelling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing binder compositions for non-aqueous secondary batteries, such as those described in PTL 1, fail to adequately inhibit electrode swelling and lithium dendrite deposition during high-temperature cycling and repeated charging and discharging, particularly in lithium ion secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

A binder composition for non-aqueous secondary battery electrodes incorporating a water-soluble polymer with a specific monomer unit derived from a monomer represented by the general formula CH2═C(R1)—C═O—NH—R2—OH, where R1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group and R2 is (CHR3)n(O(CHR3)m)l, in a proportion of at least 0.1 mass % and not more than 20 mass %, which includes an N-hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylamide monomer, an acid group-containing monomer unit, and a (meth)acrylamide monomer unit, to improve high-temperature cycle characteristics and prevent electrode swelling and lithium dendrite deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a binder containing a particulate polymer with acid group-containing monomer units and amide group-containing monomer units is used, then the binder composition can provide some binding function, but it cannot sufficiently inhibit electrode swelling associated with repeated charging and discharging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-temperature cycle characteristicsVSAvoidelectrode swelling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder by incorporating a water-soluble polymer containing hydroxyl group-containing monomer units (at least 50 mass% of total monomer units). This parameter change in polymer chemistry transforms the binder's properties to effectively inhibit electrode swelling during repeated charging and discharging cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite binder system by combining the water-soluble polymer (containing hydroxyl group-containing monomer units) with conventional binders containing acid group-containing and amide group-containing monomer units. This composite material approach synergistically improves both binding function and inhibition of electrode swelling, resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If the binder according to PTL 1 is used in formation of a negative electrode, then the electrode can be formed, but it has not been possible to inhibit deposition of lithium dendrites at the surface of the negative electrode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode formationVSAvoidlithium dendrite deposition
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the binder composition parameters by incorporating a water-soluble polymer with hydroxyl group-containing monomer units at least 50 mass% of total monomer units. This parameter change in the binder's chemical structure enables inhibition of lithium dendrite deposition while maintaining electrode formation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional binder compositions are used, then the electrode mixed material layer can be formed, but it has not been possible to sufficiently improve secondary battery high-temperature cycle characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslurry composition applicationVSAvoidhigh-temperature cycle characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a composite slurry composition by integrating the water-soluble polymer (with hydroxyl group-containing monomer units comprising at least 50 mass% of total monomer units) into the conventional slurry system containing electrode active material and solvent. This composite approach maintains ease of manufacture through standard application processes while significantly improving high-temperature cycle characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11462737B2Binder composition for non-aqueous secondary battery electrode, slurry composition for non-aqueous secondary battery electrode, electrode for non-aqueous secondary battery, and non-aqueous secondary battery
Publication Date: 2022.10.04 ZEON CORP

AI summary

A binder composition for a non-aqueous secondary battery electrode contains a water-soluble polymer including, in a proportion of at least 0.1 mass % and not more than 20 mass %, a monomer unit derived from a monomer represented by general formula (1): CH2═C(R1) —C═O—NH—R2—OH (R1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group and R2 is (CHR3)n(O(CHR3)m)l[n=1 to 10; m=1 to 4; 1=0 to 3; and R3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 4]).