Ionic Conductor Slurry Processing for Uniform and Stable Battery Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current slurry preparation processes for lithium-ion batteries result in agglomeration, poor uniformity, and stability, leading to inconsistent battery performance and reduced cycle life.
Innovation Solution
An ionic conductor slurry comprising specific components and a multi-step preparation process involving centrifugation, sand milling, stirring, and ultrasonic processing to enhance slurry quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional high-speed dispersion process is used for slurry preparation, then preparation speed is improved, but slurry uniformity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The slurry preparation process is divided into multiple sequential stages: initial mixing, high-speed dispersion, and low-speed refinement. This segmentation allows each stage to perform its specific function optimally - the high-speed stage breaks up agglomerates quickly, while the low-speed stage ensures uniform distribution without creating new agglomerates, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic alternation between high-speed and low-speed dispersion phases. During high-speed dispersion, intense shear forces break down agglomerates; during low-speed refinement, gentle mixing ensures uniform distribution. This periodic action allows the system to achieve both rapid preparation and high uniformity by switching between contrasting mixing intensities.
2Productivity
If traditional high-speed dispersion process is used for slurry preparation, then preparation speed is improved, but slurry stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The preparation process is segmented into distinct phases with different mixing intensities. The initial high-speed phase rapidly disperses materials, while the subsequent low-speed phase stabilizes the slurry by preventing re-agglomeration. This segmentation ensures both rapid preparation and long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary high-speed dispersion to break down agglomerates before transitioning to low-speed mixing. This preliminary action ensures that all agglomerates are broken apart before the slurry enters the stability-critical low-speed phase, preventing instability issues that would arise from incomplete initial dispersion.
3Productivity
If traditional high-speed dispersion process is used for slurry preparation, then preparation speed is improved, but preparation time is reduced, but consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The preparation process is divided into multiple stages with different mixing intensities. The high-speed stage ensures rapid initial dispersion, while the low-speed stage ensures uniform distribution throughout the slurry. This segmentation allows the process to maintain both speed and consistency, producing reliable battery components with uniform material distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic alternation between high-speed and low-speed mixing phases. The high-speed phase provides rapid dispersion, while the low-speed phase ensures uniform distribution and consistent material properties throughout the slurry. This periodic action guarantees both rapid preparation and high battery consistency.
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 improved slurry process results in better cycle performance and consistency, enhancing the performance of lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal separator to separate the slurry into a liquid and a solid, wherein the rotation speed of the centrifugal separator is 500-5000 rpm
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic processor to disperse the slurry, wherein the ultrasonic frequency is 1-10 kHz
Data Source
AI summary
An ionic conductor slurry comprised parts by mass: 0.05 wt %-99.98 wt % of an ionic conductor powder material, 0 wt %-2 wt % of an anti-settling agent, 0 wt %-10 wt % of a binder, 0 wt %-2 wt % of dispersant, 0 wt %-2 wt % of an auxiliary agent, and 20 wt %-99.95 wt % of a solvent, wherein the ionic conductor powder material comprises one among the following: a garnet-type solid electrolyte material, a NASICON-type solid electrolyte material, a LISICON-type solid electrolyte material, a perovskite-type solid electrolyte material, and derivatives thereof; The particle size of the ionic conductor powder is between 1 nm to 100 μm; and the ionic conductor slurry is used for separator coating material, positive electrode material coating materials, negative electrode material cladding materials, positive electrode material additive, a negative electrode material additive, polymer solid electrolyte additives, or solid-liquid mixed solid electrolyte.