Lithium Ion Battery Electrode Carbon Nanotube Conductive Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium ion battery cathode active materials, such as LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, and LiFePO4, have poor electrical conductivity, which is improved by dispersing nano-sized carbon agents, but this method is complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A lithium ion battery electrode with a carbon nanotube layered structure is integrated into the electrode active material layer, enhancing electrical conductivity by forming long electron channels and reducing the need for excessive conductive agents, thereby improving charge transfer and avoiding charge accumulation and polarization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cathode active materials are used, then the battery can be manufactured with standard materials, but the electrical conductivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining conventional cathode active materials (LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, or LiFePO4) with carbon nanotube layered structures. The carbon nanotubes form a conductive network within the electrode active material layer, creating a composite structure that maintains the electrochemical properties of the conventional materials while significantly improving electrical conductivity through the carbon nanotube pathways.
2Reliability
If nano-sized carbon agents are dispersed via chemical oxidation, ultrasonication or cold-rolling, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex dispersion processes (chemical oxidation, ultrasonication, cold-rolling) from the manufacturing workflow and replaces them with a simpler approach. Instead of using nano-sized carbon agents that require complex dispersion, the invention uses carbon nanotube layered structures that can be directly incorporated into the electrode active material layer through conventional coating processes, eliminating the need for complex dispersion steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the form and scale of the carbon conductive agent from nano-sized particles requiring complex dispersion to carbon nanotube layered structures with dimensions of several micrometers to several millimeters. This parameter change in size and structure allows the conductive agent to be incorporated using simple coating processes rather than complex dispersion methods, while maintaining or improving conductivity effectiveness.
3Reliability
If excessive conductive agents are used to improve conductivity, then electrical conductivity increases, but the cost and complexity of the electrode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by having carbon nanotube layered structures embedded within the electrode active material layer. The carbon nanotubes form a hierarchical conductive network where individual nanotubes are nested within the matrix of electrode active material, creating efficient conductive pathways throughout the electrode structure. This nested arrangement maximizes conductivity with minimal conductive agent content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where carbon nanotubes are integrated with the electrode active material in a layered configuration. This composite approach allows the carbon nanotubes to form an efficient three-dimensional conductive network that provides superior conductivity compared to conventional dispersed carbon agents, reducing the total quantity of conductive material needed while improving electrical performance.
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 carbon nanotube layered structure significantly improves the electrical conductivity of the lithium ion battery electrode, leading to higher discharge capacity retention, reduced internal resistance, and better electrochemical performance compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The carbon nanotube layered structure significantly improves the electrical conductivity of the lithium ion battery electrode, leading to higher discharge capacity retention, reduced internal resistance, and better electrochemical performance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for making a lithium ion battery electrode. The method comprises providing a slurry comprising an electrode active material, an adhesive, a dispersant, and a conductive agent; spreading the slurry over a metal sheet to form an electrode active material layer; applying a carbon nanotube layer structure on a surface of the electrode active material layer to form a precursor; and drying the precursor.