3D Mesh Electrode for Flexible Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion secondary batteries face limitations in design flexibility due to the lack of physical flexibility and the negative impact of binders on electron conductivity and energy density, with electrodes separating from current collectors during bending.
Innovation Solution
An electrode with a three-dimensional network structure is developed using cellulose fibers and conductive materials with a high length-to-thickness ratio, eliminating the need for a separate binder and current collector, and formed through a filtering process that disperses active materials within the network structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a binder is used to increase adhesion between electrode components, then the adhesion is improved, but the electron conductivity and energy density decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the binder component from the electrode structure entirely, replacing it with a three-dimensional network of conductive material particles that provide both mechanical support and electrical conductivity. This extraction of the binder eliminates the trade-off between adhesion and conductivity, as the conductive network itself provides the binding function without the harmful effects of traditional binders on electron conductivity and energy density.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional electrode production method applying electrode mixture on metal current collector is used, then the electrode can be formed, but the electrode layer separates from current collector when bending occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current collector function with the electrode structure itself by using a three-dimensional network of conductive material particles that inherently provide both electrical conductivity and mechanical integrity. This integration eliminates the separate metal current collector layer, ensuring that the electrode maintains its structural composition and adhesion even when bent, as there is no separate layer to delaminate.
3Strength
If the electrode structure is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the flexibility and design diversity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-dimensional network structure composed of conductive material particles that forms a flexible, porous framework. This network maintains structural integrity through its interconnected geometry rather than rigid material properties, allowing the electrode to be bent, folded, and shaped into various configurations while retaining mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, thus enabling flexible electrochemical devices with diverse designs.
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 electrode achieves high capacity and flexibility without a binder or current collector, maintaining mechanical properties and ionic/electron conductivity, enabling flexible electrochemical devices with enhanced performance.
Implementation Method 1
filtering the mixed solution
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an electrode for an electrochemical device, a method for producing the same, and an electrochemical device including the electrode. The electrode for an electrochemical device includes: a network structure including a cellulose fiber and a conductive material in which the ratio of the length to the thickness (L/D) is 50 or more; and an active material which is dispersed in the network structure.