Nickel Composite Hydroxide Precursor for High-Output Battery Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium ion secondary cells face challenges in achieving high output characteristics and cell capacity while maintaining high electrode density, particularly in thin electrode films, due to limitations in particle size and shape of positive electrode active materials.
Innovation Solution
A nickel composite hydroxide with a specific composition and structure, represented by Ni1-x-y-zCoxMnyMz (OH)2+A, is used as a precursor to form lithium nickel composite oxide, where secondary particles are coupled in two-dimensional directions, enhancing electrode density and output characteristics through controlled crystallization conditions and mixing with lithium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the thickness of the electrode film is made thinner to reduce lithium ion transport distance and improve output density, then output density is improved, but the electrode film becomes more difficult to manufacture and requires strict particle size control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter to 5 μm or less and controls the particle size distribution (D90/D10 ratio of 1.05 or less) to enable thin electrode film fabrication while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. This parameter optimization allows the electrode film to be thin enough for high output density but not so thin as to be unmanufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using particles with uniform size distribution (narrow distribution) specifically in the thin electrode film region, ensuring that each local area of the electrode has consistent properties that prevent penetration while enabling high output density.
2Power
If particles having a small particle size are used to enable thin electrode film fabrication, then output density is improved, but the electrode density is lowered and volume energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size parameter to a specific range (5 μm or less) and controls the particle size distribution (D90/D10 ratio of 1.05 or less) to achieve a balance where particles are small enough for thin electrode films but not so small that electrode density is compromised, thereby maintaining both output density and volume energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses particles with uniform size distribution (narrow distribution) to ensure consistent packing behavior, achieving sufficient electrode density without requiring excessively small particles that would reduce volume energy density.
3Power
If particles having a small particle size are used to reduce lithium ion transport distance, then output characteristics are improved, but cell capacity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter to 5 μm or less to reduce lithium ion transport distance and improve output characteristics, while simultaneously controlling the particle size distribution (D90/D10 ratio of 1.05 or less) to maintain sufficient electrode density and cell capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses particles with uniform size distribution (narrow distribution) to ensure that the reduced particle size benefits output characteristics without excessively reducing the total active material quantity needed for cell capacity.
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 approach results in a positive electrode active material with high output characteristics, cell capacity, and electrode density, suitable for nonaqueous electrolytic secondary cells, and is industrially scalable, improving both performance and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
by controlling crystallization conditions in association with the composition of the composite hydroxide serving as a precursor
Data Source
AI summary
A nickel composite hydroxide represented by Ni1-x-y-zCoxMnyMz(OH)2+A (where 0≦x≦0.35, 0≦y≦0.35, 0≦z≦0.1, 0<x+y, 0<x+y+z≦0.7, 0≦A≦0.5, with M being at least one of V, Mg, Al, Ti, Mo, Nb, Zr and W), a plate-shaped crystal core is generated by allowing a crystal core generating aqueous solution containing cobalt and/or manganese to have a pH value of 7.5 to 11.1 at a standard liquid temperature of 25° C., and slurry for the particle growth containing the plate-shaped crystal core is adjusted to a pH value of 10.5 to 12.5 at a standard liquid temperature of 25° C., while a mixed aqueous solution containing a metal compound containing at least nickel is being supplied thereto, so that the crystal core is grown as particles.