Polymer Electrode Binder for Lithium Battery Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium batteries face challenges in achieving high-discharge capacity and long-term usability, particularly at high temperatures, due to limitations in binder materials and electrode active materials, which affect their initial efficiency and energy density.

Innovation Solution

A novel polymer is developed, comprising specific repeating units and a cross-linking reaction product, used as an electrode binder to form an artificial solid electrolyte interface, reducing side reactions between the electrode active material and electrolytic solution, thereby enhancing the lithium battery's initial efficiency and energy density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional binder materials are used in lithium batteries, then the electrode structure is maintained, but side reactions between electrode active material and electrolytic solution occur, reducing initial efficiency and energy density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial efficiencyVSAvoidside reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a polymer coating layer as an intermediary between the electrode active material and electrolytic solution. This coating layer, formed by applying a polymer solution to the electrode and drying it, acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the electrode active material and electrolyte, thereby eliminating side reactions while maintaining electrode structure integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a polymer coating layer that can be easily applied and dried to form a protective interface. This coating serves as a sacrificial or temporary protective layer that prevents harmful interactions without requiring complex structural modifications to the electrode itself, enabling simple and effective improvement of initial efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If electrode active material directly contacts electrolytic solution, then ion transport occurs, but side reactions reduce capacity retention and energy density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcapacity retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer coating layer serves as an intermediary barrier that allows beneficial ion transport while blocking harmful side reactions. The coating is applied as a solution that forms a uniform layer on the electrode, creating a selective interface that maintains productive ion exchange while preventing substance loss through parasitic reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin polymer film coating on the electrode surface. This flexible thin film provides sufficient protection against side reactions while maintaining the necessary porosity and ion conductivity for battery operation. The thin film structure ensures that it does not significantly impede ion transport while effectively preventing direct contact between electrode active material and electrolyte.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If no protective interface is formed, then manufacturing process is simple, but direct contact between electrode active material and electrolytic solution causes reduced performance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveperformanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a polymer coating layer as a simple intermediary that can be applied through straightforward processes such as dip-coating, spray-coating, or spin-coating followed by drying. This approach adds minimal complexity to the manufacturing process while significantly improving electrode performance by preventing side reactions and enhancing capacity retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the electrode structure by adding a polymer coating layer with specific properties (composition, thickness, cross-linking degree) that can be controlled through processing parameters. By adjusting these parameters, the coating provides optimal protection while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes, thus improving performance without substantially increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 novel polymer improves the lithium battery's initial efficiency and energy density by preventing direct contact between the electrode active material and electrolytic solution, leading to increased capacity retention and reduced side reactions.

Implementation Method 1

forming an artificial solid electrolyte interface, reducing side reactions between the electrode active material and electrolytic solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier formation:

Data Source

PatentUS9472806B2Polymer, electrode for lithium batteries including the polymer, and lithium battery including the electrode

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A polymer including a first repeating unit represented by Formula 1 and a second repeating unit including a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C30 alkenyl group:wherein, in Formula 1, groups R, R′, A, A′, Y, and Y′ are defined in the specification.