Reduced Graphene Oxide Composition for Low-Side-Reaction Battery Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reduced graphene oxide materials for secondary batteries have high specific surface areas, leading to side reactions and decreased electrical conductivity, which negatively impact battery performance and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A method to synthesize a powdery two-dimensional crystalline reduced graphene oxide with controlled thickness (1-5 nm), electrical conductivity (100-1,000 S/cm), and low specific surface area (1-100 m2/g) is developed, using graphite oxide flakes synthesized from powdery graphite, exfoliated and dispersed through pH control, and then reduced and spray-dried to prevent restacking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing reduced graphene oxide with high specific surface area is used, then the material provides high conductivity, but side reactions occur in the electrodes leading to decreased battery lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifespanVSAvoidside reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the critical parameter of specific surface area from high (hundreds to thousands of m2/g) to low (controlled range), thereby reducing side reactions while maintaining electrical conductivity through the unique crystalline structure and thickness control of the reduced graphene oxide

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If existing reduced graphene oxide is manufactured through oxidation and exfoliation, then the material is produced, but many defects are generated causing increased specific surface area and reduced electrical conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the thickness and crystalline structure of reduced graphene oxide before it is used in battery electrodes. By pre-establishing the desired thickness range and crystalline orientation, the material achieves optimal electrical conductivity and minimal defects, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing defect correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the manufacturing approach by focusing on controlling specific parameters (thickness, crystalline structure) during production rather than accepting the high defect rates and high specific surface areas generated by conventional oxidation and exfoliation methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If existing reduced graphene oxide with high specific surface area is used, then the material is available for mass production, but electrochemical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass production capabilityVSAvoidelectrochemical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

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

This approach results in a conductive material with improved mechanical and electrical stability, reducing side reactions and enhancing the electrochemical properties and lifespan of secondary batteries.

Implementation Method 1

exfoliating and dispersing the graphite oxide flakes through pH control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH control:

Implementation Method 2

reducing and spray-drying the graphite oxide flakes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpray drying:

Data Source

PatentUS20240182310A1Reduced graphene oxide for secondary battery, preparation method therefor, and electrode and secondary battery which use same

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 KOREA ELECTROTECH RES INST

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a reduced graphene oxide for a secondary battery, a method for preparing the same, an electrode using the same, and a secondary battery using the same. Specifically, the reduced graphene oxide is a powdery two-dimensional crystalline reduced graphene oxide satisfying Relational Expressions 1 to 3 shown below. [Relationship 1] 1≤TQ≤5 [relational expression 2] 100≤EQ≤1,000 [Relationship 3]1≤BETQ≤100. In Relational Expression 1, TQ represents the thickness (nm) of the reduced graphene oxide. In Relational Expression 2, EQ represents the electrical conductivity (S/cm) of the reduced graphene oxide. In Relational Expression 3, BETQ represents the specific surface area (m2/g) of the reduced graphene oxide.