Separator with Hydrophilic Resin Layer for Battery Impregnation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separators for lithium ion secondary batteries fail to provide sufficient impregnating and liquid-holding properties for electrolytic solutions while maintaining ion conductivity, and are limited in enhancing battery performance and preventing the degradation of battery characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A separator with a functional resin layer containing an inorganic oxide filler and a porous interconnected structure, which has a contact angle of not more than 11 degrees against the electrolytic solution, is used to enhance impregnating and liquid-holding properties without hindering ion conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a polyolefin microporous film is used as a separator, then heat resistance and electrochemical stability are improved, but impregnating properties and liquid-holding properties of electrolytic solution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistance and electrochemical stabilityVSAvoidimpregnating properties and liquid-holding properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a polyolefin microporous film base layer combined with a heat-resistant resin coating layer containing inorganic filler. This composite structure allows the base layer to provide heat resistance and electrochemical stability, while the coating layer with controlled porosity and hydrophilic inorganic filler improves electrolyte impregnation and liquid-holding properties without compromising the underlying structural benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the porosity of the separator is increased to improve ion conductivity, then ion conductivity is improved, but mechanical strength and structural stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion conductivityVSAvoidmechanical strength and structural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different porosity characteristics to different regions and layers of the separator structure. The base polyolefin microporous film maintains high porosity for ion conductivity, while the heat-resistant resin coating layer has controlled porosity optimized for electrolyte retention. This local differentiation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines a highly porous polyolefin base layer for ion transport with a less porous but still permeable heat-resistant coating layer for structural support and electrolyte retention. The inorganic filler particles within the coating create a porous network that balances ion conductivity with mechanical strength and liquid-holding capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If heat-resistant resin coating is applied to enhance thermal stability, then thermal stability is improved, but impregnating properties of electrolytic solution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidimpregnating properties of electrolytic solution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The heat-resistant resin coating layer is designed with controlled porosity to maintain electrolyte penetration capability. The porous structure of the coating layer, combined with hydrophilic inorganic filler particles, creates capillary channels that facilitate electrolyte impregnation while the heat-resistant resin matrix provides thermal stability. The pore size and distribution are optimized to balance thermal resistance with electrolyte access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the coating layer by incorporating inorganic fillers with different surface properties and controlling the resin composition and crosslinking degree. These parameter changes enhance both thermal stability and electrolyte wettability, as the inorganic filler surfaces provide hydrophilic sites that improve electrolyte impregnation while the resin matrix maintains thermal resistance.

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 proposed separator improves battery characteristics by ensuring excellent impregnating and liquid-holding properties, maintaining ion conductivity, and preventing the degradation of battery performance.

Implementation Method 1

a separator having a functional resin layer containing a resin material and an inorganic oxide filler, having a porous interconnected structure in which many pores are mutually interconnected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

having a porous interconnected structure in which many pores are mutually interconnected and having a contact angle against an electrolytic solution of not more than 11 degrees

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon transport through porous medium: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS9859540B2Separator and nonaqueous electrolyte battery
Publication Date: 2018.01.02 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US9859540B2 patent drawing
  • US9859540B2 patent drawing
  • US9859540B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A separator is provided and includes a functional resin layer containing a resin material and an inorganic oxide filler, having a porous interconnected structure in which many pores are mutually interconnected and having a contact angle against an electrolytic solution of not more than 11 degrees.