Separator-Integrated Electrode Production via Solvent Vaporization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of separator-integrated electrodes with a shutdown function using polyolefin porous films is complex due to the need for precise stacking, and there is a lack of simple methods for producing such electrodes with this functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a coating liquid with a water-insoluble polymer dissolved in a mixed solvent containing a good solvent and a poor solvent, where polyethylene particles are dispersed, which is then coated on an electrode and vaporized to form a porous separator layer, enabling easy production of separator-integrated electrodes with a shutdown function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polyolefin porous film is used as a separator, then the separator has a shutdown function and insulates electrodes, but the production process becomes complex requiring precise stacking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separator layer and electrode into a single integrated structure where the porous polymer coating is directly formed on the electrode surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate stacking of the separator and electrode, thereby simplifying the production process while maintaining the shutdown function through the porous structure that closes at elevated temperatures.
2Reliability
If a polyolefin porous film is used as a separator, then the separator provides insulation and shutdown function, but the production of electrode body becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The separator-integrated electrode merges the electrode and separator into one component, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. The porous polymer coating is applied directly onto the electrode, providing both insulation and shutdown functionality without requiring complex stacking procedures, thus improving ease of manufacture.
3Ease of manufacture
If separator-integrated electrodes are produced using conventional methods, then production is simplified, but the shutdown function cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous polymer coating formed by dissolving a polymer in a solvent and applying it to the electrode, then removing the solvent to create a porous structure. This porous material provides the shutdown function by closing pores at elevated temperatures to interrupt ion permeation, while the coating process remains simple and integrated with electrode production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the polymer coating process, specifically controlling the solvent evaporation to form pores of appropriate size. By adjusting parameters such as polymer concentration, solvent type, and evaporation conditions, the pore structure is optimized to provide shutdown function at specific temperature thresholds while maintaining ease of production.
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 method allows for the easy production of separator-integrated electrodes with a shutdown function, facilitating the closure of pores when the battery temperature increases, thus interrupting ion permeation and providing a shutdown function.
Implementation Method 1
vaporizing and removing the mixed solvent from the coating liquid coated on the electrode. A porous separator layer is formed by removing the mixed solvent through vaporization and thereby forming pores
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method with which a separator-integrated electrode having a shutdown function can be easily produced using a water-insoluble polymer. The method for producing a separator-integrated electrode disclosed here includes the steps of: preparing a coating liquid in which a water-insoluble polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent containing a good solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and a poor solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and in which polyethylene particles are dispersed; coating the coating liquid on an electrode; and vaporizing and removing the mixed solvent from the coating liquid coated on the electrode. A boiling point of the poor solvent is higher than a boiling point of the good solvent. A porous separator layer is formed by removing the mixed solvent through vaporization and thereby forming pores.