Si Granulated Electrode Active Material With Low Residual Solvent
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cycle characteristics of batteries using Si-based active materials deteriorate due to the residual organic solvent from the synthesis process, which causes peripheral material degradation during battery operation.
Innovation Solution
An electrode active material is developed using granulated bodies of Si primary particles bound by a binder, with a residual organic solvent content of 950 ppm or less, primarily composed of alcohols, glycols, esters, or amides, to inhibit solvent retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If granulated bodies are synthesized using a binder and organic solvent, then the granulated bodies can be formed with good particle morphology and binding properties, but residual organic solvent remains in the particles causing peripheral material deterioration and cycle characteristic degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the drying conditions during the granulation process to ensure thorough removal of organic solvent before the battery operation begins. The granulated bodies are dried under controlled temperature and time conditions during synthesis, preventing residual solvent from causing later deterioration of peripheral materials and cycle characteristic degradation.
2Reliability
If extensive drying processes are applied to remove organic solvent, then cycle characteristics are improved, but production time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the drying temperature, time, and atmospheric conditions during the granulation process to achieve effective solvent removal within a reasonable time frame. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent achieves good cycle characteristics without requiring excessively long or complex drying processes, thus maintaining production efficiency.
3Reliability
If high drying temperatures and extended drying times are used, then organic solvent is more thoroughly removed, but production costs and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing drying temperature and time parameters to achieve the minimum effective treatment needed for solvent removal. Instead of using excessively high temperatures or extended times, the patent identifies optimal parameter ranges that achieve good cycle characteristics while minimizing energy consumption and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implies a balanced approach where moderate drying conditions are used rather than extreme conditions, achieving acceptable solvent removal without the high energy costs associated with aggressive drying methods. This represents a practical compromise that avoids unnecessary energy expenditure while still achieving the required reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electrode active material and a battery. An electrode active material using a granulated body. The granulated body is a secondary particle provided by primary particles containing a Si element with use of a binder. In the electrode active material, a content of an organic solvent is 950 ppm or less.