Silicon-Carbon Anode Composite for Stable Water-Based Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithium secondary batteries face challenges in achieving high capacity, efficiency, and stability, particularly with silicon-based active materials, due to limitations in water-based processability and gas generation during manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A silicon carbon composite is developed with a specific intensity ratio of peaks in the 29Si-MAS-NMR spectrum, incorporating carbon in a specific weight range and forming a carbon layer on silicon particles, enhancing capacity and efficiency while reducing gas generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If silicon-based active materials are used to increase capacity, then battery capacity and efficiency are improved, but gas generation increases during water-based processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidgas generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A water-based dispersant containing a specific surfactant is introduced as an intermediary substance during the mixing process. The surfactant molecules adsorb onto the silicon particle surfaces, forming a protective interface that prevents water from reacting with silicon to generate gas, while still allowing the mixture to maintain appropriate viscosity for electrode fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pH value of the water-based mixture is controlled within a specific range (6.5-7.5) to minimize gas generation. By adjusting this chemical parameter, the reactivity between water and silicon is reduced, thereby suppressing gas formation while preserving the high capacity benefits of silicon-based materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If silicon-based active materials are used to increase capacity, then battery capacity is improved, but water-based processability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidwater-based processability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A water-based dispersant containing a specific surfactant is introduced as an intermediary substance during the mixing process. The surfactant molecules adsorb onto the silicon particle surfaces, forming a protective interface that prevents water from reacting with silicon to generate gas, while still allowing the mixture to maintain appropriate viscosity for electrode fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pH value of the water-based mixture is controlled within a specific range (6.5-7.5) to minimize gas generation. By adjusting this chemical parameter, the reactivity between water and silicon is reduced, thereby suppressing gas formation while preserving the high capacity benefits of silicon-based materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If silicon-based active materials are used to improve efficiency, then battery efficiency is improved, but life characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery efficiencyVSAvoidlife characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The negative electrode is designed as a composite structure combining silicon-based active material particles with carbon-based material. This composite approach leverages the high capacity of silicon while the carbon component provides structural stability and conductivity, thereby improving both efficiency and life characteristics simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The silicon-based active material is distributed uniformly throughout the negative electrode matrix at a controlled content of 5-20 wt%. This localized distribution ensures that the high-efficiency regions (silicon particles) are optimally positioned within the stable carbon matrix, maximizing efficiency while maintaining structural integrity for long cycle life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4667415A1Silicon carbon composite, negative electrode active material, negative electrode composition, negative electrode, and lithium secondary battery
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4667415A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4667415A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4667415A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a silicon carbon composite, a negative electrode active material comprising same, a negative electrode composition, a negative electrode, a lithium secondary battery, a battery module, and a battery pack, the silicon carbon composite having, in a 29Si-MAS-NMR spectrum, a peak A within a chemical shift value range of 20 ppm to -15 ppm, a peak B within a chemical shift value range of -20 ppm to -100 ppm, and, in a 29Si-MAS-NMR spectrum, a peak C within a chemical shift value range of -110 ppm to -140 ppm.