Positive Electrode Slurry Binder Segmentation for Homogeneous Dispersion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The non-homogeneous distribution of binders in positive electrode active material slurry leads to degraded adhesion of the positive electrode in lithium secondary batteries due to entanglement caused by linear conductive materials, affecting the energy density and performance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the divisional introduction of a polymer binder during the mixing process of positive electrode active material slurry, with specific ratios and solid content control, to achieve homogeneous dispersion and improved adhesion, using materials like carbon nanotubes and preferred polymer binders such as polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-co-HFP).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a linear conductive material is used to improve energy density, then conductivity is improved, but entanglement occurs during slurry preparation causing non-homogeneous binder distribution and degraded adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidbinder distribution homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The binder introduction process is segmented into multiple stages: first introducing part of the binder with the linear conductive material and positive electrode active material, then introducing the remaining binder after initial mixing. This segmentation prevents the binder from being trapped in entangled linear conductive material, ensuring homogeneous distribution while maintaining high energy density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linear conductive material and positive electrode active material are preliminarily mixed with part of the binder before the remaining binder is introduced. This preliminary action allows the linear conductive material to be partially coated and less entangled before the final binder addition, preventing non-homogeneous distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If a large amount of binder is present among entangled linear conductive material, then the slurry can be formed, but the binder is distributed non-homogeneously resulting in degraded adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinder amountVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The binder addition is divided into two segments: first binder introduction (40-80% of total binder) mixed with linear conductive material and positive electrode active material, then second binder introduction (remaining binder) added after initial mixing. This ensures the large amount of binder is distributed homogeneously without being trapped in entanglements, maintaining strong adhesion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The binder introduction is performed periodically in two distinct phases with mixing in between. This periodic action allows the binder to be incorporated gradually and uniformly throughout the slurry preparation process, preventing non-homogeneous distribution despite using a large amount of binder

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10804528B2Method for preparing positive electrode active material slurry
Publication Date: 2020.10.13 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for preparing positive electrode active material slurry, which includes the steps of: (S1) preparing a positive electrode active material, a linear conductive material, a polymer binder and a solvent; (S2) introducing 40-80% of the prepared polymer binder, the positive electrode active material and the linear conductive material to the solvent, followed by mixing, to obtain a first positive electrode active material slurry; and (S3) further introducing the remaining polymer binder to the first positive electrode active material slurry, followed by mixing, to obtain a second positive electrode active material slurry.