Solid Electrolyte Inkjet Composition With Tuned Viscosity and Boiling Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid compositions for inkjet printing of solid-electrolyte-containing layers face challenges with high viscosity limitations and dispersion medium boiling point constraints, which affect discharge performance and material costs in producing all-solid-state batteries.

Innovation Solution

A liquid composition comprising a solid electrolyte and a dispersion medium with ring-containing hydrocarbons or phenyl ethers having 9 or more atoms other than hydrogen, optimizing viscosity and boiling point for improved discharge stability and drying performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional slurry-like liquid composition is used for inkjet printing, then the composition can be applied, but the viscosity is too high (10 to 100 times higher than required) for proper inkjet discharge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge performanceVSAvoidviscosity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the liquid composition by replacing conventional slurry-like compositions with a carbon nanotube dispersion in a specific solvent system. This parameter change reduces viscosity from 10-100 times the required level to within the acceptable range for inkjet printing (below 200 mPa s), while maintaining discharge performance and enabling proper inkjet discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a dispersion medium with low boiling point is used, then drying is faster, but the dispersion medium cannot withstand the drying temperature and decomposes or evaporates prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidboiling point
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects a dispersion medium with specific boiling point parameters (above 100°C but below 200°C) that balances drying speed and thermal stability. This parameter optimization allows the composition to be dried at temperatures that are high enough for rapid drying but low enough to prevent decomposition, achieving both fast productivity and material stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If high viscosity liquid composition is used, then material coverage is better, but the inkjet head cannot discharge the composition properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial coverageVSAvoiddischargeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the liquid composition by using a carbon nanotube dispersion in a carefully selected solvent system. This reduces viscosity to below 200 mPa s, enabling easy discharge through the inkjet head while maintaining sufficient material coverage and concentration of active ingredients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specific dispersion medium as an intermediary between the carbon nanotubes and the final applied layer. This intermediary solvent system facilitates both proper discharge through the inkjet head and effective material deposition, bridging the contradiction between dischargeability and coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4415096A1Liquid composition, method for producing solid-electrolyte-containing layer, and method for producing electrochemical element
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4415096A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4415096A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4415096A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A liquid composition includes a solid electrolyte and a dispersion medium. The dispersion medium is a ring-containing hydrocarbon or phenyl ether, each having 9 or more atoms other than hydrogen atom.