All-Solid-State Battery Electrode Slurry for Triple-Point Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing all-solid-state batteries face challenges in uniformly mixing electrode active materials, solid electrolytes, and conductive agents, leading to non-uniform contact surfaces and reduced energy density due to isolated components and blocked lithium ion pathways.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method involving two types of binders and solvents is employed, where a first binder is used in a primary slurry with a non-aqueous solvent and a second binder is used in a secondary slurry with an aqueous solvent, allowing for uniform mixing and inclusion of a conductive agent in pores, thereby forming numerous triple points for enhanced contact between electrode active material, solid electrolyte, and conductive agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a compression molding method is used to manufacture all-solid-state battery electrodes, then the manufacturing process can be implemented, but uniform deposition of electrode active material on electrolyte layer is difficult, causing non-uniform current distribution and deviation of current density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a slurry coating method where a liquid slurry containing electrode active material, solid electrolyte, and binder is coated onto the electrolyte layer using a doctor blade or similar coating device. This liquid-based approach enables uniform deposition and controlled thickness, resolving the uniformity issue inherent in compression molding while maintaining manufacturability through established coating technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrode material from solid powder (compression molding) to liquid slurry (coating method). This parameter change allows for better flow properties, uniform distribution, and precise control of layer thickness, thereby achieving uniform current distribution while remaining manufacturable.
2Device complexity
If electrode active material, solid electrolyte, conductive agent and binder are simultaneously mixed, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the electrode active material may be isolated by conductive agent or solid electrolyte may be isolated by electrode active material, blocking lithium ion pathways and lowering energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mixing process into two distinct stages: first mixing electrode active material with solid electrolyte and binder to form a base slurry, then separately adding conductive agent in a second step. This segmentation prevents premature isolation of components and ensures proper distribution, maintaining both process simplicity and high energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary mixing of electrode active material with solid electrolyte and binder before adding the conductive agent. This preliminary action establishes a proper matrix structure that prevents isolation of components, ensuring lithium ion pathways remain open while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a single binder is used in the electrode manufacturing, then the process is simpler, but uniform mixing and proper adhesion of all components may not be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite binder system combining multiple binders with different functions: one binder provides adhesion between electrode active material and current collector, while another binder ensures uniform distribution and bonding of solid electrolyte particles. This composite approach achieves superior mixing uniformity and component adhesion while remaining practical for manufacturing.
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 approach results in improved energy density by minimizing unnecessary solid electrolyte and optimizing lithium ion pathways, enhancing the overall performance of the all-solid-state battery.
Implementation Method 1
mixing an electrode active material, a solid electrolyte and a first binder with a first solvent to prepare a primary slurry; mixing the mixture powder, a conductive agent, and a second binder with a second solvent to prepare a secondary slurry
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electrode for an all-solid-state battery, comprising an electrode active material, a solid electrolyte, and a conductive agent, wherein the electrode active material and the solid electrolyte are bonded through the binder, the conductive agent is interposed in pores between the electrode active material and the solid electrolyte, and the conductive agent, the solid electrolyte, and the electrode active material are simultaneously contacted.