Electrode Conductive Material Dispersion Measured by SSRM Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to accurately quantify the dispersibility of conductive materials in electrodes for electrochemical devices, as uneven distribution can lead to degradation of electrical conductivity and reduced energy density in batteries.

Innovation Solution

A method involving mathematical formulas (Index 1 and Index 2) to evaluate the dispersibility based on the circumference and area of the conductive material zone in cross-sections of the electrode active material layer, using scanning spreading resistance microscopy and atomic force microscopy to calculate and visualize the dispersibility index.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the content of active material in the electrode is increased to improve energy density, then the energy density is improved, but the content of conductive material is relatively reduced leading to non-uniform distribution and degradation of electrical conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoiduniformity of conductive material distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by evaluating the dispersibility of conductive material at different locations within the electrode through cross-sectional analysis. The method identifies conductive material zones specifically at the surface and interior regions, allowing for location-specific assessment and optimization of conductive material distribution to maintain electrical conductivity while increasing active material content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If conventional qualitative assessment methods are used to evaluate conductive material distribution, then the assessment process is simple, but the measurement precision and accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of assessment methodVSAvoidaccuracy of dispersibility determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional qualitative visual assessment methods with a quantitative measurement system based on scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM). This substitution introduces precise electrical resistance measurements to objectively determine conductive material dispersibility, replacing subjective visual inspection with quantifiable data while maintaining practical applicability through automated image processing and calculation of dispersibility indices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If existing evaluation methods are used, then the evaluation process is quick, but the ability to accurately determine dispersibility is insufficient leading to inability to optimize manufacturing processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaluation timeVSAvoidaccuracy of dispersibility determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preparing cross-sectional samples of the electrode before performing SSRM measurements. The sample preparation steps including cross-sectioning, mounting, and coating are performed in advance to enable subsequent quantitative analysis. This preliminary preparation allows for accurate dispersibility evaluation without significantly increasing the overall evaluation time, as the sample preparation can be done once and used for multiple measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method allows for the quantitative representation of conductive material dispersibility, ensuring homogeneous distribution and improved electrical conductivity, thereby enhancing the performance and energy density of electrochemical devices.

Implementation Method 1

scanning spreading resistance microscopy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

atomic force microscopy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScanning Probe Microscopy: Scanning Probe Microscopy

Data Source

PatentUS20250003906A1Method for determining dispersibility of conductive material in electrode for electrochemical device

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A method for evaluating the dispersibility of a conductive material. The method allows determination of the dispersibility of a conductive material in an electrode as a quantitative value. Particularly, a conductive material zone is defined from the result (2D mapping image) obtained by subjecting an optional predetermined cross-section of electrode active material layer to 2D-scale visual image processing, and then the circumference and area of the portion defined as the conductive material zone are calculated. In this manner, the dispersibility of the conductive material can be represented quantitatively.