Sulfonyl Imide Electrolyte Compacts With Low-Heat Granulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing electrolyte compacts, such as those containing sulfonyl imide compounds for lithium ion batteries, often result in excessive heat application and small particle sizes, leading to denaturation and handling difficulties due to scattering and aggregation issues.

Innovation Solution

A method involving compression-granulation and subsequent pulverization to produce sheet-shaped or strip-shaped electrolyte compacts with controlled particle diameters, reducing heat application and specific surface area, thereby improving handleability and preventing aggregation during storage and transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the electrolyte is extrusion-granulated using an extrusion granulator with a pore diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, then the electrolyte can be transformed into particulate form, but excessive heat is applied to the electrolyte causing denaturation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticulate formVSAvoidheat application causing denaturation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the extrusion granulation process with a compression-granulation process using a granulator that applies mechanical compression force rather than extrusion through heated pores. This substitution eliminates the need for heat application while still achieving particle formation through controlled compression and granulation, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving particulate form and avoiding heat-induced denaturation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the key process parameter from extrusion temperature and pore diameter to compression force and granulation conditions. By controlling the compression force applied during granulation instead of using thermal extrusion, the process achieves particle formation without excessive heat application, thereby preventing electrolyte denaturation while maintaining the desired particulate shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the electrolyte is granulated into small particles, then the electrolyte can be processed into compact form, but the small particles are likely to be scattered and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidhandleability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by controlling the granulation process to produce particles with a specific size distribution (0.01 mm to 1.0 mm) rather than uniformly small particles. This segmented approach creates a mix of particle sizes where larger particles provide structural integrity for easy handling while smaller particles fill gaps and improve packing efficiency, thus resolving the contradiction between processing efficiency and handleability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses handleability by controlling not just particle size but also particle shape and size distribution across different dimensions. By optimizing the granulation process to produce particles with appropriate aspect ratios and size distributions, the patent improves flow characteristics and reduces scattering while maintaining compact form, effectively adding dimensional control to resolve the handling issue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If the electrolyte powder is stored and transported, then the powder is blocked and aggregates, but extracting the powder from container takes time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidextraction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the electrolyte particles through controlled granulation, creating particles with optimized size (0.01 mm to 1.0 mm) and surface characteristics. These parameter changes prevent aggregation and blocking during storage while maintaining good flow properties, allowing quick extraction from containers without time loss, thus resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and extraction time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by performing compression-granulation before storage to create particles that are inherently resistant to aggregation. The granulated particles have controlled surface properties and size distribution that prevent blocking in advance, so when storage and extraction occur, no aggregation issues arise, effectively preventing the problem before it can manifest during storage and retrieval operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-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

The method effectively produces electrolyte compacts that are easy to handle and extract from containers without affecting the electrolyte, reducing the risk of scattering and aggregation, while maintaining performance and solubility in battery applications.

Implementation Method 1

compressing of performing compression-granulating of the electrolyte in a powder form to obtain a sheet-shaped or strip-shaped electrolyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

pulverizing the sheet-shaped or strip-shaped electrolyte to obtain a granular electrolyte compact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240079643A1Electrolyte compact production method and electrolyte compact
Publication Date: 2024.03.07 NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO LTD

AI summary

A method for producing a compact of an electrolyte containing a sulfonyl imide compound represented by the general formula (1) includes compressing of performing compression-granulating of the electrolyte in a powder form to obtain a sheet-shaped or strip-shaped electrolyte, and pulverizing the sheet-shaped or strip-shaped electrolyte to obtain a granular electrolyte compact, or tableting the electrolyte in a powder form to obtain a tablet-shaped electrolyte compact. LiN(R1SO2)(R2SO2) (wherein R1 and R2 are identical or different from each other and each represent a fluorine atom, an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a fluoroalkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms) (1).