SWCNT Cluster Dispersion for Battery Electrode Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dispersibility and intrinsic properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in conductive material dispersion liquids affect battery performance unpredictably, leading to discrepancies in electrode distribution and conductivity, which are not accurately reflected in measured values.
Innovation Solution
A conductive material dispersion liquid containing SWCNT clusters with controlled length and diameter characteristics, where SWCNT clusters have a number average length of 0.8 µm to 8.0 µm and a diameter of 5 nm to 25 nm, with less than 15% exceeding 10 µm and 30 nm, respectively, and a dispersant is used to enhance dispersibility and maintain low viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-walled carbon nanotubes are used as conductive material to improve electrode conductivity, then the conductivity improvement is excellent, but the dispersibility varies significantly and the distribution in electrode does not match measured values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the length and diameter of SWCNT clusters within specific ranges (length: 0.8-8.0 μm, diameter: 5-25 nm) and limiting the proportion of large clusters (length >10 μm and diameter >30 nm to 15% or less). This standardized parameter control ensures consistent dispersibility and makes the measured values accurately reflect the actual electrode distribution, resolving the discrepancy between measurement and actual performance.
2Ease of operation
If SWCNT clusters with controlled dimensions are used to improve dispersibility, then dispersibility and processibility are excellent, but the cluster size must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges for SWCNT clusters (number average length 0.8-8.0 μm, number average diameter 5-25 nm) and sets maximum proportions for oversized clusters (15% or less for both length >10 μm and diameter >30 nm). These controlled parameters enable excellent dispersibility and processibility while providing clear manufacturing specifications to achieve the desired cluster characteristics.
3Use of energy by moving object
If small amounts of SWCNT are used to maintain low viscosity, then viscosity is reduced, but conductivity improvement may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the dimensions of SWCNT clusters (smaller length and diameter within specified ranges) to optimize the balance between viscosity and conductivity. The controlled cluster size ensures that small amounts of SWCNT can be effectively dispersed without significantly increasing viscosity, while still providing sufficient conductivity improvement through efficient conductive network formation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to: a conductive material dispersion comprising single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) clusters, wherein the number average length of the SWCNT clusters is 0.8 µm to 8.0 µm, the number of the SWCNT clusters having a length exceeding 10 µm is no more than 15% of the total number of SWCNT clusters, the number average diameter of the SWCNT clusters is 5 nm to 30 nm, the number of the SWCNT clusters having a diameter exceeding 30 nm is no more than 15% of the total number of the SWCNT clusters, and the length and diameter of the SWCNT clusters are measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM); and an electrode comprising the SWCNT clusters. The present invention has the advantages of forming a conductive network well due to having excellent dispersibility, and thus being able to achieve excellent conductivity even in small amounts, having excellent processability due to the low viscosity of the dispersion, and being able to contribute to improved battery performance when the conductive material dispersion is applied to the electrode.