Water-Based Capacitive Deionization Electrode Bonding Without NMP

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitive deionization technologies require the use of organic solvents like N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and dimethylacetamide (DMAC), which are toxic and complicate the manufacturing process, making it difficult to achieve efficient and environmentally friendly deionization.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method for capacitive deionization electrodes that uses an adhesive comprising a porous material and an aqueous binder, eliminating the need for organic solvents, and includes steps of coating, drying, and combining an active layer with an ion exchange membrane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an organic solvent adhesive (NMP or DMAC) is used to combine the ion exchange membrane with the electrode, then the adhesive strength and bonding quality are improved, but the toxicity to human body and environment increases and the manufacturing process complexity increases due to necessary solvent recovery treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the adhesive system by replacing organic solvents (NMP, DMAC) with water as the solvent. This parameter change eliminates the toxicity issue while maintaining the adhesive function through the use of porous materials that enable effective bonding between the ion exchange membrane and electrode without requiring harmful organic solvents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a water-based adhesive system that does not require complex recovery and recycling processes. The aqueous binder with porous material provides sufficient adhesive strength for the application, and since water is the solvent, no expensive solvent recovery equipment or processes are needed, simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If an organic solvent adhesive is used to combine the ion exchange membrane with the electrode, then the bonding quality is improved, but the device complexity and process complexity increase due to necessary solvent recovery treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solvent parameter from organic (NMP, DMAC) to aqueous (water-based), which fundamentally simplifies the manufacturing process. Water-based adhesives eliminate the need for complex solvent recovery systems, drying ovens, and safety equipment required for handling toxic organic solvents, thereby reducing device and process complexity while maintaining adhesive performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The use of water as the adhesive solvent allows for a simpler, more disposable-friendly manufacturing process. The aqueous binder with porous material provides adequate bonding without requiring expensive recovery infrastructure, making the manufacturing process less complex and more suitable for continuous production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If a conventional coating process is used to apply the adhesive, then the coating efficiency is improved, but the use of organic solvents increases which is harmful to environment and human health

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating efficiencyVSAvoidorganic solvent emission
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solvent parameter from organic to aqueous in the coating process. The water-based adhesive system maintains coating efficiency and applicability while eliminating organic solvent emissions. The porous material in the aqueous binder ensures proper adhesion and distribution during the coating process, achieving both productivity and environmental sustainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential disadvantage of water-based adhesives (slower drying compared to organic solvents) into a benefit by using porous materials that facilitate rapid water evaporation and provide excellent adhesive properties. This approach eliminates harmful organic solvent emissions while maintaining or even improving coating quality and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 produces electrodes with excellent deionization performance and maintains conductivity while being environmentally friendly, reducing the use of toxic solvents and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

combining the dried active layer and an ion exchange membrane using an adhesive including a porous material, an aqueous binder, and an aqueous solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

an adhesive including a porous material, an aqueous binder, and an aqueous solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

an adhesive including a porous material, an aqueous binder, and an aqueous solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20260022039A1Capacitive deionization electrode and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2026.01.22 SIONTECH
  • US20260022039A1 patent drawing
  • US20260022039A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a method for manufacturing an organic solvent-free capacitive deionization electrode including: coating one surface or one and the other surfaces of a current collector with an active layer slurry including an electrode active material, an aqueous binder, a dispersant, and an aqueous solvent; drying the active layer slurry; combining the dried active layer and an ion exchange membrane using an adhesive including a porous material and the aqueous binder; and drying an electrode in which the active layer and the ion exchange membrane are combined.