This invention generally relates to an inorganic material mixture for use in an electrochemical cell, particularly, a lithium-ion secondary battery. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the use of a mixture of inorganic trapping agents as a protective layer on or as a protective additive incorporated within a separator in an electrochemical cell.
The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
In operation, an electrochemical cell, such as a secondary cell for a lithium-ion battery, generally includes a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte, a separator, a positive electrode, and a current collector for each of the electrodes. All of these components are sealed in a case, an enclosure, a pouch, a bag, a cylindrical shell, or the like (generally called the battery's “housing”). Separators usually are polyolefin membranes with micro-meter-size pores, which prevent physical contact the between positive and negative electrodes, while allowing for the transport of ions (e.g., lithium ions) back and forth between the electrodes. A non-aqueous electrolyte, which is a solution of a metal salt, such as a lithium salt, is placed between each electrode and the separator.
Since a polyolefin membrane, such as, for example, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), is poorly wet by the non-aqueous electrolyte, the impedance for ion transport increases and results in a poor high-rate capability. More importantly, the polyolefin membrane may be subject to shrinkage at an elevated temperature during the operation of the electrochemical cell (e.g., secondary cell of a lithium-ion battery), thereby, increasing the risk of a short circuit and leading eventually to a possible occurrence of a fire or explosion. Furthermore, the softness of the polyolefin membrane allows for the growth and penetration of dendrites, e.g., lithium dendrites, which adds to the concern for safety. The ability to enhance the wettability of the membrane, reduce the shrinkage of the membrane during operation, and limit or eliminate the potential for a fire or explosion is desirable.
In addition, conventional high-energy, high-rate, and low-cost goals for the construction and use of an electrochemical process, such as that found in secondary lithium-ion batteries, requires that the separator be relatively thin and able to be manufactured at a low cost. One way to make the separator naturally thinner is to incorporate inorganic particles. Several examples of inorganic particles include silica, alumina, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, alumina silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, calcium carbonate, boehmite, kaolin, zeolite, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and perovskites. Some of these inorganic particles, like fillers, may assist in strengthening the polymer membrane, preventing heat shrinkage, and improving electrolyte wetting. However, such particles usually are difficult to disperse in order to form uniform membranes. The use of dispersants and cross-link agents may be added to avoid this aggregation issue. However, the use of such dispersants and cross-linking agents will increase the overall manufacturing cost and provide additional safety concerns associated with using the electrochemical cell.
Finally, a variety of other factors may also cause degradation of lithium-ion batteries. Several of these factors include the presence of malicious species in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution. More specifically, lithium-ion secondary batteries may experience degradation in capacity due to prolonged exposure to moisture (e.g., water), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and/or dissolved transition-metal ions (TMn+). These malicious species may arise as a residue resulting from the fabrication process used to construct the battery or as a decomposition product of the organic electrolyte used therein. In fact, the lifetime of a lithium-ion secondary battery can become severely limited once 20% or more of the original reversible capacity is lost or becomes irreversible. The ability to prolong the rechargeable capacity and overall lifetime of lithium-ion secondary batteries can decrease the cost of replacement and reduce the environmental risks for disposal and recycling.
In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings. The components in each of the drawings may not necessarily be drawn to scale, but rather emphasis is placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or uses. For example, the inorganic materials made and used according to the teachings contained herein is described throughout the present disclosure in conjunction with a secondary cell for use in a lithium-ion secondary battery in order to more fully illustrate the structural elements and the use thereof. The incorporation and use of such inorganic materials in other applications, including without limitation an electrochemical cell or in a primary cell used in a lithium-ion battery is contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that throughout the description and drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
The main difference between a lithium-ion battery and a lithium ion secondary battery is that the lithium battery represents a battery that includes a primary cell and a lithium-ion secondary battery represents a battery that includes a secondary cell. The term “primary cell” refers to a battery cell that is not easily or safely rechargeable, while the term “secondary cell” refers to a battery cell that may be recharged. As used herein a “cell” refers to the basic electrochemical unit of a battery that contains the electrodes, separator, and electrolyte. In comparison, a “battery” refers to a collection of cell(s), e.g., one or more cells, and includes a housing, electrical connections, and possibly electronics for control and protection.
Since lithium-ion (e.g., primary cell) batteries are not rechargeable, their current shelf life is about three years, after that, they are worthless. Even with such a limited lifetime, lithium batteries can offer more in the way of capacity than lithium-ion secondary batteries. Lithium-ion batteries use lithium metal as the anode of the battery unlike lithium ion secondary batteries that can use a number of other materials to form the anode. One key advantage of lithium-ion secondary cell batteries is that they are rechargeable several times before becoming ineffective. The ability of a lithium-ion secondary battery to undergo the charge-discharge cycle multiple times arises from the reversibility of the redox reactions that take place. Lithium-ion secondary batteries, because of the high energy density, are widely applied as the energy sources in many portable electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, laptop computers, etc.), power tools, electric vehicles, and grid energy storage.
For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “about” and “substantially” are used herein with respect to measurable values and ranges due to expected variations known to those skilled in the art (e.g., limitations and variability in measurements).
For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “at least one” and “one or more of” an element are used interchangeably and may have the same meaning. These terms, which refer to the inclusion of a single element or a plurality of the elements, may also be represented by the suffix “(s)” at the end of the element. For example, “at least one metal”, “one or more metals”, and “metal(s)” may be used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning.
The present disclosure generally provides a separator that includes an inorganic material that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a mixture of a first inorganic particle and one or more second inorganic particles, such that the inorganic material absorbs one or more of moisture (H2O), free transition metal ions (TMn+), or hydrogen fluoride (HF) that become present in the electrochemical cell. The inorganic material acts as a trapping agent or scavenger for the malicious species present within the housing of the battery. The inorganic material accomplishes this objective by effectively absorbing moisture, free transition-metal ions, and/or hydrogen fluoride (HF) selectively, while having no effect on the performance of the non-aqueous electrolyte, including the lithium-ions and organic transport medium contained therein.
Moisture present in an electrochemical cell, such as a secondary Li-ion battery, mainly arises as residue from the fabrication of cell and/or as a decomposition product of the organic electrolyte. Even though manufacturing operations may “dry” the environment during assembly, it is nearly impossible to remove moisture thoroughly during the production of a battery. In addition, the organic electrolyte solvent, especially when operated at an elevated temperature, is inclined to decompose to yield CO2 and H2O by-products. The present of H2O in a Li-ion battery can react with the Li salt (e.g., LiPF6) present in the electrolyte to generate LiF and HF. The LiF that is formed may deposit on the surfaces of the active materials associated with one or more of the electrodes thereby, forming a solid electrolyte interface (SEI), which can retard the Li-ions (de)intercalation, inactivate the surface of active materials, and lead to a poor rate capability and/or capacity loss.
Furthermore, the HF that is formed may attack the positive electrode, which contains transition metal and oxygen ions, creating more H2O and transition metal-containing compounds other than the active material. The use of water as a reactant links the reactions cyclically, accelerating the damage to the electrolyte and the active material. The transition metal-containing compounds that are formed may be insoluble in the electrolyte, as well as electrochemically inactive. The insoluble transition-metal compounds may become deposited onto the surface of the positive electrode forming a SEI. Alternatively, if the transition metal-containing ions are soluble, they may dissolve into the organic electrolyte in ionic form. These free ions, for example, Mn2+ and Ni2+, may be attracted to the negative electrode, wherein they may form a part of a SEI and initiate a variety of succeeding reactions. Thus, the presence of HF in the electrochemical ultimately consumes the active materials and the Li ions present in the electrolyte continuously, thereby, reducing the capacity associated with the lithium-ion battery.
In addition, the inorganic material of the present disclosure incorporated with the separator (e.g., polymeric membrane) either as an additive within the separator or as a coating applied to the surface of the separator may act as fillers for the polymeric membrane or in the applied protective coating layer. Thus, the inorganic material may strengthen the polymer membrane, prevent heating shrinkage, and improve electrolyte wetting. The inorganic material may also be capable of mitigating dendrite formation and retarding the potential occurrence of a fire or explosion.
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The first inorganic particle may comprise lithium (Li)—exchanged zeolite. The first inorganic particles exhibit a morphology that is either platelet, cubic, or sphere and has an average particle size (D50) in the range of 0.01 micrometers (μm) to about 2 μm; alternatively, between about 0.1 μm and about 1.75 μm; alternatively, between about 0.2 μm and 1.5 μm. The first inorganic particles may also exhibit a surface area of 5 m2/g to about 1,250 m2/g; alternatively, 10 m2/g to 1,000 m2/g; alternatively, about 50 m2/g to about 800 m2/g. The pore volume exhibited by the first inorganic particles is on the order of about 0.05 cc/g to about 2.5 cc/g; alternatively, 0.1 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g; alternatively, about 0.3 cc/g to about 1.5 cc/g.
The framework of the Li-ion exchanged zeolites used as the first inorganic particle may be chosen from, but not limited to, ABW, AFG, BEA, BHP, CAS, CHA, CHI, DAC, DOH, EDI, ESV, FAU, FER, FRA, GIS, GOO, GON, HEU, KFI, LAU, LTA, LTN, MEI, MER, MOR, MSO, NAT, NES, PAR, PAU, PHI, RHO, RTE, SOD, STI, TER, THO, VET, YUG, and ZSM. The ratio of SiO2/Al2O3 in the zeolite ranges from 1 to 100; alternatively, 2 to about 90; alternatively, about 4 to about 80. The concentration of sodium (Na) in the zeolite is initially in the range of 0.1 to 20 wt. % based on the overall weight of the zeolite. However, lithium ions will replace some or most of the sodium ions in the framework via an ion exchange process. The final sodium (Na) concentration in the first inorganic particles after undergoing such exchange with lithium ions is lower than 10 wt. %; alternatively, less than 8 wt. %, alternatively, between 0.01 wt. % and 10 wt. % based on the overall weight of the zeolite.
Zeolites are crystalline or quasi-crystalline aluminosilicates comprised of repeating TO4 units with T being most commonly silicon (Si) or aluminum (Al). These repeating units are linked together to form a crystalline framework or structure that includes cavities and/or channels of molecular dimensions within the crystalline structure. Thus, aluminosilicate zeolites comprise at least oxygen (O), aluminum (Al), and silicon (Si) as atoms incorporated in the framework structure thereof. Since zeolites exhibit a crystalline framework of silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) interconnected via the sharing of oxygen atoms, they may be characterized by the ratio of SiO2:Al2O3 (SAR) present in the crystalline framework.
The framework notation represents a code specified by the International Zeolite Associate (IZA) that defines the framework structure of the zeolite. Thus, for example, a chabazite means a zeolite in which the primary crystalline phase of the zeolite is “CHA”. The crystalline phase or framework structure of a zeolite may be characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. However, the XRD measurement may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as the growth direction of the zeolite; the ratio of constituent elements; the presence of an adsorbed substance, defect, or the like; and deviation in the intensity ratio or positioning of each peak in the XRD spectrum. Therefore, a deviation of 10% or less; alternatively, 5% or less; alternatively, 1% or less in the numerical value measured for each parameter of the framework structure for each zeolite as described in the definition provided by the IZA is within expected tolerance.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the zeolites of the present disclosure may include natural zeolites, synthetic zeolites, or a mixture thereof. Alternatively, the zeolites are synthetic zeolites because such zeolites exhibit greater uniformity with respect to SAR, crystallite size, and crystallite morphology, as well has fewer and less concentrated impurities (e.g. alkaline earth metals).
The one or more second inorganic particles are independently selected from the group consisting of silica, α-alumina, β-alumina, γ-alumina, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, alumina silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, calcium carbonate, boehmite, kaolin, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and perovskites. Alternatively, the one or more second inorganic particles are selected as α-alumina, β-alumina, γ-alumina, boehmite, or aluminum hydroxide.
The one or more second inorganic particles exhibit a morphology that is either platelet, cubic, or sphere and has an average particle size (D50) in the range of 0.01 micrometers (μm) to about 2 μm; alternatively, between about 0.1 μm and about 1.75 μm; alternatively, between about 0.2 μm and 1.5 μm. The first inorganic particles may also exhibit a surface area of 5 m2/g to about 1,250 m2/g; alternatively, 10 m2/g to 1,000 m2/g; alternatively, about 50 m2/g to about 800 m2/g. The pore volume exhibited by the first inorganic particles is on the order of about 0.05 cc/g to about 2.5 cc/g; alternatively, 0.1 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g; alternatively, about 0.3 cc/g to about 1.5 cc/g. The concentration of sodium (Na) in the one or more second inorganic particles is in the range of 0.01 wt. % to 0.3 wt. %; alternatively, between about 0.05 wt. % and 0.25 wt. % based on the overall weight of the zeolite.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or other optical or digital imaging methodology known in the art may be used to determine the shape and/or morphology of the inorganic material. The average particle size and particle size distributions may be measured using any conventional technique, such as sieving, microscopy, Coulter counting, dynamic light scattering, or particle imaging analysis, to name a few. Alternatively, a laser particle analyzer is used for the determination of average particle size and its corresponding particle size distribution. The measurement of surface area and pore volume for the inorganic material may be accomplished using any known technique, including without limitation, microscopy, small angle x-ray scattering, mercury porosimetry, and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) analysis. Alternatively, the surface area and pore volume is determined using Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) analysis.
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The inorganic material 50C may be fabricated by mechanical milling. This mechanical milling may be accomplished using any type of conventional mill, including but not limited to a ball mill, a jet mill, an Eiger mill, an attritor mill, or a vibratory mill. The surface properties of the particles A and B may be modified by the addition of dispersants, surfactants, coupling agents, or the like as desired or necessary prior to or during the milling process.
When the inorganic material 50C is applied as a coating, the coating formulation may also comprise an organic binder 59, such that the inorganic material accounts for about 10 wt. % to 99 wt. %; alternatively from about 15 wt. % to 95 wt. % of the overall weight of the coating. This organic binder may include, but not be limited to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polypropylene oxide (PPO), polyacrylic acid (PAA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium ammonium alginate (SAA), or a mixture thereof.
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The non-aqueous electrolyte 30 is selected, such that it supports the oxidation/reduction process and provides a medium for ions 45 (e.g., lithium-ions) to flow between the anode 15 and cathode 5. The non-aqueous electrolyte 30 may be a solution of an inorganic salt in an organic solvent. Several specific examples of lithium salts used in the secondary cell of a lithium battery, include, without limitation, lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), lithium bis(oxalato)-borate (LiBOB), and lithium bis(trifluoro methane sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSi). The inorganic salts may form a solution with an organic solvent, such as, for example, ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), propylene carbonate (PC), vinylene carbonate (VC), and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), to name a few. A specific example of an electrolyte for use in a secondary cell of a lithium battery is a 1 molar solution of LiPF6 in a mixture of ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate (EC/DEC=50/50 vol.).
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A separator 40 plays a significant role in the safety, durability, and high-rate performance of an electrochemical cell, such as a secondary cell for a lithium-ion battery. A polymeric membrane is electrically insulating and separates the positive and negative electrodes completely to avoid an internal short circuit. The polymeric membrane usually is not ionically conductive, but rather has large pores filled with the non-aqueous electrolyte, allowing for the transport of ions.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more secondary cells may be combined to form an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In
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One skilled in the art will also appreciate that although
The housing 60 may be constructed of any material known for such use in the art and be of any desired geometry required or desired for a specific application. For example, lithium-ion batteries generally are housed in three different main form factors or geometries, namely, cylindrical, prismatic, or soft pouch. The housing 60 for a cylindrical battery may be made of aluminum, steel, or the like. Prismatic batteries generally comprise a housing 60 that is rectangular shaped rather than cylindrical. Soft pouch housings 60 may be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. These soft housings may be comprised of an aluminum foil pouch coated with a plastic on the inside, outside, or both. The soft housing 60 may also be a polymeric-type encasing. The polymer composition used for the housing 60 may be any known polymeric materials that are conventionally used in lithium-ion secondary batteries. One specific example, among many, include the use of a laminate pouch that comprises a polyolefin layer on the inside and a polyamide layer on the outside. A soft housing 60 needs to be designed such that the housing 60 provides mechanical protection for the secondary cells 1B present in the battery 75.
The specific examples provided in this disclosure are given to illustrate various embodiments of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. The embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein.
Evaluation Method 1—Transition-Metal Cations Trapping Capability of the Inorganic Additive
The performance of the inorganic additive with respect to adsorption capabilities for Mn2+, Ni2+, and Co2+, are measured in an organic solvent, namely a mixture of ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate (EC/DMC=50/50 vol.)
The Mn2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ trapping capabilities of the inorganic additives in the organic solvent are analyzed by inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The organic solvent is prepared, such that it contains 1000 ppm manganese (II), nickel (II), and cobalt (II) perchlorate, respectively. The inorganic additive in particle form is added as 1 wt. % of the total mass, with the mixture being stirred for 1 minute. The mixture is then allowed to stand still at 25° C. for 24 hours prior to measuring the decrease of the concentration of Mn2+, Ni2+, and Co2+.
Evaluation Method 2—HF Scavenging Capability of the Inorganic Additive
The HF scavenging capability of the inorganic additives in the non-aqueous electrolyte, namely 1 M LiPF6 in a mixture of ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate (EC/DMC=50/50 vol.), is analyzed by a Fluoride ion specific (ISE) meter. The electrolyte solution is prepared, such that it contains 100 ppm HF. The inorganic additive in particle form is added as 1 wt. % of the total mass, with the mixture being stirred for 1 minute. The mixture is then allowed to stand still at 25° C. for 24 hours prior to measuring the decrease of F− in the solution.
Below are the reactions that occur in a Li-ion battery with moisture residue.
LiPF6+H2O→HF+LiF↓+H3PO4
LiMO2+HF→LiF↓+M2++H2O,
wherein M stands for transition metal.
As a result, in order to reduce HF in the electrolyte, the inorganic additive needs to consume HF and moisture residue at the same time to break the reaction chain.
Evaluation Method 3—Separator Coating
The separators are fabricated using a monolayer polypropylene membrane (Celgard® 2500, Celgard LLC, North Carolina). Separators with and without the inclusion of the inorganic additive are constructed for performance comparison. A slurry containing the inorganic additive is coated onto the separator in two-side form. The slurry is made of 10-50 wt. % inorganic additive particles dispersed in deionized (D.I.) water. The mass ratio of a polymeric binder to the total solids is 1-10%. The coating is applied with 5-15 μm in thickness before drying. The thickness of the coated separator is 25-45 μm. The coated separators are punched into a round disks in a diameter of 19 mm.
Evaluation Method 4—Coin-Cell Cycling
Coin cells (2025-type) are made for evaluating the inorganic additives in an electrochemical situation. A coin cell is made with exterior casing, spacer, spring, current collector, positive electrode, separator, negative electrode, and non-aqueous electrolyte.
To fabricate films for use with the positive electrode, a slurry is made by dispersing the active material (AM), such as LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 and carbon black (CB) powders in an n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The mass ratio of AM:CB:PVDF slurry is 90:5:5. In each case, the slurry is blade coated onto aluminum films. After drying and calendaring, the thickness of each positive electrode film formed is measured to be in the range of 50-150 μm. The positive electrode films are punched into round disks with a diameter of 12 mm respectively. The typical mass loading of active material is around 6 mg/cm2.
Lithium metal foil (0.75 mm in thickness) is cut into a round disk in a diameter of 12 mm for use as the negative electrode.
Coin cells (2025-type) are made along with the above mentioned positive and negative electrodes, separator as described in Evaluation Method 3, and 1 M LiPF6 in a mixture of ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate (EC/DMC=50/50 vol.) as the electrolyte as further described herein for battery performance testing. The cells are cycled between 3 and 4.3 V at the current loadings of C/3 at 25° C. after two C/10 formation cycles.
A FAU-type Y zeolite is used as the inorganic additive, which has been ion-exchanged with lithium (Li). The particle size is measured as 0.27, 0.43, and 3.76 μm for D10, D50, and D90, respectively. The surface area is 640 m2/g with the pore volume of 0.23 cc/g. The ratio of silica:alumina (SAR) is 3.6, and the inorganic additive contains 0.35 wt. % of Na2O and 6.36 wt. % of Li2O.
In the trapping capability test for transition-metal cations, the inorganic additive reduced the Ni2+, Mn2+, and Co2+ in EC/DMC by 63%, 77%, and 84%, respectively. In addition, the inorganic additive scavenges 30% HF in the electrolyte solution.
A type of γ-Al2O3 is used as the inorganic additive. The particle size is measured as 2.3, 3.3, and 5.2 μm for D10, D50, and D90, respectively. The surface area is 155.3 m2/g with a pore volume of 0.60 cc/g. Loss on ignition (LOI) testing of this γ-Al2O3 demonstrates that it contains 83.05 wt. % of Al2O3.
This γ-Al2O3 does not show the trapping capability in terms of Ni2+, Mn2+, and Co2+ in EC/DMC. However, it scavenges 23% HF in the electrolyte solution.
A type of boehmite is used as the inorganic additive. The particle size is measured as 9.3, 30.2, and 53.4 nm for D10, D50, and D90, respectively. The surface area is 100.2 m2/g with a pore volume of 0.48 cc/g. The boehmite contains 83.05 wt. % of Al2O3.
This boehmite does not show the trapping capability in terms of Ni2+, Mn2+, and Co2+ in EC/DMC. However, it scavenges 10% HF in the electrolyte solution.
A bare polypropylene membrane is used as the separator for cycling test as described in evaluation method 4. The thickness of the membrane is 25 μm. The cell exhibits a 3.5% loss of capacity and 2.5% loss of coulombic efficiency in 70 cycles.
A mixture comprising Examples 1 and 2 is coated on a piece of a polypropylene separator in a double-side form. In the coating layer, the weight ratio of [Example 1]:[Example 2]:PVA is 5:45:10. The thickness of the coated separator is 39.0 μm.
The mixture coated polypropylene film is used as the separator for cycling test as described in evaluation method 4. The cell exhibits a 1.5% loss of capacity and an almost zero loss of coulombic efficiency in 70 cycles.
A mixture comprising Examples 1 and 3 is coated on a piece of bare polypropylene separator in a double-side form. In the coating layer, the weight ratio of [Example 1]:[Example 3]:PVA is 5:45:10. The thickness of the coated separator is 38.8 μm.
The mixture coated polypropylene film is used as the separator for cycling test as described in evaluation method 4. The cell exhibits a 1.5% loss of capacity and an almost zero loss of coulombic efficiency in 70 cycles.
A mixture comprising Examples 1 and 2 is coated on a piece of a polypropylene separator in a double-side form. In the coating layer, the weight ratio of [Example 1]:[Example 2]:PVA is 25:25:10. The thickness of the coated separator is 42.0 μm.
The mixture coated polypropylene film is used as the separator for cycling test as described in evaluation method 4. The cell exhibits a 1.5% loss of capacity and an almost zero loss of coulombic efficiency in 70 cycles.
Upon comparing with the cell with bare polypropylene, the cells with a mixture coated separator are found to have a higher capacity retention and less degradation of coulombic efficiency during long-term cycling.
Those skilled-in-the-art, in light of the present disclosure, will appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed herein and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from or exceeding the spirit or scope of the disclosure. One skilled in the art will further understand that any properties reported herein represent properties that are routinely measured and can be obtained by multiple different methods. The methods described herein represent one such method and other methods may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure.
The foregoing description of various forms of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The forms discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various forms and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2020/066362 | 12/21/2020 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62955510 | Dec 2019 | US |