Development of Large Format NMC-Graphite Lithium Ion Pouch Cell with Aqueous Processed Electrodes

Abstract

The development of a large format LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2 (NMC) - Graphite pouch cell with both electrodes prepared using waterborne PVdF binders is reported. The formulations and design of the positive and negative electrodes have been optimized to meet the MAT4BAT EU project objectives. The negative and positive electrode slurries with elaborated formulations have been scaled up effectively to kilogram scale and ~100 meters length double-side coated electrodes have been manufactured. Finally, an NMC-Graphite pouch cell with nominal capacity 17 Ah demonstrated promising C-rate capability and long term cyclability reaching 80% of initial discharge capacity after 3,200 cycles with 100% depth of discharge.

Applying Established Water-Based Binders to Aqueous Processing of LiNi0.83Co0.12Mn0.05O2 Positive Electrodes

“…In recent years, the amount of research on the aqueous processing of positive electrodes with several different active materials, e. g. LiFePO 4 46,49-53 LiCoO 2 8,54 LiNi x Co y Al z O 2 (x + y + z = 1) (NCA), 44,[55][56][57] LiNi 0.33 Co 0.33 Mn 0.33 O 2 (NCM111) [58][59][60] or LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 (NCM523) 16,36,49 using a variety of different binders has increased. To the best of the author's knowledge, two scientific groups are investigating aqueous processing of LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM811).…”

Implications of Aqueous Processing for High Energy Density Cathode Materials: Part I. Ni-Rich Layered Oxides

“…13 Materials with a high nickel and low cobalt content have the advantage of relatively low manufacturing costs accompanied with a high theoretical capacity and operation voltage. [13][14][15] Aqueous processing has been investigated for a variety of different layered oxides such as NCM111, 3,[5][6][7]9,10,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] NCM424, 28 NCM523, 25,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35] NCM622, 25,27 NCM811, 12,25,[36][37][38] Li-/Mn-rich NCM [39][40][41][42][43][44] and NCA. 6,7,33,[45][46][47]…”

Biobased Acrylic Latexes/Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose Aqueous Binders for Lithium-Ion NMC 811 Cathodes

“…To solve this issue, in the anodes, CMC is normally blended with styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), which thanks to its elastomeric properties provides high adhesion to the current collector and cohesion of the anode active layer for optimum electrode manufacturing and cycling lifetime under battery operating conditions. , Unfortunately, this is not the same scenario for high-voltage cathodes, since SBR latex oxidizes at high potentials limiting the battery cycling conditions . Therefore, other types of commercial latexes have been used in combination with CMC for the aqueous processing of cathodes such as a fluorine acrylic copolymer latex (TRD 202A) − and waterborne polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) latexes. − Although these latexes avoid the use of NMP and lessen the environmental effect, the presence of fluoride compounds also hinders the recycling and disposal of the battery once used . The extraction of fluorinated binders from the electrodes requires thermal treatment, which releases highly toxic fluorocarbons (such as hexafluoropropene, fluorophosgene, cycloperfluorobutane, perfluoroisobutene, etc.)…”

“… 6 , 7 Unfortunately, this is not the same scenario for high-voltage cathodes, since SBR latex oxidizes at high potentials limiting the battery cycling conditions. 8 Therefore, other types of commercial latexes have been used in combination with CMC for the aqueous processing of cathodes such as a fluorine acrylic copolymer latex (TRD 202A) 9 − 12 and waterborne polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) 13 or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) latexes. 14 − 16 Although these latexes avoid the use of NMP and lessen the environmental effect, the presence of fluoride compounds also hinders the recycling and disposal of the battery once used.…”