US 2014/0173889 A1 · ELECTROPOLYMERIZATION OF A COATING ONTO AN ELECTRODE MATERIAL

Abstract

Methods for reductively polymerizing vinylic based monomers from a solution thereof onto the surface of an electrode material, resulting in thin, electrically insulating solid-polymer electrolyte coatings strongly bound to the surface of the electrode material, are described. The strong bond permits a second electrode to be coated directly onto the solid-polymer electrolyte, thereby incorporating the required components for a Li-ion battery cell. At least one initiator species, which is readily reduced by accepting an electron from the electrode material, is included in electropolymerization deposition solution for permitting the polymerization of vinylic species that would otherwise not electrochemically polymerize without damage to either the electrode material or to the solvents employed.

Claims62

Dependent claims

A method for electrochemically depositing an ionically conducting, electrically insulating coating onto the surface of an electrode material, comprising:

submersing the electrode material into a solution comprising at least one initiator species dissolved in a solvent, wherein the at least one initiator species is capable of being reduced forming a radical species when an electron is injected from the electrode material into the initiator species, and wherein the at least one reduced initiator species is chemisorbed onto the electrode material surface;
and at least one monomeric species having at least one vinyl group, or vinyl group derivative, thereon;
submersing a second electrode into the solution;
and
applying an electric potential between the electrode material and the second electrode effective for reducing the at least one initiator species;
whereby polymerization of the at least one monomeric species is induced by the reduction of the initiator species forming a coating which is bonded to the surface of the electrode material.

3 more elements

A method for producing a lithium-ion battery comprising:

submersing an electrode comprising electrodeposited Cu2Sb active material into a solution comprising at least one initiator species dissolved in a solvent comprising water, wherein the at least one initiator species is capable of being reduced forming a radical species when an electron is injected from the Cu2Sb active material into the initiator species, and wherein the at least one reduced initiator species is chemisorbed onto a surface of the Cu2Sb active material;
and at least one monomeric species having at least one vinyl group, or vinyl group derivative thereon;
submersing a second electrode into the solution;
applying an electric potential between the electrode material and the second electrode effective for reducing the at least one initiator species;
whereby polymerization of the at least one monomeric species is induced by the reduction of the initiator species forming a Li+-conducting and electrically insulating coating which is bonded to the surface of the active material;
preparing an solution-based slurry comprising at least one cathode material;
contacting the coating with the slurry;
drying the coating material onto which the at least one cathode material has been deposited;
and
placing a current collector in electrical communication with the at least one cathode material.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electropolymerization of a coating onto an electrode material

Life of this patent

Electropolymerization of a coating onto an electrode material

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims62