EP1943693A1

EP1943693A1 - Dispersed solution of carbon materials for making current collectors

Info

Publication number: EP1943693A1
Application number: EP06808216A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Cristelle Portet; Pierre-Louis Taberna; Patrice Simon; Cristel Laberty-Robert
Original assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS; Universite Toulouse III Paul Sabatier
Current assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS; Universite Toulouse III Paul Sabatier
Priority date: 2005-09-29
Filing date: 2006-09-29
Publication date: 2008-07-16
Also published as: WO2007036641A1; JP5237815B2; FR2891402A1; FR2891402B1; US20090155693A1; JP2009516891A

Abstract

The invention concerns active current collectors used in power storage systems such as secondary batteries, capacitors and superconductors. It concerns a solution dispersed in carbon-containing particles of nanometric size comprising, based on the total volume of solution: i) 1 % to 4 %, preferably 2 % to 4 % (w/v) of suspended carbon-containing particles, ii) 20 % to 40 % (v/v) of a polymer matrix, and iii) a wetting agent, solvent of the polymer matrix, said dispersed solution comprising neither binder nor dispersant. The invention also concerns a method for preparing such a dispersed solution, which consists essentially in preparing a polymer matrix of determined viscosity, then in introducing into said matrix a fraction of carbon-containing particles and a fraction of a wetting agent solvent of said matrix and in constantly stirring until a sol with stable viscosity is obtained, said operations being repeated until the carbon-containing particles and the solvent are depleted. The carbon-containing particles are for example acetylene black, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes or graphite. The resulting dispersed solution is a sol with viscosity ranging between 10 cPl and 40 cPI. It is designed for preparing current collectors whereof the surface is coated with a continuous and uniform layer of carbon-containing particles having remarkable and hitherto unknown conductive properties. The invention further concerns a method for preparing said current collectors.

Description

DISPERSED SOLUTION OF CARBON MATERIALS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CURRENT COLLECTORS

The present invention relates to the field of active layers of current collectors used in energy storage systems such as secondary batteries, capacitors and superconductors.

It relates to a composition for the manufacture of improved current collectors and a process for preparing such a composition. Another object of the invention is a method of manufacturing an improved collector comprising an intermediate layer having remarkable and unprecedented conduction properties.

Electrical energy storage systems, whether electrochemically or electrostatically, consist mainly of a current collector, which is the metallic conductor draining the electrons of an electrolyte, and an active film comprising the active ingredient that allows the storage of energy. Active films are not examples of redox systems in batteries, activated carbon in supercapacitors, or dielectric film in capacitors.

For efficient operation, it is necessary to minimize the resistance to the flow of current in the system from the electrolyte to the active film. This resistance depends on many factors but the two main contributions are the resistance of the electrolyte and the interface resistance between the current collector and the active film, this resistance depending largely on the nature of the interface layer and the quality of the contact.

Different methods have been proposed to improve the conductivity between collector and active film. For example, for aluminum collectors, attempts have been made to remove the layer of hydrated alumina naturally protecting the surface, corresponding to the passivation phenomenon, and contributing to increasing the resistance at the aluminum-active material interface.

US Pat. No. 6,191,935, for example, describes a technique for producing an aluminum current collector in which hard granular carbon powders are pressed in to break the surface insulating alumina layer and thereby reduce the resistance. . However, the stability of the contact between the active ingredient and the collector is not ensured after a certain period of time. In US 5,949,637 there is disclosed a technique in which sheet-shaped aluminum collector supports are drilled to reduce the contact resistance between the active material and the aluminum foil.

U.S. Patent No. 6,094,788 discloses a current collector surrounded by a carbon fabric. This assembly requires the use of an extruded aluminum foil to reduce the resistance between active ingredient and collector. However, nothing is planned with regard to the pre-existing alumina layer which may be relatively thick and have a high contact resistance.

JP 111 624470 discloses an aluminum foil current collector whose surface has been sprayed with alumina grains in order to increase the roughness and to impart better adhesion of the active material to the foil. aluminum. This method, if it makes it possible to reduce the contact resistance between the collector and the active material, has the disadvantage of not protecting the collector from subsequent passivation.

Other techniques rely on the coating of the collector with a protective layer. It has also been proposed in application EP 1 032 064, concerning a current collector of a pasted type positive electrode, to produce a polymeric coating comprising an oxalate and a compound of silicon, phosphate or chromium. This method protects the collector from corrosion caused by the paste during electrode fabrication, but has virtually no effect on operating characteristics.

US Pat. No. 4,562,511 describes a polarizable carbon electrode. It is proposed to cover the aluminum collector with a paint loaded with conductive particles. In FR 2 824 418, a paint layer including conductive particles such as graphite or charcoal, is applied between the collector and the active material, then is subjected to a heat treatment, which by removing the solvent improves the electrical characteristics of the interface. The paint, based on epoxy resin or polyurethane, is applied by spraying. Despite the improvement provided by these paints, they have the disadvantage of containing binders that increase the interface resistance.

More recently a new method has been tested in the laboratory to deposit a layer of carbonaceous material on the porous surface of an aluminum current collector. The porosity is obtained by etching, then a conductive layer to ensure the continuity of contact between the porous surface of the collector and the active film is deposited.

The physical properties of the material or materials making up this layer are very important not only for the operation of the current collector, but also for its manufacture. Indeed, the conductive material must be able to be applied in a thin layer, adhesive and covering, that is to say that the layer must be uniform, homogeneous and, essential, in contact with its support in all respects.

However, it has been found that the filled conductive material coatings used until then do not penetrate the pores and the exchange surface is in fact reduced. Indeed, the drops of plaster are unable to overcome the surface forces to penetrate the porosity. Note also that the size of the conductive particles must be of the order of a few tens of nanometers at most to be able to penetrate into deep pores having a diameter of a few microns, while the drops of coatings measure a few tens of microns. To solve this problem and to generate a continuous interface between the active material and the porous current collector, it has been imagined to deposit on the collector a suspension of finely divided conductive material in a polymeric matrix forming a sol.

Application FR 2 856 397 discloses the use of sols for the preparation of metal oxide layers on substrates, porous or non-porous. The method used consists of dispersing a metal oxide in a solvent added with a dispersing agent, and then adding to this mixture a polymeric solution. The suspension thus obtained is then deposited on the substrate by immersion-shrinkage (known under the name of "dip-coating"), dried and calcined to remove the organic matrix and leave only one oxide layer. However, this technique can not be transposed to the implementation of dispersions of fine particles of carbon. Indeed, carbon powders such as acetylene black or activated carbon, do not have the same behavior vis-à-vis solvents. They do not disperse correctly and form aggregates which, on the one hand, modify the viscosity of the soil, and on the other hand show irregularities in the layer after calcination. In addition, additives such as dispersing agents interfere with the good conduction of the interface. The sol-gel pathway, known to allow the deposition of oxides, had therefore not been explored for the suspension and deposition of carbonaceous material.

Unexpectedly, it has been found that nano-sized carbon powders can be homogeneously dispersed in a polymer matrix by the sol-gel route, provided that a number of conditions are met, some of which go against make known in this field. In particular, the order and duration of Preparation steps are of great importance to obtain a homogeneous dispersion of desired viscosity.

Once the dispersion of the carbonaceous material in the polymer matrix has been performed, the current collector can be covered with this sol by "dip-coating" (immersion-removal). Thanks to the surface tension properties of the soil, the composition penetrates the porosity and covers the entire surface of the support. This is then heat-treated to remove the polymeric matrix. We then obtain a support, for example a current collector, whose surface is covered with a continuous and uniform layer of conductive carbon particles.

The present invention thus has as its first object a process for preparing a dispersion of carbonaceous particles in a polymer matrix by the sol-gel route. A second object of the present invention is a solution obtainable by the process in question, consisting of a dispersion of carbonaceous particles in a soil. Another object of the present invention is a method of depositing a homogeneous conductive layer on a metal support intended for the manufacture of a low resistance current collector.

More specifically, the subject of the invention is a process for the preparation of a dispersed solution of carbon particles of nanometric size comprising neither binder nor dispersant, essentially consisting of: a) - preparing a polymer matrix of determined viscosity, b) - introducing in said matrix a fraction of the carbonaceous particles and a fraction of a wetting agent, solvent of said matrix, c) - maintain stirring until a sol of stable viscosity is obtained, d) - repeat steps b) and c ) until the carbonaceous particles and the solvent are exhausted.

The polymer matrix is prepared prior to suspending the particles themselves. The temperature must be allowed to stabilize to ensure that it has the desired viscosity before starting the soil preparation. Those skilled in the art have different techniques for preparing such a fixed viscosity matrix that does not vary over time. Details will be given later on this subject. The value of the desired viscosity for the matrix depends in particular on the desired viscosity of the final dispersed solution.

The introduction of the particles into the matrix must be carried out in reduced fractions, in parallel with the addition of solvent. Different matrix-solvent pairs can be used. It is nevertheless necessary for the chosen solvent to act simultaneously as a wetting agent for the carbonaceous particles so that they can be inserted and dispersed in the polymer matrix. During the entire process of preparation of the dispersed solution, the soil must be maintained under vigorous stirring in order to break the agglomerates of carbonaceous material that may form and ensure their dispersion.

The principle of this preparation is to gradually add small amounts of carbonaceous material and solvent. To obtain a dispersed solution of good quality, that is to say homogeneous and stable over time, in particular as regards the viscosity, it is advisable to choose the proportions and the operating conditions defined below.

According to one characteristic of the process according to the invention, at each step of step b), 0.5 g is added to 5 g of carbonaceous particles, preferably from 1 g to 3 g, per 100 ml of polymer matrix.

According to another characteristic of the process according to the invention, during the first embodiment of step b), said solvent is supplied at a rate of at least 100 ml per 100 ml of polymeric matrix.

Preferably, when step b) is repeated, said solvent is supplied at a rate of 20 ml to 50 ml per 100 ml of polymeric matrix.

Advantageously, when repeating step b), the ratio of carbonaceous particles to solvent is between 1 and 10% (w / v), preferably between 3% and 6% (w / v). This characteristic is important when it is desired to obtain a dispersed solution having a given viscosity level, suitable for the subsequent deposition of homogeneous films. Indeed, the viscosity increases with the amount of carbon material, while a solvent such as acetyl acetone for example, induces a greater fluidity. In addition, an excessive addition of carbonaceous particles associated with a too small amount of solvent causes the precipitation of the soil and its hardening. In practice, it has been possible to demonstrate that after three additions in accordance with step b), the carbonaceous particles already have a good dispersion and the soil is more diluted, which reduces the risk of hardening. The ratio of carbonaceous particles to solvent can then be higher, for example between 4% and 10% (w / v).

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, steps b) and c) are carried out at least 4 times, preferably at least 6 times. In some cases, when it is desired to obtain a dispersed solution having a high concentration of carbonaceous particles, it can be necessary to repeat steps b) and c) up to 7 times or more.

In any event, it is decisive for obtaining the desired result, in step c), of keeping the soil under agitation until the viscosity is stabilized. Indeed, it was found that the soil was thixotropic: its viscosity changes over time, a decrease being observed here. Stirring for two hours may sometimes be sufficient, but it is common to maintain stirring for at least 4 hours, this duration of up to 8 hours and even 12 hours for some preparations. When a dispersed solution of new composition whose exact behavior is not yet known will be prepared, care should be taken to measure the viscosity of the soil at regular intervals to control its evolution. A viscosity measurement for a given shear stress can be easily done using a common viscometer, such as for example a Couette viscometer. It will be considered that two viscosity values measured at one hour intervals with a deviation of less than 5% indicate a stabilization allowing continuation of the preparation process.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the method according to the invention, the soil is subjected to ultrasound before and after each realization of step b).

In the end, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a total of 1 g is added to 4 g of carbonaceous particles per 100 ml of final dispersed solution. More preferably, 2 g are added to 3 g of carbonaceous particles per 100 ml of final dispersed solution. According to another preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, a total of 60 ml is added to 80 ml of solvent per 100 ml of final dispersed solution. These concentrations will allow, during the deposition of the dispersed solution on a substrate, to obtain a blanket and uniform carbonaceous layer.

In the process according to the invention, said carbon particles of nanometric size are advantageously chosen from materials with a high conductive power, such as acetylene black, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, or even graphite.

The wetting agent, which must also be a solvent of said polymeric matrix, is advantageously chosen from acetyl acetone or ethanol.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the polymeric matrix can be obtained by one of the following methods:

or by condensation of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and acetyl acetone in acid medium, and we have a so-called "simple" matrix,

or by condensation of HMTA and acetyl acetone in acidic medium, then addition of ethylene glycol, and there is a matrix described as "mixed".

The preparation of a single polymeric matrix from HMTA and acetyl acetone is well known to those skilled in the art, who will be able to implement the proportions required to obtain the desired viscosity matrix. A particular example will illustrate this preparation.

The second method is quite innovative. It follows from the observation that mechanical degradation affects current collectors made from a relatively low viscosity single matrix during heat treatment. This new composition of the soil has the advantage of keeping the particles in suspension and of adhering them to the substrate on which they are intended to be deposited, while providing a slower drying rate, for a satisfactory viscosity. Although the mechanism of action of ethylene glycol has not been studied as such, it is assumed that it acts on the soil drying rate, which is much slower, and reduces the mechanical stresses due to the retraction of the soil. layer which avoids the deformation of thin substrates.

The mixed matrix according to the invention may be formed of variable proportions of polymer and ethylene glycol. Compositions whose polymer / ethylene glycol volume ratio is between 1: 3 and 2: 1 can be advantageously employed. Preferably the polymeric matrix comprises amounts of polymer and ethylene glycol in a ratio of 1: 2 by volume.

When it is desired to use the dispersed solution for depositing a conductive layer on a substrate, it is preferable that the final viscosity is in a particular range, which is facilitated if the polymer matrix also initially has a certain viscosity. Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the polymeric matrix obtained in step a) has a viscosity of between 10 cP1 and 25 cP1.

According to a also preferred embodiment of the invention, at the end of each step c) the sol has a viscosity of between 10 cIp and 40 cIl. This viscosity corresponds to the stresses defined by the intended use of the suspension according to the invention, which must be able to be implemented by the immersion-shrinkage technique to form a layer of a given thickness, of the order of 30 μm. at 50 microns, providing a quantity of carbonaceous material of relatively low density, namely of the order of 0.5 mg / cm ² to 1.5 mg / cm ² . A dispersed solution, obtainable by the process described above, is also an object of the present invention. More specifically, it is an object of the invention a dispersed solution of nanoscale carbon particles comprising, relative to the total volume of solution: i) 1% to 4%, preferably 2% to 4% (m / v) of carbonaceous particles in suspension, ii) 20% to 40% (v / v) of a polymeric matrix, and iii) a wetting agent, solvent of the polymeric matrix, said dispersed solution comprising neither binder nor dispersant.

According to a preferred embodiment, the carbonaceous particles are chosen from conductive materials such as acetylene black, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, or graphite.

According to another preferred embodiment, said polymeric matrix is a condensation product of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and acetyl acetone, pure (single matrix) or diluted with ethylene glycol (mixed matrix). The mixed matrix may contain varying proportions of polymer and ethylene glycol. Advantageously, the polymer / ethylene glycol volume ratio is between 1: 3 and 2: 1. Preferably the amounts of polymer and ethylene glycol are in a ratio of 1: 2 by volume.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, said wetting agent, solvent of the polymeric matrix, is chosen from acetyl acetone or ethanol.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention a dispersed solution of carbonaceous particles as described above, prepared using the process according to the invention.

Preferably, the dispersed solution of carbonaceous particles according to the invention has a viscosity of between 10 cP and 40 cPi, which allows its implementation for the dip-coating deposition of a uniform carbonaceous layer on a substrate.

Scattered solutions of carbonaceous particles can have various uses. For example, it is advantageous to employ a dispersion according to the invention for the preparation of conductive layers on a substrate, in particular intended for the manufacture of a current collector such as those found in energy storage systems. electric. This use is particularly interesting insofar as it makes use of both the dispersion properties and the adhesion properties of the soil. An object of the present invention is therefore a process for preparing a conductive carbon layer on a substrate consisting essentially of:

preparing a dispersed solution of carbon particles of nanometric size according to the invention,

depositing a layer of said dispersed solution on said substrate,

drying said layer in the open air,

- removing said at least one polymer by heat treatment, and

- Remove the carbon particles not adhered to the substrate by brushing.

The material to be deposited on the collector is therefore first suspended in a polymer matrix according to the invention. It is preferably chosen from carbonaceous materials having a high electronic conductivity, such as graphite, carbon black, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes.

The deposition of the dispersed solution can be carried out in various ways known to those skilled in the art: immersion-shrinkage (also called "dip-coating"), spin coating (spin-coating), or slip.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the process for preparing a conductive carbon layer according to the invention, said dispersed solution of carbonaceous particles has a viscosity of between 10 cP and 40 cP1 and is deposited on said substrate by immersion-withdrawal at a rate of less than 25 cm / min. This technique makes it possible to deposit a layer of controlled constant thickness containing the carbonaceous material, by acting on the rate of shrinkage for a given viscosity.

The drying step is important for the quality and performance of the final product. It can be done in the open only, and possibly supplemented by a passage in an oven. When a carbonaceous dispersion prepared from a simple matrix is used, the drying time can be of the order of 15 minutes to one hour, but can range from 10 to 12 hours when a prepared carbonaceous dispersion is obtained. from a mixed matrix. Steaming at 80 ° C for 30 minutes can be done to finish.

When it is desired to deposit on substrates of small thickness, that is to say from 40 μm to 70 μm, a mixed matrix of viscosity of 10 cP1 to 15 cP1 with ethanol is preferably used as the solvent for the preparation of the ground. It is thus possible to obtain a carbonaceous suspension having a viscosity of about 10 cP1 to 20 cP1, the drying time before calcination will be several hours. Such a process is particularly adapted to avoid the mechanical degradation of thin substrates during manufacture.

Once the deposition has been carried out, the layer is calcined at a temperature of approximately 450 ° C. for 4 hours. This heat treatment is sufficient to remove the organic matrix and reveal the conductive carbon film, covering and adhering to the rough surface of the collector. It is noted that when the sol-gel route is used for the synthesis by metal oxides of controlled stoichiometry, it is necessary to apply a treatment at high temperatures, of the order of 700 ° C. to 1000 ° C., or even more which, of course, is totally unsuited to depositing a carbonaceous layer on an aluminum support, whose melting temperature is 65 ^° C. This is also a reason why the sol-gel route never been used until now for the purposes of the invention.

Total calcination of the matrix is necessary for the proper functioning of the collector. Brushing also makes it possible to remove the carbonaceous particles which have not adhered to the substrate at the end of the treatment. This step is also essential to obtain the desired performances.

The technique according to the invention does not use any binder. The film obtained consists solely of the conductive carbonaceous material, which makes it possible to overcome the resistance related to the contribution of the binder. The technique according to the invention also does not use an adhesive polymer as is the case of coatings based on paint. Here, the polymeric matrix imparts the desired adhesion properties to the solution at the time of deposition, and is then removed. No additional polymer is needed to fix the conductive particles. Here again, the resistance linked to an adhesive agent is overcome.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the process for preparing a conductive carbon layer according to the invention, the substrate in question is a porous support of conductive metal having previously undergone surface etching. This is for example a chemical etching to create a rough surface, which promotes the attachment of the layer and increases the exchange surface.

It is also claimed the application of the process for preparing a conductive carbon layer according to the invention for the manufacture of a current collector in a system for storing electrical energy.

Finally, another object of the present invention is an electrical energy storage system comprising a metal current collector and an active film characterized in that said current collector is covered with a conductive layer obtained using a solution of carbonaceous particles according to the detailed description above.

These systems for storing electrical energy can be in particular:

- secondary batteries (rechargeable), Li-Ion or Li-polymer batteries, mainly positive electrodes,

superconductors based on activated charcoal or metal oxides (positive and negative electrodes),

- electrochemical capacitors essentially positive electrodes.

The current collectors obtained using the techniques described here have improved properties compared to conventional collectors. They have a reduced contact resistance between the active film and the current collector: the resistance of test cells assembled in the laboratory with aluminum current collectors decreases by 20% to 50% compared with the resistance of cells using collectors. conventional aluminum current. The results obtained with stainless steel strips Fe-Cr and Fe-Cr-Ni are of the same order. The overall resistance of the supercapacitors produced by the process according to the invention is reduced, which makes it possible to obtain a significant increase in the specific specific power.

Other advantages and interesting properties will become more apparent in the light of the following examples given for illustrative purposes.

All viscosity measurements are carried out at 0 ° C. under a constant shear rate (rotation speed 325 cm / min) using a Couette Viscometer (Lamy-Tve-05, position 3).

EXAMPLE 1

Preparation of a single polymeric matrix

26.25 g of HMTA and 20 ml of acetyl acetone are mixed with 100 ml of acetic acid. The mixture is left under magnetic stirring until the HMTA is dissolved, and is then heated at 100 ° C. for 1 hour while maintaining stirring. The polymer matrix formed is cooled to room temperature. Once cooled, it has a viscosity stable over time, measured at 17 cP1. The proportions of ingredients can easily be varied to obtain a viscosity matrix of between 10 cPi and 25 cPi. Such matrices are well suited to the preparation of dispersed solutions for depositing carbonaceous material on substrates with a thickness greater than 100 μm.

EXAMPLE 2

Preparation of a mixed polymeric matrix

The simple matrix based on HMTA prepared as described in Example 1 is mixed with ethylene glycol until a homogeneous gel is obtained. In this example, we used 2 volumes of ethylene glycol per 1 volume of HMTA matrix. The viscosity of this matrix is 12 cP1.

The proportions of ingredients can easily be varied to obtain a mixed viscosity matrix of between 10 cP1 and 15 cP1. Such matrices are well suited to the preparation of dispersed solutions for depositing carbonaceous material on thin substrates (less than 100 μm thick).

EXAMPLE 3

Preparation of a dispersion of acetylene black in a simple matrix

It is desired to prepare 120 ml of a dispersion containing 3 g of acetylene black. The carbon material chosen is acetylene black, the mean particle size of which is of the order of 50 nm (Alfa Aesar, Carbon Black, ref. 2311533), which will be dispersed in a single polymeric matrix based on HMTA. The solvent is acetyl acetone.

A quantity of 30 ml of polymer matrix prepared as indicated in Example 1 is stirred in a suitable container. The initiation of the soil is carried out by introducing 0.25 g of acetylene black wet with 40 ml of aceryl acetone. A sol is formed which is left stirring for 12 hours to promote the dispersion of the acetylene black and prevent the soil from hardening.

Then successive additions of 0.5 g of acetylene black and 10 ml of acetyl acetone are carried out, at an interval of 12 hours, which corresponds to the time required to stabilize the viscosity (the soil is thixotropic, its viscosity decreasing over time). The soil is maintained continuously with magnetic stirring at 500 rpm. It is subjected to ultrasonic agitation (frequency 30,000 Hz, power 200 W) for a few minutes before and after each addition of ingredients. This operation is repeated n times, the number of repetitions being calculated as follows: To obtain 120 ml of solution dispersed from 30 ml of polymeric matrix, 90 ml of acetyl acetone, of which 40 ml for the phase, should be added. initiation and 50 ml by repeating step b) 5 times. On the other hand, the 3 g of acetylene black will be introduced at the rate of 0.25 g for the initiation phase and 2.75 g by repeating step b) 5 times, ie 2.5 g, and then preceding to a final adjustment by adding 0.25 g of acetylene black alone.

The preparation of the dispersion is thus carried out in several days. Its final viscosity is 10.6 cPl.

This example can be broken down by modifying the quantities of ingredients and the number of successive additions, within a certain limit and taking into account the particular effect of each of the ingredients on the characteristics of the soil. Indeed, the carbonaceous material decreases the viscosity of the soil, whereas acetyl acetone makes it possible to increase it. It has also been found that by adding too much carbonaceous material associated with a volume of acetyl acetone too low, the soil precipitates and hardens. It is also necessary to adapt the volume of polymer matrix, the amount of carbonaceous material and the volume of solvent as a function of the mass of carbonaceous material which it is then desired to deposit on the substrate.

It is therefore necessary to obtain a good compromise which can, for the example detailed above, be modulated as follows:

30 ml of polymeric matrix prepared according to Example 1;

• initiation of the soil with 0.25 g of acetylene black wetted with 40 ml of acetyl acetone;

• addition in 4 to 8 repetitions of 0.3 g to 0.5 g of acetylene black and 10 ml to 20 ml of acetyl acetone;

• Final adjustment by adding acetylene black alone. so as to obtain 110 ml to 130 ml of dispersed solution containing 2.5 g to 3.5 g of acetylene black and 80 ml to 100 ml of solvent, with a viscosity of between 30 cp and 40 cp.

EXAMPLE 4

Preparation of a conductive carbon layer on a substrate

The dispersed solution prepared according to Example 3 is used to make a deposit on a substrate consisting of an aluminum foil of purity of 99.9% (Alcan), rolled and then subjected to an electrochemical treatment creating a porosity formed of deep channels of a few microns in diameter. The thickness of the strip after treatment varies from 150 μm to 250 μm. The deposition is carried out by the well known technique of withdrawal-immersion, with a withdrawal rate of between 30 cm / min and 50 cm / min. The strip is dried in the open air for about thirty minutes and then placed in an oven at 80 ° C for 30 minutes.

Then the substrate undergoes a heat treatment by a gradual rise in temperature at a rate of at most 100 ° C / h, with a plateau of 15 minutes at 400 ° C, up to 450 ^° C. The temperature is then maintained at this level for 4 hours in the air. The decomposition of the polymer matrix begins at 250-300 ° C. At the end of this treatment, the polymer matrix is completely eliminated, which is essential to obtain good conduction performance of the carbonaceous layer, since the polymeric matrix being insulating would hinder the passage of the current between the aluminum and the active material of the collector . After cooling, the substrate is brushed in order to remove the surplus of carbonaceous materials which have not adhered to the substrate and which can create defective gripping zones between the current collector and the active material.

The layer deposited on the substrate is uniform, with a thickness of between 10 microns and 30 microns. It is homogeneous adhesive and covering, and essential condition, in contact with its support in all respects. It is suitable for use as a conductive carbon interface in a current collector.

EXAMPLE 5

Preparation of a dispersion of acetylene black in a mixed matrix

280 ml of dispersed solution containing 10 g of acetylene black are prepared. The carbon material chosen is acetylene black, the mean particle size of which is of the order of 50 nm (Alfa Aesar, Carbon Black, ref. 2311533), which will be dispersed in a mixed polymeric matrix based on HMTA and ethylene glycol. The solvent chosen here is ethanol.

A quantity of 120 ml of polymer matrix prepared as indicated in Example 2 is stirred in a suitable container. Initiation of the soil is carried out by introducing 3 g of acetylene black wetted with 40 ml of ethanol. A sol is formed which is left stirring for 4 hours to promote the dispersion of the acetylene black and prevent the soil from hardening. Successive additions of 2 g of acetylene black and 40 ml of ethanol are then carried out at intervals of 4 hours, that is to say when the viscosity is stabilized. The soil is kept under magnetic stirring at 1000 rpm. It is subjected to ultrasonic agitation (frequency 30,000 Hz, power 200 W) for 15 to 30 minutes before and after each addition of ingredients. This operation is repeated n = 3 times, distributed as follows: The 160 ml ethanol necessary are introduced at the rate of 40 ml in the initiation phase, then 3 replicates of 40 ml. The 10 g of acethylene black are introduced at a rate of 3 g in the initiation phase, then 3 repetitions of 2 g, plus a final adjustment of 1 g alone.

The final composition obtained has a viscosity of 13.6 cP1. It seems that ethylene glycol promotes the rapid stabilization of the viscosity, which significantly shortens the total duration of the preparation.

This example can be broken down by modifying the quantities of ingredients and the number of successive additions, within a certain limit and taking into account the particular effect of each of the ingredients on the characteristics of the soil. The example detailed above can be modulated as follows:

120 ml of polymeric matrix prepared as indicated in Example 2,

• initiation of the soil with 3 g of black acethylene and 40 ml of ethanol,

• addition in 2 to 4 repetitions of 2 g to 4 g of acetylene black and 40 ml to 60 ml of ethanol,

Final adjustment by addition of acetylene black alone, to obtain 200 ml to 360 ml of dispersed suspension containing 6 g to 15 g of acetylene black (preferably from 8 g to 12 g), for a total volume of ethanol from 80 ml to 240 ml, and a viscosity of between 10 cP1 and 20 cP1.

EXAMPLE 6

Preparation of a conductive carbon layer on a thin substrate

The dispersed solution prepared according to Example 5 is used to deposit on a substrate consisting of an aluminum strip obtained as in Example 4, having a thickness of 50 μm to 80 μm. The deposit is made by the technique of withdrawal-immersion, with a withdrawal speed of between 25 cm / min and 35 cm / min. The strip is dried in the open air for 10 to 12 hours, then placed in an oven at 80 ^° C. for 3 to 4 hours). The Substrate then undergoes a heat treatment at 45O ⁰ C for 4 hours according to the same protocol as that used in Example 4. After cooling, the substrate is brushed.

The thin carbon layer deposited on the substrate is uniform, with a thickness of between 10 and 30 μm. It is homogeneous adhesive and covering, in contact with its support in all points. It is suitable for use as a conductive carbon interface in a current collector.

Claims

A process for the preparation of a dispersed solution of carbon particles of nanometric size comprising neither binder nor dispersant, characterized in that it consists essentially of: a) - preparing a polymeric matrix of determined viscosity, b) - introducing into said matrix a fraction of the carbonaceous particles and a fraction of a solvent wetting agent of said matrix, c) - maintain stirring until a sol of stable viscosity, d) - repeat steps b) and c) until exhausting the carbonaceous particles and the solvent.

2-Process according to claim 1 characterized in that each step of carrying out step b), is provided from 0.5 g to 5 g of carbonaceous particles, preferably from 1 g to 3 g, per 100 ml of matrix polymer.

3- Method according to one of claims 1 or 2 characterized in that at the first embodiment of step b), said solvent is provided at a rate of at least 100 ml per 100 ml of polymeric matrix.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that, when repeating step b), said solvent is supplied at a rate of 20 ml to 50 ml per 100 ml of polymeric matrix.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that, when repeating step b), the ratio of carbonaceous particles / solvent is between 1 and 10% (w / v), preferably between 3% and 6% (m / v).

6. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that steps b) and c) are carried out at least 4 times, preferably at least 6 times.

7- Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the soil is subjected to ultrasound before and after each embodiment of step b).

8- Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that for 100 ml of final dispersed solution is introduced in total from 1 g to 4 g of carbonaceous particles, preferably 2 g to 3 g. 9- Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that for 100 ml of final dispersed solution is introduced in total from 60 ml to 80 ml of solvent.

10- Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said nanoscale carbon particles are selected from acetylene black, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphite.

11- Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said wetting agent, solvent of said polymeric matrix is selected from acetyl acetone, ethanol.

12- Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said polymeric matrix is obtained

either by condensation of hexamethylenetetramine and acetyl acetone in an acidic medium,

or by condensation of hexamethylenetetramine and acetylacetone in acidic medium, and then addition of ethylene glycol.

13- Method according to the preceding claim characterized in that said polymeric matrix comprises amounts of polymer and ethylene glycol in a ratio of between 1: 3 and 2: 1, preferably in a ratio of 1: 2, by volume.

14- Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymeric matrix obtained in step a) has a viscosity of between 10 cPi and 25 cPi.

15- Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, after each step c) the sol has a viscosity of between 10 cPl and 40 cPl.

16. A dispersed solution of carbonaceous particles of nanometric size, characterized in that it comprises, relative to the total volume of solution: i) 1% to 4%, preferably 2% to 4% (w / v) of suspended carbonaceous particles ii) 20% to 40% (v / v) of a polymeric matrix, and iii) a wetting agent, solvent of the polymeric matrix, said dispersed solution comprising neither binder nor dispersant.

17- Solution of carbonaceous particles according to claim 16 characterized in that the carbonaceous particles are selected from acetylene black, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphite. 18. Carbonaceous particles solution according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that said polymeric matrix is a condensation product of hexamethylene tetramine and acetyl acetone, pure or diluted with ethylene glycol.

19. Carbonaceous particles solution according to claim 8, characterized in that said polymeric matrix comprises amounts of polymer and ethylene glycol in a ratio of between 1: 3 and 2: 1, preferably in a ratio of 1: 2, in volume.

20- solution of carbonaceous particles according to one of claims 16 to 19 characterized in that said wetting agent, solvent of the polymeric matrix is selected from acetyl acetone, ethanol.

21- carbon particles solution according to one of claims 16 to 20, prepared using the method according to one of claims 1 to 15.

22. Carbonaceous particles solution according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that it has a viscosity of between 10 cP and 40 cPa.

23- A process for preparing a conductive carbonaceous layer on a substrate characterized in that it consists essentially of:

- preparing a dispersed solution of carbon nanoscale particles according to one of claims 16 h 22,

depositing a layer of said dispersed solution on said substrate,

drying said layer in the open air,

- removing said at least one polymer by heat treatment, and

- Remove the carbon particles not adhered to the substrate by brushing.

24- A process for preparing a conductive carbon layer on a substrate according to claim 23 characterized in that said layer of dispersed solution has a viscosity of between 10 cP and 40 cP and is deposited on said substrate by immersion-withdrawal at a rate of at least 25 cm / min.

25- A process for preparing a conductive carbon layer on a substrate according to one of claims 23 or 24 characterized in that said substrate is a porous support of conductive metal having previously undergone surface chemical etching. 26- Application of the method according to one of claims 23 h. 25 h the manufacture of a current collector in a system for storing electrical energy.

27- An electrical energy storage system comprising a metal current collector and an active film characterized in that said current collector is covered with a conductive layer obtained using a solution of carbonaceous particles according to the invention. one of the claims 16 h 22.