KR20200135060A - Positive electrode for lithium secondary battery, preparing method thereof, and lithium secondary battery comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a positive electrode for a secondary battery, comprising: a positive electrode current collector; a first layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector and including a first positive electrode active material; and a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a second positive electrode active material, wherein the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are each independently represented by chemical formula 1, Li_xNi_yM_1-yO_2, and the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are different from each other, to a production method thereof, and to a lithium secondary battery comprising the same, capable of improving service life characteristics. In the chemical formula 1, the definitions for x, y, and M refer to the detailed description of the present invention.

Description

A positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery, a method for manufacturing the same, and a lithium secondary battery including the same {Positive electrode for lithium secondary battery, preparing method thereof, and lithium secondary battery comprising the same}

It relates to a positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery, a method of manufacturing the same, and a lithium secondary battery including the same.

Lithium secondary batteries are used as power sources for portable electronic devices such as video cameras, mobile phones, and notebook computers. Rechargeable lithium secondary batteries have an energy density of more than three times per unit weight compared to conventional lead acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, and nickel zinc batteries and can be charged at a high speed.

Lithium secondary batteries are electrically charged by oxidation and reduction reactions when lithium ions are inserted/desorbed from the positive and negative electrodes in a state in which an organic electrolyte or polymer electrolyte is charged between a positive electrode and a negative electrode containing an active material capable of intercalating and desorbing lithium ions. Produce energy.

In particular, research on a thick film electrode plate is actively being conducted to realize a high-capacity secondary battery. The thick-film electrode plate has advantages such as a high-capacity battery can be realized by reducing the thickness of the substrate/separator, and the unit cost of the battery is reduced, but the battery performance decreases due to an increase in the moving distance of electrons or lithium due to the thickening of the electrode plate. There is a problem.

In particular, the deterioration of the performance of the thick electrode plate is remarkable in the non-uniform charge and discharge characteristics in the thickness direction of the electrode plate. Specifically, an increase in the thickness of the electrode plate due to thickening causes an increase in polarization during charge and discharge. This polarization phenomenon is due to a potential difference in the thickness direction of the electrode plate, and this polarization phenomenon has a high potential in one part, The other part has a low potential, causing a difference in charge/discharge depth of the active material during charge and discharge. As a result, as the polarization becomes deeper, the deterioration of the portion that maintains a high potential is intensified, resulting in deterioration of overall battery performance.

As a solution to this problem, a method of increasing the conductive material and increasing the porosity of the electrode plate has been proposed, but in this case, there is a problem that there is a limitation in increasing the capacity.

Therefore, there is a need for a method of minimizing deterioration of electrode performance while using a thick electrode plate.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a positive electrode for a secondary battery having a novel configuration including a plurality of different positive electrode active material layers arranged in a certain order on a current collector.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing the positive electrode for a secondary battery.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a lithium secondary battery employing the positive electrode for a secondary battery.

In one aspect of the present invention, a positive electrode current collector;

A first layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector and including a first positive electrode active material; And

Includes; a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a second positive electrode active material,

The first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are independently represented by Formula 1 below, and the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are different from each other, and a positive electrode for a secondary battery is provided:

<Formula 1>

Li _x Ni _y M _1-y O ₂

In the above formula,

0.9≤x≤1.2, 0.1≤y≤0.98,

M is a metal or transition metal element having at least one oxidation number of +2 or +3.

In another aspect, forming a first layer by applying a first composition including a first positive electrode active material on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector; And

Forming a second layer by applying a second composition containing a second positive electrode active material on the first layer; Including,

The first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are independently represented by Formula 1 below, and the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are different from each other, and a method of manufacturing a positive electrode for a secondary battery is provided:

<Formula 1>

Li _x Ni _y M _1-y O ₂

In the above formula,

0.9≤x≤1.2, 0.1≤y≤0.98,

M is a metal or transition metal element having at least one oxidation number of +2 or +3.

In another aspect, the secondary battery positive electrode;

A negative electrode disposed opposite the positive electrode; And

There is provided a lithium secondary battery comprising; an electrolyte disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

The lithium secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment may improve lifespan characteristics by employing a positive electrode including a layer structure having a novel structure.

1 is a schematic diagram of a lithium secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.
2 is a schematic diagram of a positive electrode for a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.
3 is a schematic diagram of a positive electrode for a secondary battery according to another exemplary embodiment.
4 is a schematic diagram showing a method of manufacturing a positive electrode for a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.
5 is a schematic diagram of a positive electrode prepared in Example 1.
6 is a schematic diagram of a positive electrode prepared in Comparative Example 1.
7 is a graph showing an initial charging profile result of a lithium secondary battery to which the positive electrode prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 is applied.
8 is a graph showing the cycle life of lithium secondary batteries to which the positive electrodes prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 are applied.
<Explanation of symbols for major parts of drawings>
1: lithium secondary battery 2: negative electrode
3: anode 4: separator
5: battery case 6: cap assembly
10, 20: positive electrode for secondary battery 11, 21: positive electrode current collector
12, 22: first floor 13, 23: second floor
24: third floor

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.

Hereinafter, a positive electrode for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2. 2 is a schematic diagram of a positive electrode for a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, a positive electrode 10 for a secondary battery according to an aspect includes a positive electrode current collector 11; A first layer 12 disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector 11 and including a first positive electrode active material; And a second layer 13 disposed on the first layer 12 and including a second positive electrode active material.

The first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are independently represented by Formula 1 below, and the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are different from each other:

<Formula 1>

Li _x Ni _y M _1-y O ₂

In the above formula,

0.9≤x≤1.2, 0.1≤y≤0.98,

M is a metal or transition metal element having at least one oxidation number of +2 or +3.

As shown above, the positive electrode 10 for a secondary battery according to the present invention constitutes a positive electrode containing a Ni-based material, while introducing a multilayer structure each containing a plurality of positive electrode active materials having different transition metal compositions to form a thick film. It is possible to suppress deterioration of battery performance while realizing a high capacity due to the high capacity and improve the life characteristics.

However, the M is an element other than Ni.

In one embodiment, the M is independently of each other, Al, Mg, Mn, Co, Fe, Cr, V, Ti, Cu, B, Ca, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Sr, Sb, W and Bi It may be one or more elements selected from the group consisting of.

In one embodiment, the first positive electrode active material may be represented by Formula 1A, and the second positive electrode active material may be represented by Formula 1B:

<Formula 1A>

Li _x1 Ni _y1 M1 _1-y1 O ₂

In the above formula,

<Formula 1B>

Li _x2 Ni _y2 M _1-y2 O ₂

For the definitions of M1, x1, y1, M2, x2, and y2 in the above formula, refer to the definitions for M, x, and y in the present specification,

However, y1>y2.

That is, the anode 10 for a secondary battery according to the present invention is a plurality of anodes of different compositions, for example, different transition metal ratios, in order to eliminate the deepening of polarization and deterioration of life, which are the problems of the thickening electrode as described above. While having a multilayer structure each including an active material, in addition to this, lithium transition metal oxide having a high Ni content is disposed as a positive electrode active material in the first layer 12 close to the positive electrode current collector 11 to benefit high capacity, and a separator (not shown) A lithium transition metal oxide having a low Ni content is disposed as a positive electrode active material in the second layer 13 close to Si), thereby suppressing deterioration due to polarization in the thickened positive electrode and improving lifespan.

On the other hand, even if a Ni-based positive electrode active material of a different composition is included in a multilayer structure, as defined above, when a positive electrode active material having a higher Ni content is disposed in the second layer 13 as y1<y2, it is caused by polarization. Deterioration can not be suppressed by the structure of the electrode plate of the positive electrode, and thus the life may be rather deteriorated.

In one embodiment, the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are independently represented by the following Formula 1-1 or 1-2, and the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material may be different from each other. Can be:

<Formula 1-1>

_{Li x 'Ni y' Co 1} -y'-z 'Al z' O 2

<Formula 1-2>

_{Li x 'Ni y' Co 1} -y'-z 'Mn z' O 2

In Formulas 1-1 and 1-2, 0.9≤x'≤1.2, 0.1≤y'≤0.98, 0<z'<0.5, and 0<1-y'-z'<0.5.

For example, in Formulas 1-1 and 1-2, y′ represents the content of Ni in the lithium transition metal oxide, and may be 0.5≦y′≦0.98. For example, in Formulas 1-1 and 1-2, 0.6≤y≤0.98. For example, in Formulas 1-1 and 1-2, 0.7≤y≤0.98 may be used. For example, in Formulas 1-1 and 1-2, 0.8≤y≤0.98.

In one embodiment, the content of Ni in the first positive electrode active material may be 0.6 mol or more based on the total number of moles of the transition metal.

In one embodiment, the content of Ni in the second positive electrode active material may be 0.6 moles or less based on the total moles of the transition metal.

In the case of using lithium transition metal oxide having a high Ni content as a positive electrode active material, which has a molar fraction of Ni of 0.6 or more among the transition metals as described above, despite the advantage of realizing a high-capacity battery, life characteristics, high temperature stability, and high temperature storage There is a disadvantage in that the characteristics are severely deteriorated, and commercialization is difficult due to these disadvantages. Therefore, the lithium secondary battery is a configuration for solving this problem, and polarization is achieved by forming a lithium transition metal oxide having a low Ni content of 0.6 or less on the lithium transition metal oxide layer having a high Ni content. It is possible to suppress deterioration due to and improve the life characteristics.

For example, the first positive electrode active material may be LiNi _0.6 Co _0.2 Mn _0.2 O ₂ or _{LiNi 08 Co 0.1 Mn 012 O 2} .

For example, the second positive electrode active material may be LiNi _0.6 Co _0.2 Mn _0.2 O ₂ or LiNi ₀₃₃ Co _0.33 Mn _0.33 O ₂ .

In one embodiment, the weight ratio of the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material may be 3:7 to 7:3. For example, the weight ratio of the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material may be 3:7 to 5:5. Outside the above range, when the weight ratio of the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material is less than 3:7, there is a problem that the content of the high-content Ni-based material is excessively reduced, making it difficult to realize a high battery capacity. On the other hand, when the weight ratio of the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material exceeds 7:3, it is difficult to control the deterioration phenomenon of the positive electrode.

In one embodiment, a current density ratio of the first layer 12 to the second layer 13 may be 2:8 to 8:2. For example, the current density ratio of the first layer 12 to the second layer 13 may be 3:7 to 7:3.

In one embodiment, the thickness ratio of the first layer 12 to the second layer 13 may be 2:8 to 8:2. In one embodiment, the thickness of the first layer 12 may be 10 μm to 70 μm. In another embodiment, the thickness of the second layer 13 may be 10 μm to 70 μm. Outside the above range, the thickness ratio of the first layer 12 to the second layer 13 is less than 2:8, the thickness of the first layer 12 is less than 10 μm, or the second layer 13 When the thickness of the second layer 13 is too thick compared to the first layer 12 because the thickness of the second layer 13 exceeds 70 μm, there is a problem that the capacity of the lithium secondary battery is too low relative to the volume. On the other hand, the thickness ratio of the first layer 12 to the second layer 13 exceeds 8:2, the thickness of the first layer 12 exceeds 70 μm, or the second layer 13 If the thickness of is less than 10 μm and the first layer 12 is too thick compared to the second layer 13, there is an effect of increasing the capacity of the lithium secondary battery, but it does not sufficiently prevent side reactions occurring on the anode surface. As a result, deterioration of the life characteristics may be caused, and in particular, high temperature characteristics such as high temperature life characteristics and high temperature stability may be deteriorated.

For example, the current density of the positive electrode 10 may be 3 to 6 mAh/cm ² .

In one embodiment, the thickness of the positive electrode active material layer including the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 may be 40 μm or more.

For example, the thickness of the positive electrode active material layer may be 40 μm to 110 μm.

That is, the positive electrode 10 according to the present invention has a thickness in the above-described range, and implements a thick film structure, thereby implementing a high-capacity battery.

3 is a schematic diagram of a positive electrode for a secondary battery according to another exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the positive electrode 20 for a secondary battery includes a positive electrode current collector 21; A first layer 22 disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector 21 and including the first positive electrode active material; And a second layer 23 disposed on the first layer 22 and including the second positive electrode active material, and in addition to the second layer 23 disposed on the second layer 23, a third positive electrode active material Further comprising a third layer 24 including, the third positive electrode active material is represented by the following formula (1), the third positive electrode active material has a composition different from the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material:

<Formula 1>

Li _x Ni _y M _1-y O ₂

In the above formula,

0.9≤x≤1.2, 0.1≤y≤0.98,

M is a metal or transition metal element having at least one oxidation number of +2 or +3.

That is, the positive electrode for a secondary battery according to the present invention 20 includes a separate positive electrode active material layer including a lithium transition metal oxide of another composition in addition to the first layer 22 and the second layer 23 described above as a third layer ( 24), and although not separately described, additional layers including lithium transition metal oxide having a different composition may be further included, and the number of additional layers is not particularly limited.

For example, the first positive electrode active material may be represented by the following formula 1A, the second positive electrode active material may be represented by the following formula 1B, and the third positive electrode active material may be represented by the following formula 1C:

<Formula 1A>

Li _x1 Ni _y1 M1 _1-y1 O ₂

In the above formula,

<Formula 1B>

Li _x2 Ni _y2 M2 _1-y2 O ₂

<Formula 1C>

Li _x3 Ni _y3 M3 _1-y3 O ₂

For the definition of M1, x1, y1, M2, x2, y2, M3, x3, y3 in the above formula, refer to the definitions for M, x, and y in the present specification,

However, y1>y2>y3.

That is, when more than two positive electrode active material layers are included, the positive electrode active material layers may be disposed in a direction in which the Ni content decreases from the layer 22 closer to the positive electrode current collector 21 to the layer 24 farther away. Through this, it is possible to exhibit high capacity characteristics and suppression of battery performance degradation to be implemented in the present invention.

For example, the current density of the third layer may be less than or equal to the current density of the second layer, and the current density of the second layer may be less than or equal to the current density of the first layer.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a positive electrode for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a method of manufacturing a positive electrode for a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, in a method of manufacturing a positive electrode 10 for a secondary battery according to another aspect of the present invention, a first composition including a first positive electrode active material is applied on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector 11, Forming a first layer 12; And forming a second layer 13 by applying a second composition including a second positive electrode active material on the first layer 12, including the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material. Are each independently represented by the following formula (1), and the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are different from each other:

<Formula 1>

Li _x Ni _y M _1-y O ₂

In the above formula,

0.9≤x≤1.2, 0.1≤y≤0.98,

M is a metal or transition metal element having at least one oxidation number of +2 or +3.

In the above equation, for detailed descriptions of x, y, and M, refer to the above.

Further, although not separately described, when a third layer including an additional third positive electrode active material is further included, a method similar to the step of forming the second layer 12 on the first layer 11 may be used.

In one specific example, the first composition or the second composition may further include a binder and a conductive material.

The binder is a lithium transition metal oxide, that is, a positive electrode active material or a component that assists in bonding of an inorganic material to a conductive material, and bonding to a current collector, and between the positive electrode current collector and the positive electrode active material layer, in the positive electrode active material layer, the positive electrode active material It may be included between the layer and the inorganic material layer or in the inorganic material layer, and may be added in an amount of 1 to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a positive electrode active material or inorganic material. For example, the binder may be added in an amount of 1 to 30 parts by weight, 1 to 20 parts by weight, or 1 to 15 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the positive electrode active material or inorganic material. For example, the binder is polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene chloride, polybenzimidazole, polyimide, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), starch , Hydroxypropylcellulose, recycled cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyaniline, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, phenol resin, epoxy resin , Polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyamide, polyacetal, polyphenylene oxide, polybutylene terephthalate, ethylene-propylene-diene It may be at least one selected from the group consisting of terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), and fluorine rubber. For example, when two or more binders of the above-described examples are used, various copolymers in which the two or more binders are polymerized may be a binder.

The first composition or the second composition may optionally further include a conductive material in order to further improve electrical conductivity by providing a conductive path to the positive electrode active material or inorganic material. As the conductive material, anything generally used for lithium secondary batteries may be used, and examples thereof include carbon-based materials such as carbon black, acetylene black, ketjen black, and carbon fiber (eg, vapor-grown carbon fiber); Metal-based materials such as metal powder or metal fibers such as copper, nickel, aluminum, and silver; A conductive material containing a conductive polymer such as a polyphenylene derivative, or a mixture thereof can be used. The content of the conductive material can be appropriately adjusted and used. For example, the weight ratio of the positive electrode active material or inorganic material and conductive material may be added in the range of 99:1 to 90:10.

The positive electrode current collector has a thickness of 3 µm to 500 µm, and is not particularly limited as long as it has high conductivity without causing a chemical change in the battery. For example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon , Or a surface-treated aluminum or stainless steel surface with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. may be used. The current collector may increase the adhesion of the positive electrode active material by forming fine irregularities on its surface, and various forms such as films, sheets, foils, nets, porous bodies, foams, and nonwoven fabrics are possible.

The prepared first composition may be directly applied and dried on a positive electrode current collector to prepare a positive electrode plate. Alternatively, a positive electrode plate may be manufactured by casting the first composition on a separate support and then laminating a film obtained by peeling from the support on a positive electrode current collector.

Meanwhile, the first composition or the second composition may further include a solvent.

As the solvent, N-methylpyrrolidone, acetone, or water may be used, but are not limited thereto, and any solvent that can be used in the art may be used.

In one specific example, the content of the first positive electrode active material may be 80 to 98% by weight based on the total weight of the first composition. For example, the content of the first positive electrode active material may be 85 to 98% by weight based on the total weight of the first composition, but is not limited thereto.

In one specific example, the content of the second positive electrode active material may be 80 to 98% by weight based on the total weight of the second composition. For example, the content of the second positive electrode active material may be 85 to 98% by weight based on the total weight of the second composition, but is not limited thereto.

For example, when drying after applying the first composition or the second composition, the drying may be performed by primary drying for about 5 to 30 minutes at a temperature range of 80 to 130°C.

In another aspect of the present invention, a lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode for a secondary battery as described above; A negative electrode disposed opposite the positive electrode; And an electrolyte disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

The positive electrode for a secondary battery essentially includes the above-described positive electrode current collector, a first layer, and a second layer, and a description thereof is referred to the foregoing. Further, the first layer and the second layer each have the above-described first positive electrode active material and second positive electrode active material as essential components, and may further include a positive electrode active material commonly used in lithium secondary batteries in addition to these essential components. have.

For example, Li _a A′ _1-b B _b D ₂ (where 0.90≦a≦1, and 0≦b≦0.5); Li _a E _1-b B _b O _2-c D _c (where 0.90≦a≦1, 0≦b≦0.5, 0≦c≦0.05); LiE _2-b B _b O _4-c D _c (where 0≦b≦0.5, 0≦c≦0.05); Li _a Ni _1-bc Co _b B _c D _α (in the above formula, 0.90 ≤ a ≤ 1, 0 ≤ b ≤ 0.5, 0 ≤ c ≤ 0.05, 0 <α ≤ 2); Li _a Ni _1-bc Co _b B _c O _2-α F _α (in the above formula, 0.90 ≤ a ≤ 1, 0 ≤ b ≤ 0.5, 0 ≤ c ≤ 0.05, 0 <α <2); Li _a Ni _1-bc Co _b B _c O _2-α F ₂ (in the above formula, 0.90 ≤ a ≤ 1, 0 ≤ b ≤ 0.5, 0 ≤ c ≤ 0.05, 0 <α <2); Li _a Ni _1-bc Mn _b B _c D _α (wherein, 0.90≦a≦1, 0≦b≦0.5, 0≦c≦0.05, 0<α≦2); Li _a Ni _1-bc Mn _b B _c O _2-α F _α (in the above formula, 0.90 ≤ a ≤ 1, 0 ≤ b ≤ 0.5, 0 ≤ c ≤ 0.05, 0 <α <2); Li _a Ni _1-bc Mn _b B _c O _2-α F ₂ (in the above formula, 0.90 ≤ a ≤ 1, 0 ≤ b ≤ 0.5, 0 ≤ c ≤ 0.05, 0 <α <2); Li _a Ni _b E _c G _d O ₂ (in the above formula, 0.90≦a≦1, 0≦b≦0.9, 0≦c≦0.5, 0.001≦d≦0.1); Li _a Ni _b Co _c Mn _d GeO ₂ (wherein, 0.90≦a≦1, 0≦b≦0.9, 0≦c≦0.5, 0≦d≦0.5, 0.001≦e≦0.1); Li _a NiG _b O ₂ (in the above formula, 0.90≦a≦1, 0.001≦b≦0.1); Li _a CoG _b O ₂ (in the above formula, 0.90≦a≦1, 0.001≦b≦0.1); Li _a MnG _b O ₂ (in the above formula, 0.90≦a≦1, 0.001≦b≦0.1); Li _a Mn ₂ G _b O ₄ (in the above formula, 0.90≦a≦1, 0.001≦b≦0.1); QO ₂ ; QS ₂ ; LiQS ₂ ; V ₂ O ₅ ; LiV ₂ O ₅ ; LiIO ₂ ; LiNiVO ₄ ; Li _(3-f) J ₂ (PO ₄ ) ₃ (0≦f≦2); Li _(3-f) Fe ₂ (PO ₄ ) ₃ (0≦f≦2); LiFePO ₄ may further include a compound represented by any one of the formulas:

In the above formula, A'is Ni, Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; B is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements, or combinations thereof; D is O, F, S, P, or a combination thereof; E is Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; F is F, S, P, or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, or a combination thereof; Q is Ti, Mo, Mn, or a combination thereof; I is Cr, V, Fe, Sc, Y, or a combination thereof; J is V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, or a combination thereof. For example, LiCoO ₂ , LiMn _x'' O _2x'' (x''=1, 2), LiNi _1-x'' Mn _x'' O _2x'' (0<x''<1), LiNi _1- x`` _-y'' Co _x'' Mn _y'' O ₂ (0≤x''≤0.5, 0≤y''≤0.5), FePO _4, etc.

Meanwhile, the negative electrode may be manufactured by the following method.

For example, a negative active material composition is prepared by mixing a negative active material, a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent. The negative active material composition is directly coated and dried on a metal current collector to prepare a negative electrode plate. Alternatively, after the negative active material composition is cast on a separate support, a film peeled from the support may be laminated on a metal current collector to prepare a negative electrode plate.

The negative active material may be any material that can be used as a negative active material for lithium batteries in the art. For example, it may include at least one selected from the group consisting of lithium metal, a metal alloyable with lithium, a transition metal oxide, a non-transition metal oxide, and a carbon-based material.

For example, the metal alloyable with lithium is Si, Sn, Al, Ge, Pb, Bi, Sb Si-Y alloy (wherein Y is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, group 13 element, group 14 element, transition metal, rare earth Element or a combination element thereof, not Si), Sn-Y alloy (the Y is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, group 13 element, group 14 element, transition metal, rare earth element, or a combination element thereof, not Sn ), etc. The element Y is Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, Rf, V, Nb, Ta, Db, Cr, Mo, W, Sg, Tc, Re, Bh, Fe, Pb, Ru, Os, Hs, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, B, Al, Ga, Sn, In, Ti, Ge, P, As, Sb, Bi, S, It may be Se, or Te. For example, the transition metal oxide may be lithium titanium oxide, vanadium oxide, lithium vanadium oxide, or the like. For example, the non-transition metal oxide may be SnO ₂ , SiO _x''' (0<x'''<2), and the like.

The carbon-based material may be crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a mixture thereof. The crystalline carbon may be graphite such as amorphous, plate-shaped, flake, spherical or fibrous natural graphite or artificial graphite, and the amorphous carbon is soft carbon (low temperature calcined carbon) or hard carbon (hard carbon). carbon), mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, or the like.

In the negative electrode active material composition, the conductive material, the binder, and the solvent may be the same as those of the positive electrode active material composition (ie, the first composition).

The contents of the negative active material, the conductive material, the binder, and the solvent are the levels commonly used in lithium batteries. One or more of the conductive material, the binder, and the solvent may be omitted depending on the use and configuration of the lithium battery.

Next, a separator to be inserted between the positive and negative electrodes is prepared.

Any of the separators can be used as long as they are commonly used in lithium batteries. Those having low resistance to ion migration of the electrolyte and excellent in the ability to impregnate the electrolyte may be used. For example, as selected from glass fiber, polyester, Teflon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or a combination thereof, it may be a non-woven fabric or a woven fabric. For example, a woundable separator such as polyethylene or polypropylene may be used for a lithium ion battery, and a separator having excellent organic electrolyte impregnation ability may be used for a lithium ion polymer battery. For example, the separator may be manufactured according to the following method.

A polymer resin, a filler, and a solvent are mixed to prepare a separator composition. The separator composition may be directly coated and dried on an electrode to form a separator. Alternatively, after the separator composition is cast and dried on a support, a separator film peeled off from the support may be laminated on an electrode to form a separator.

The polymer resin used for manufacturing the separator is not particularly limited, and all materials used for the bonding material of the electrode plate may be used. For example, vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, or mixtures thereof may be used.

Next, the electrolyte is prepared.

For example, the electrolyte may be an organic electrolyte. In addition, the electrolyte may be a solid. For example, boron oxide, lithium oxynitride, etc. may be used, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any solid electrolyte that can be used in the art may be used. The solid electrolyte may be formed on the negative electrode by a method such as sputtering.

For example, the organic electrolyte may be prepared by dissolving a lithium salt in an organic solvent.

The organic solvent may be used as long as it can be used as an organic solvent in the art. For example, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, methyl ethyl carbonate, methyl propyl carbonate, ethyl propyl carbonate, methyl isopropyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, dibutyl carbonate , Benzonitrile, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, γ-butyrolactone, dioxolane, 4-methyldioxolane, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide , Dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, sulfolane, dichloroethane, chlorobenzene, nitrobenzene, diethylene glycol, dimethyl ether, or mixtures thereof.

The lithium salt may also be used as long as it can be used as a lithium salt in the art. For example, LiPF ₆ , LiBF ₄ , LiSbF ₆ , LiAsF ₆ , LiClO ₄ , LiCF ₃ SO ₃ , Li(CF ₃ SO ₂ ) ₂ N, LiC ₄ F ₉ SO ₃ , LiAlO ₂ , LiAlCl ₄ , LiN(C _x'''' F _2x''''+1 SO ₂ )(C _y'''' F _2y''''+1 SO ₂ ) (where x'''',y'''' are natural numbers) , LiCl, LiI, or mixtures thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lithium secondary battery 1 includes a positive electrode 3, a negative electrode 2 and a separator 4. The positive electrode 3, the negative electrode 2 and the separator 4 described above are wound or folded to be accommodated in the battery case 5. Subsequently, an organic electrolyte is injected into the battery case 5 and sealed with a cap assembly 6 to complete the lithium secondary battery 1. The battery case 5 may be cylindrical, rectangular, thin-film, or the like. For example, the lithium secondary battery 1 may be a thin film type battery. The lithium secondary battery 1 may be a lithium ion battery.

A separator may be disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to form a battery structure. After the battery structure is stacked in a bi-cell structure, it is impregnated with an organic electrolyte, and the resulting product is accommodated in a pouch and sealed to complete a lithium ion polymer battery.

The lithium secondary battery may be used not only as a battery used as a power source for a small device, but also as a unit cell of a medium or large device battery module including a plurality of batteries.

Examples of the medium and large devices include a power tool; XEVs, including electric vehicles (EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs); Electric motorcycles including E-bikes and E-scooters; Electric golf cart; Electric truck; Electric commercial vehicles; Or a system for power storage; Etc. are mentioned, but it is not limited to these. In addition, the lithium secondary battery may be used in all other applications requiring high output, high voltage and high temperature driving.

Exemplary embodiments are described in more detail through the following examples and comparative examples. However, the embodiments are for illustrating the technical idea and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

(Manufacture of lithium secondary battery)

Example 1

(Manufacture of anode)

A first composition was prepared by mixing 96% by weight of LiNi _0.8 Mn _0.1 Co _0.1 O ₂ as a first positive electrode active material, ₂ % by weight of super-p as a conductive material, and 2% by weight of polyvinylidene fluoride as a binder. The first composition is applied to an aluminum (Al) thin film of a positive electrode current collector having a thickness of about 20 μm, dried at about 80° C. for 20 minutes, and then rolled to a positive electrode on which the first layer is applied. Got it.

On the first layer, a second composition in which LiNi _0.6 Mn _0.2 Co _0.2 O ₂ 96% by weight as a second positive electrode active material, super-p 2% by weight as a conductive material, and polyvinylidene fluoride 2% by weight as a binder was mixed. Applying to form a second layer. Then, it was dried at about 80° C. for 20 minutes to prepare a double coated positive electrode.

On the second layer, a third composition in which LiNi _0.33 Mn _0.33 Co _0.33 O ₂ 96% by weight as a third positive electrode active material, super-p 2% by weight as a conductive material, and polyvinylidene fluoride 2% by weight as a binder was mixed. Applying to form a third layer. Then, it was dried at about 80° C. for 20 minutes to prepare a triple coated positive electrode.

At this time, the current density of the first layer is about 2.24 mAh/cm ² , the current density of the second layer is about 1.68 mAh/cm ² , and the current density of the third layer is about 1.68 mAh/cm ² , and the first The current density ratio of the layer, the second layer, and the third layer was about 4:3:3. Meanwhile, the content ratio of the first positive electrode active material, the second positive electrode active material, and the third positive electrode active material among the positive electrodes was 3.6:3:3.4.

At this time, the capacity ratio of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer is 4:3:3, the thickness of the positive electrode active material layer including the first layer to the third layer is about 80 μm, and the total current density is about 5.6 mAh. It was / cm ^2.

At this time, the loading level of the positive electrode was 28 mg/cm ² .

A schematic diagram showing the structure of the anode is shown in FIG. 5.

(Manufacture of electrolyte)

In a 2:1:2:5 volume ratio mixed solvent of ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), ethyl propionate (EP) and propylene propionate (PP) containing 1.15M LiPF ₆ as a lithium salt , Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) 7% by weight was added to prepare an electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery.

(Assembly of lithium secondary battery)

A half-cell type lithium secondary battery was manufactured using the positive electrode, the lithium metal negative electrode, and the 18 μm-thick polyethylene separator coated with ceramic and the electrolyte. At this time, the operating voltage of the lithium secondary battery was 3.0 to 4.35V.

Example 2

The current density of the first layer is about 1.2mAh/cm ² , the current density of the second layer is about 0.9mAh/cm ² , the current density of the third layer is about 0.9mAh/cm ² , the first layer, A lithium secondary battery was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the current density ratio of the second layer and the third layer was adjusted to about 4:3:3.

In this case, the content ratio of the first positive electrode active material, the second positive electrode active material, and the third positive electrode active material in the positive electrode was 3.6:3.0:3.4.

In addition, the capacity ratio of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer is 4:3:3, the thickness of the positive electrode active material layer including the first to third layers is about 45 μm, and the total current density is about 3 mAh/ It was cm ² .

At this time, the loading level of the positive electrode was 15 mg/cm ² .

Example 3

A lithium secondary battery was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a positive electrode manufactured by the following method was used.

(Manufacture of anode)

A first composition was prepared by mixing 96% by weight of LiNi _0.8 Mn _0.1 Co _0.1 O ₂ as a first positive electrode active material, ₂ % by weight of super-p as a conductive material, and 2% by weight of polyvinylidene fluoride as a binder. The first composition is applied to an aluminum (Al) thin film of a positive electrode current collector having a thickness of about 20 μm, dried at about 80° C. for 20 minutes, and then rolled to a positive electrode on which the first layer is applied. Got it.

On the first layer, a second composition in which LiNi _0.33 Mn _0.33 Co _0.33 O ₂ 96% by weight as a second positive electrode active material, super-p 2% by weight as a conductive material, and polyvinylidene fluoride 2% by weight as a binder was mixed. Applying to form a second layer. Then, it was dried at about 80° C. for 20 minutes to prepare a double coated positive electrode.

At this time, the current density of the first layer was about 3.08 mAh/cm ² , the current density of the second layer was about 2.52 mAh/cm ² , and the current density ratio of the first layer and the second layer was about 11:9. . Meanwhile, the content ratio of the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material in the positive electrode was 4.9:5.1.

At this time, the capacity ratio of the first layer and the second layer was 11:9, the thickness of the positive electrode active material layer including the first layer to the second layer was about 80 μm, and the total current density was about 5.6 mAh/cm ² .

At this time, the loading level of the positive electrode was 28 mg/cm ² .

Comparative Example 1

A lithium secondary battery was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a positive electrode manufactured by the following method was used.

(Manufacture of anode)

A positive electrode composition was prepared by mixing 96% by weight of LiNi _0.6 Mn _0.2 Co _0.2 O ₂ as a positive electrode active material, ₂ % by weight of super-p as a conductive material, and 2% by weight of polyvinylidene fluoride as a binder. The positive electrode composition was applied to an aluminum (Al) thin film of a positive electrode current collector having a thickness of about 20 μm, dried at about 80° C. for 20 minutes, and then rolled to obtain a positive electrode. At this time, the thickness of the positive electrode active material layer of the positive electrode was about 80 μm, the current density of the positive electrode was 5.6 mAh/cm ² , and the loading level was 28 mg/cm ² .

A schematic diagram showing the structure of the anode is shown in FIG. 6.

Comparative Example 2

A lithium secondary battery was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a positive electrode manufactured by the following method was used.

(Manufacture of anode)

A positive electrode composition was prepared by mixing 96% by weight of LiNi _0.6 Mn _0.2 Co _0.2 O ₂ as a positive electrode active material, ₂ % by weight of super-p as a conductive material, and 2% by weight of polyvinylidene fluoride as a binder. The positive electrode composition was applied to an aluminum (Al) thin film of a positive electrode current collector having a thickness of about 20 μm, dried at about 80° C. for 20 minutes, and then rolled to obtain a positive electrode. At this time, the thickness of the positive electrode active material layer of the positive electrode was about 43 μm, the current density of the positive electrode was 3 mAh/cm ² , and the loading level was 15 mg/cm ² .

Comparative Example 3

A lithium secondary battery was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a positive electrode manufactured by the following method was used.

(Manufacture of anode)

A first composition was prepared by mixing 96% by weight of LiNi _0.33 Mn _0.33 Co _0.33 O ₂ as a first positive electrode active material, ₂ % by weight of super-p as a conductive material, and 2% by weight of polyvinylidene fluoride as a binder. The first composition is applied to an aluminum (Al) thin film of a positive electrode current collector having a thickness of about 20 μm, dried at about 80° C. for 20 minutes, and then rolled to a positive electrode on which the first layer is applied. Got it.

On the first layer, a second composition in which LiNi _0.6 Mn _0.2 Co _0.2 O ₂ 96% by weight as a second positive electrode active material, super-p 2% by weight as a conductive material, and polyvinylidene fluoride 2% by weight as a binder was mixed. Applying to form a second layer. Then, it was dried at about 80° C. for 20 minutes to prepare a double coated positive electrode.

On the second layer, a third composition in which LiNi _0.8 Mn _0.1 Co _0.1 O ₂ 96% by weight as a third positive electrode active material, super-p 2% by weight as a conductive material, and polyvinylidene fluoride 2% by weight as a binder was mixed. Applying to form a third layer. Then, it was dried at about 80° C. for 20 minutes to prepare a triple coated positive electrode.

In this case, the current density of the first layer is about 1.68 mAh/cm ² , the current density of the second layer is about 1.68 mAh/cm ² , and the current density of the third layer is about 2.24 mAh/cm ² , and the first The current density ratio of the layer, the second layer, and the third layer was about 3:3:4. Meanwhile, the content ratio of the first positive electrode active material, the second positive electrode active material, and the third positive electrode active material among the positive electrodes was 3.4:3:0.3.6.

At this time, the capacity ratio of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer is 3:3:4, the thickness of the positive electrode active material layer including the first layer to the third layer is about 80 μm, and the total current density is about 5.6 mAh. It was / cm ^2.

At this time, the loading level of the positive electrode was 28 mg/cm ² .

Evaluation Example 1: Evaluation of initial charging profile characteristics

The lithium secondary batteries prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were charged for one cycle with a constant current of 0.2 C within a voltage range of 2.8 to 4.3 V to evaluate the charging profile characteristics indicating a change in capacity according to a voltage change. .

The evaluation results are shown in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, unlike the lithium secondary battery according to Comparative Example 1, the lithium secondary battery according to Example 1 includes lithium transition metal oxide layers of various compositions, but by appropriately adjusting the ratio of each layer, The content may be adjusted to the level of the Ni metal content in the lithium secondary battery according to Comparative Example 1.

Through this, it can be seen that a high-capacity battery similar to that of the lithium secondary battery according to Comparative Example 1 is implemented.

Evaluation Example 2: Evaluation of life characteristics

For the lithium secondary batteries prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, charging conditions (constant current/constant voltage of 0.7C/4.35V, 0.025C cutoff current, 10 minutes rest) and discharge conditions (constant voltage of 1.0C, 3.0 V cutoff voltage, 10 minutes rest), the capacity was measured for 40 cycles and shown in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the lithium secondary battery according to Example 1 better maintains capacity characteristics as the number of cycles increases compared to the lithium secondary battery according to Comparative Example 1. That is, even if a thick-film positive electrode having the same loading level is introduced, the lithium secondary battery according to Example 1 in which the positive electrode active material layer of the multi-layer structure is introduced is superior to the lithium secondary battery according to 1 in comparison with a single-layer structure. It can be confirmed that

On the other hand, under the same conditions, the capacity retention rate (lifetime) after 40 cycles was measured not only in Example 1 Light Comparative Example 1, but also Examples 2 to 3 and Comparative Examples 2 to 3, and is shown in Table 1 below.

Furtherance Form of electrode plate configuration Loading level
(mg/cm ² ) Life (@40cyc) Comparative Example 1 NCM622 Single layer 28 55% Comparative Example 2 NCM622 Single layer 15 80% Example 1 NCM111/622/811 Duplex 28 69% Example 2 NCM111/622/811 Duplex 15 82% Comparative Example 3 NCM811/622/111 Duplex 28 33% Example 3 NCM111/811 Duplex 28 64%

Referring to Table 1, when comparing Comparative Examples 1 and 3 and Examples 1 and 3 in which a thick film structure positive electrode having the same thickness was introduced, a positive electrode active material layer having a multilayer structure was included, and different positive electrode active materials were arranged in a certain order. In the case of the lithium secondary battery of Examples 1 and 3, compared to the lithium secondary battery of Comparative Example 1 having a single-layer structure as well as the lithium secondary battery of Comparative Example 3 in which the stacking order is reversed, it exhibits excellent life characteristics under the same conditions. It can be confirmed that.

In particular, the lithium secondary battery of Comparative Example 3 stacked opposite to the direction in which the Ni content decreases toward a direction farther from the positive electrode current collector defined in the preferred stacking order in the present invention, is a lithium secondary battery of Comparative Example 1 having a single layer structure. Rather, it can be seen that the life characteristics deteriorate. This is believed to be due to the fact that the positive electrode active material with a low Ni content is advantageous in terms of lifespan characteristics, and the positive active material with a high Ni content is advantageous in terms of capacity characteristics. .

In addition, it can be seen that compared to the lithium secondary battery of Example 3 composed of a double layer, the lithium secondary battery of Example 1 having a triple-layer structure in which one more layer was added exhibits more excellent life characteristics improvement effect.

On the other hand, lithium secondary batteries of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 each introduced a thin-film anode structure rather than a thick-film anode structure. I can confirm. However, this improvement effect is less than that of the thick film structure, which is thought to be due to the fact that the life reduction problem is not significant at the anode of the thin film structure.

In the above, preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings and embodiments, but these are only exemplary, and various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are possible from those of ordinary skill in the art. You will be able to understand. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims (14)

Positive electrode current collector;
A first layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector and including a first positive electrode active material; And
Includes; a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a second positive electrode active material,
The first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are independently represented by Formula 1 below, and the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are different from each other, a positive electrode for a secondary battery:
<Formula 1>
Li _x Ni _y M _1-y O ₂
In the above formula,
0.9≤x≤1.2, 0.1≤y≤0.98,
M is a metal or transition metal element having at least one oxidation number of +2 or +3. The method of claim 1,
The M is each independently selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg, Mn, Co, Fe, Cr, V, Ti, Cu, B, Ca, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Sr, Sb, W and Bi One or more elements, a positive electrode for a secondary battery. The method of claim 1,
The first positive electrode active material is represented by the following formula 1A, the second positive electrode active material is represented by the following formula 1B, a positive electrode for a secondary battery:
<Formula 1A>
Li _x1 Ni _y1 M1 _1-y1 O ₂
In the above formula,
<Formula 1B>
Li _x2 Ni _y2 M _1-y2 O ₂
For the definitions of M1, x1, y1, M2, x2, and y2 in the above formula, refer to the definitions for M, x, and y in the first term,
However, y1>y2. The method of claim 1,
The first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are independently of each other represented by Formula 1-1 or 1-2, and the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are different from each other, a positive electrode for a secondary battery:
<Formula 1-1>
_{Li x 'Ni y' Co 1} -y'-z 'Al z' O 2
<Formula 1-2>
_{Li x 'Ni y' Co 1} -y'-z 'Mn z' O 2
In Formulas 1-1 and 1-2, 0.9≤x'≤1.2, 0.1≤y'≤0.98, 0<z'<0.5, and 0<1-y'-z'<0.5. The method of claim 1,
The content of Ni in the first positive electrode active material is 0.6 moles or more based on the total number of moles of transition metals, a positive electrode for a secondary battery. The method of claim 1,
The content of Ni in the second positive electrode active material is 0.6 moles or less based on the total number of moles of transition metals, a positive electrode for a secondary battery. The method of claim 1,
The weight ratio of the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material is 3:7 to 7:3, a positive electrode for a secondary battery. The method of claim 1,
The current density ratio of the first layer to the second layer is 2:8 to 8:2, a positive electrode for a secondary battery. The method of claim 1,
The thickness ratio of the first layer to the second layer is 2:8 to 8:2, a positive electrode for a secondary battery. The method of claim 1,
Disposed on the second layer and further comprising a third layer including a third positive electrode active material,
The third positive electrode active material is represented by the following formula (1), and the third positive electrode active material has a composition different from that of the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material, a positive electrode for a secondary battery:
<Formula 1>
Li _x Ni _y M _1-y O ₂
In the above formula,
0.9≤x≤1.2, 0.1≤y≤0.98,
M is a metal or transition metal element having at least one oxidation number of +2 or +3. The method of claim 10,
The first positive electrode active material is represented by the following formula 1A, the second positive electrode active material is represented by the following formula 1B, and the third positive electrode active material is represented by the following formula 1C, a positive electrode for a secondary battery:
<Formula 1A>
Li _x1 Ni _y1 M1 _1-y1 O ₂
In the above formula,
<Formula 1B>
Li _x2 Ni _y2 M2 _1-y2 O ₂
<Formula 1C>
Li _x3 Ni _y3 M3 _1-y3 O ₂
For the definition of M1, x1, y1, M2, x2, y2, M3, x3, y3 in the above formula, refer to the definitions for M, x, and y in the first term,
However, y1>y2>y3. The method of claim 10,
The current density of the third layer is less than or equal to the current density of the second layer, and the current density of the second layer is less than or equal to the current density of the first layer. The method of claim 1,
A positive electrode for a secondary battery, wherein the thickness of the positive electrode active material layer including the first layer and the second layer is 40 μm or more. The positive electrode for a secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 13;
A negative electrode disposed opposite the positive electrode; And
Lithium secondary battery comprising; an electrolyte disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

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