阅读说明：本技术 正极活性物质的制造方法 (Method for producing positive electrode active material ) 是由 门马洋平 落合辉明 三上真弓 齐藤丞 高桥正弘 于 2020-03-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供一种锂离子二次电池的正极活性物质的制造方法。本发明的一个方式是一种正极活性物质的制造方法,包括如下步骤：在加热炉中配置装有锂氧化物、氟化物及镁化合物的混合物的第一容器的第一工序；使加热炉内部的气氛为含氧气氛的第二工序；以及对加热炉的内部加热的第三工序,其中,在进行第一工序及第二工序之后进行第三工序。优选的是,在对加热炉加热内部之前使加热炉内为含氧气氛。更优选的是,氟化物为氟化锂且镁化合物为氟化镁。(Provided is a method for producing a positive electrode active material for a lithium ion secondary battery. One embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a positive electrode active material, including the steps of: a first step of placing a first container containing a mixture of lithium oxide, fluoride and a magnesium compound in a heating furnace; a second step of making the atmosphere inside the heating furnace an oxygen-containing atmosphere; and a third step of heating the inside of the heating furnace, wherein the third step is performed after the first step and the second step are performed. Preferably, the inside of the heating furnace is made to be an oxygen-containing atmosphere before the inside of the heating furnace is heated. More preferably, the fluoride is lithium fluoride and the magnesium compound is magnesium fluoride.)

1. A method for manufacturing a positive electrode active material, comprising the steps of:

a first step of placing a first container containing a mixture of lithium oxide, fluoride and a magnesium compound in a heating furnace;

a second step of making the atmosphere inside the heating furnace an oxygen-containing atmosphere; and

a third step of heating the inside of the heating furnace,

wherein the third step is performed after the first step and the second step are performed.

2. A method for manufacturing a positive electrode active material, comprising the steps of:

a first step of placing a first container containing a mixture of lithium oxide, fluoride and a magnesium compound in a heating furnace;

a second step of discharging the air inside the heating furnace and then introducing oxygen gas; and

a third step of heating the inside of the heating furnace,

wherein the third step is performed after the first step and the second step are performed.

3. The method for producing a positive electrode active material according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the fluoride is lithium fluoride.

4. The method for producing a positive electrode active material according to claim 3,

wherein the interior of the heating furnace is heated at 735 ℃ or higher and 1000 ℃ or lower.

5. The method for producing a positive electrode active material according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

wherein the magnesium compound is magnesium fluoride.

6. The method for producing a positive electrode active material according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

wherein the first container is capped.

Technical Field

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for producing a positive electrode active material. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an object, process (process), machine (machine), product (manufacture) or composition (material). One embodiment of the present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a display device, a light-emitting device, a power storage device, an illumination device, an electronic device, or a method for manufacturing the same.

In the present specification, the power storage device refers to all elements and devices having a power storage function. For example, the power storage device includes a storage battery (also referred to as a secondary battery) such as a lithium ion secondary battery, a lithium ion capacitor, an all-solid-state battery, an electric double layer capacitor, and the like.

Note that in this specification, the electronic device refers to all devices including a power storage device, and an electro-optical device including a power storage device, an information terminal device including a power storage device, and the like are electronic devices.

Background

In recent years, various power storage devices such as lithium ion secondary batteries, lithium ion capacitors, air batteries, and all-solid-state batteries have been studied and developed. In particular, with the development of the semiconductor industry of new-generation clean energy vehicles such as mobile phones, smart phones, portable information terminals such as notebook personal computers, portable music players, digital cameras, medical equipment, Hybrid Vehicles (HV), Electric Vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV or PHEV), and the like, the demand for high-output, large-capacity lithium ion secondary batteries has been increasing dramatically, and these lithium ion secondary batteries have become indispensable items in modern information-oriented society as chargeable energy supply sources.

Therefore, in order to improve the cycle characteristics and increase the capacity of lithium ion secondary batteries, improvement of positive electrode active materials has been studied (patent documents 1 and 2).

Further, as characteristics required for the power storage device, there are improvements in safety and long-term reliability under various operating environments.

[ Prior Art document ]

[ patent document ]

[ patent document 1] Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2012-018914

[ patent document 2] Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2016-

[ non-patent document ]

[ non-patent document 1] Toyoki Okumura et al, "Correlation of lithium ion distribution and X-ray absorption near-edge structure in O3-and O2-lithium cobalt oxides from first-to-third-to-fourth-to-fifth-to-sixth-to-fifth-to-sixth-to-fifth-to-Materials Chemistry, 2012, 22, p.17340-to-48-to-fifth-to

[ non-patent document 2]Motohashi，T.et al，”Electronic phase diagram of the layered cobalt oxide system LixCoO₂(0.0≤x≤1.0)”，Physical Review B，80(16)；165114

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

Lithium ion secondary batteries and positive electrode active materials for lithium ion secondary batteries are expected to be improved in various aspects such as capacity, cycle characteristics, charge/discharge characteristics, reliability, and safety, and are expected to be improved for LiCoO₂Is partially substituted with a different element₂Are increasingly hot. In addition, development of a method for producing LiMO at low cost in a short time has been desired₂The method of (1).

In view of the above problems, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a positive electrode active material. Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a novel positive electrode active material. Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a novel power storage device.

Note that the description of these objects does not hinder the existence of other objects. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention does not necessarily achieve all of the above-described objects. Further, objects other than the above-described object can be extracted from the description of the specification, the drawings, and the claims.

Means for solving the problems

One embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a positive electrode active material, including the steps of: a first step of placing a first container containing a mixture of lithium oxide, fluoride and a magnesium compound in a heating furnace; a second step of making the atmosphere inside the heating furnace an oxygen-containing atmosphere; and a third step of heating the inside of the heating furnace, wherein the third step is performed after the first step and the second step are performed.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a positive electrode active material, including the steps of: a first step of placing a first container containing a mixture of lithium oxide, fluoride and a magnesium compound in a heating furnace; a second step of discharging the air inside the heating furnace and then introducing oxygen gas; and a third step of heating the inside of the heating furnace, wherein the third step is performed after the first step and the second step are performed.

In the above structure, the fluoride is preferably lithium fluoride (LiF).

In the above configuration, the inside of the heating furnace is preferably heated at 735 ℃ or more and 1000 ℃ or less.

In the above structure, the magnesium compound is preferably magnesium fluoride (MgF)₂)。

In the above configuration, it is preferable that the first container is covered with a lid.

Effects of the invention

Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a positive electrode active material can be provided. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a novel positive electrode active material particle can be provided. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a novel power storage device can be provided.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for producing a positive electrode active material.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating LiF and MgF₂A graph of DSC measurement results of the mixture of (a).

Fig. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a method for producing a positive electrode active material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a method for producing a positive electrode active material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a method for producing a positive electrode active material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for producing a positive electrode active material.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for producing a positive electrode active material.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for producing a positive electrode active material.

Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a crystal structure and magnetism of the positive electrode active material.

Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a crystal structure and magnetic properties of a positive electrode active material according to a conventional example.

Fig. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of active material layers in the case where a graphene compound is used as a conductive auxiliary.

Fig. 12A and 12B are perspective views illustrating a coin-type secondary battery.

Fig. 13A is a perspective view illustrating a cylindrical secondary battery, fig. 13B is an exploded perspective view, fig. 13C is a perspective view illustrating the cylindrical secondary battery, and fig. 13D is a plan view illustrating the cylindrical secondary battery.

Fig. 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating examples of the secondary battery.

Fig. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are perspective views illustrating examples of the secondary battery.

Fig. 16A and 16B are perspective views illustrating an example of a secondary battery.

Fig. 17A and 17B are perspective views illustrating an example of a secondary battery.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the secondary battery.

Fig. 19A, 19B, and 19C are perspective views illustrating the laminate type secondary battery.

Fig. 20A is a plan view illustrating a laminate type secondary battery, and fig. 20B is a sectional view illustrating the laminate type secondary battery.

Fig. 21 is a view showing the external appearance of the secondary battery.

Fig. 22 is a view showing the external appearance of the secondary battery.

Fig. 23A, 23B, and 23C are diagrams illustrating a method of manufacturing a secondary battery.

Fig. 24A is a plan view of a bendable secondary battery, and fig. 24B, 24C, 24D, and 24E are sectional views illustrating the secondary battery.

Fig. 25A and 25B are perspective views illustrating a bendable secondary battery.

Fig. 26A and 26B are perspective views illustrating an example of an electronic device, fig. 26C is a perspective view of a secondary battery, fig. 26D is a view illustrating an example of an electronic device, fig. 26E is a perspective view of a secondary battery, and fig. 26F and 26G are views illustrating an example of an electronic device.

Fig. 27A and 27B are plan views illustrating an example of an electronic device, and fig. 27C is a block diagram.

Fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device.

Fig. 29A is a perspective view of the vehicle, fig. 29B is a perspective view showing when the vehicle is charged, and fig. 29C is a perspective view illustrating the electric motorcycle.

Fig. 30A and 30B are diagrams illustrating an alumina crucible used for annealing.

Fig. 31 is a diagram illustrating cycle characteristics according to an embodiment.

Fig. 32 is a diagram illustrating cycle characteristics according to an embodiment.

Modes for carrying out the invention

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following description, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can easily understand the fact that the modes and details thereof can be changed into various forms. The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments below.

Crystallographically, the numbers are underlined to indicate the crystallographic planes and orientations. However, in this specification and the like, the numerals are preceded by- (minus sign) to indicate the crystal plane and orientation, and the numerals are followed by the horizontal line, because of the limitation of the symbols in the patent application. In addition, the individual orientations showing the orientation within the crystal are represented by "[ ]", the collective orientations showing all equivalent crystal directions are represented by "< >", the individual faces showing the crystal faces are represented by "()", and the collective faces having equivalent symmetry are represented by "{ }".

In the present specification, the atmosphere containing a fluoride means an atmosphere of a mixed gas containing at least one fluoride as a constituent.

(embodiment mode 1)

The lithium composite oxide LiMO will be described with reference to FIG. 1₂(M is two or more metals including Co, and the substitution position of the metal is not limited) is an example of the production method. Hereinafter, as LiMO₂A positive electrode active material in which a metal element other than Co contained therein contains Mg will be described as an example.

First, a halogen source is prepared as a material of the mixture 902. As the halogen source, chloride, ozonide, or iodide can be used, and among them, fluoride is preferably used. In the present embodiment, LiF as a fluorine source is prepared. LiF comprises LiCoO₂A common cation is preferred. LiF can be used as a lithium source or a fluorine source. Further, LiF has a low melting point, i.e., 848 ℃, and is easily melted in an annealing process described later, and is therefore preferable. As such, as used for LiMO₂Preferably MgF, which can also be used as a fluorine source₂. Further, LiCl may be used as the halogen source, and MgCl may be used as the magnesium source₂. In addition, as the combination of the halogen source and the magnesium source, since a melting point depression described later can be utilized, a combination having a eutectic point is preferably employed. The halogen source that can be used in one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to LiF and LiCl. In addition, the magnesium source that can be used in one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to MgF₂And MgCl₂。

In the present specification, the eutectic point is a point at which the two components do not form a solid solution but are completely dissolved and mixed in a liquid state in a solid phase-liquid phase curve of the two components. For example, A, B may form a solid phase without forming a solid solution when the two-component metal element A, B melts, or A, B may form a molecular compound, with the melting point temperature of the mixture of A, B being lower than the single melting point of a or B when in the liquid phase A, B is fully dissolved. A mixture having a certain concentration ratio of A, B exhibits the lowest melting point, and this temperature is called the eutectic point, and the mixture is called a eutectic mixture. The eutectic point is not limited to two components, and may be three components, four components, or five or more components.

In the present embodiment, LiF serving as a fluorine source is prepared as a halogen source, and MgF is prepared as a fluorine source and a magnesium source₂(step S11 of FIG. 1). For this purpose, LiF and MgF₂The molar ratio of (c) is preferably LiF: MgF₂U: 1(0. ltoreq. u.ltoreq.1.9), more preferably LiF: MgF₂U: 1 (0.1. ltoreq. u. ltoreq.0.5), more preferably LiF: MgF₂U: 1(u is about 0.33).

In addition, when the subsequent mixing and pulverizing steps are performed by a wet method, a solvent is prepared. As the solvent, ketones such as acetone, alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol, diethyl ether, dioxane, acetonitrile, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and the like can be used. It is preferable to use an aprotic solvent which does not readily react with lithium. In the present embodiment, acetone is used (see step S11 in fig. 1).

Next, the materials of the mixture 902 are mixed and pulverized (step S12 in fig. 1). Mixing may be performed using a dry method or a wet method, which may pulverize the material to be smaller, and is therefore preferable. For the mixing, for example, a ball mill, a sand mill, or the like can be used. When a ball mill is used, for example, zirconium balls are preferably used as the medium. The mixing and pulverizing steps are preferably sufficiently performed to pulverize the mixture 902.

The mixed and pulverized material is recovered (step S13 in fig. 1) to obtain a mixture 902 (step S14 in fig. 1).

The mixture 902 has an average particle diameter (D50) of, for example, preferably 600nm or more and 20 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. By using the mixture 902 thus powdered, when the mixture is mixed with a composite oxide containing lithium, a transition metal, and oxygen, such as lithium cobaltate, in a later step, the mixture 902 is more likely to be uniformly attached to the surface of the particles of the composite oxide. When the mixture 902 is uniformly adhered to the surface of the composite oxide particle, the halogen and magnesium can be easily distributed over the entire surface layer portion of the composite oxide particle after heating, which is preferable. When a region containing no halogen or magnesium exists in the surface layer portion, a pseudospinel crystal structure described later is not easily formed in a charged state.

< step S25 >

Next, a lithium source is prepared as shown in step S25. As step S25, a previously synthesized composite oxide containing lithium, a transition metal, and oxygen is used.

When a previously synthesized composite oxide containing lithium, a transition metal, and oxygen is used, it is preferable to use a composite oxide containing less impurities. In this specification and the like, lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, aluminum, and oxygen are used as main components of a composite oxide containing lithium, a transition metal, and oxygen, and a positive electrode active material, and elements other than the main components are used as impurities. For example, when analyzing by glow discharge mass spectrometry (GD-MS), the total impurity concentration is preferably 10,000 ppm wt or less, more preferably 5000ppm wt or less. In particular, the total impurity concentration of a transition metal such as titanium and arsenic is preferably 3000ppm wt or less, more preferably 1500ppm wt or less.

For example, lithium cobaltate particles (trade name: CELLSEED C-10N) manufactured by Nippon CHEMICAL industry Co., Ltd. can be used as the lithium cobaltate synthesized in advance. The lithium cobaltate has an average particle diameter (D50) of about 12 μm, and has a magnesium concentration and a fluorine concentration of 50ppm wt or less, a calcium concentration, an aluminum concentration and a silicon concentration of 100ppm wt or less, a nickel concentration of 150ppm wt or less, a sulfur concentration of 500ppm wt or less, an arsenic concentration of 1100ppm wt or less, and a concentration of elements other than lithium, cobalt and oxygen of 150ppm wt or less in impurity analysis by glow discharge mass spectrometry.

The composite oxide containing lithium, transition metal, and oxygen in step S25 preferably has a layered rock-salt crystal structure with few defects and deformations. For this reason, it is preferable to use a composite oxide containing less impurities. When a complex oxide containing lithium, a transition metal and oxygen contains a large amount of impurities, the crystal structure is likely to have a large number of defects or deformations.

Next, the mixture 902 and the composite oxide containing lithium, transition metal, and oxygen are mixed (step S31 of fig. 1). The ratio of the atomic number TM of the transition metal in the composite oxide containing lithium, transition metal, and oxygen to the atomic number MgMix1 of magnesium in the mixture 902 is preferably TM: MgMix1 ═ 1: v (0.005. ltoreq. v. ltoreq.0.05), more preferably TM: MgMix1 ═ 1: v (0.007. ltoreq. v. ltoreq.0.04), more preferably TM: MgMix1 ═ 1: about 0.02.

The mixing of step S31 is preferably performed under milder conditions than the mixing of step S12 in order not to damage the particles of the composite oxide. For example, it is preferable to perform the mixing under the condition of a smaller number of revolutions or a shorter time than the mixing in step S12. In addition, the dry method is a milder condition compared to the wet method. For the mixing, for example, a ball mill, a sand mill, or the like can be used. When a ball mill is used, for example, zirconium balls are preferably used as the medium.

The mixed material is recovered (step S32 in fig. 1) to obtain a mixture 903 (step S33 in fig. 1).

Next, the mixture 903 is heated (step S34 of fig. 1). This step is sometimes referred to as annealing. Annealing to form LiMO₂. Therefore, conditions for performing step S34, such as temperature, time, atmosphere, weight of the mixture 903 subjected to annealing, and the like, are important. In addition, "annealing" in the present specification includes: in the case of heating the mixture 903; and heating a heating furnace in which at least the mixture 903 is disposed.

When the conditions of S34 are inappropriate, a positive electrode active material having good characteristics may not be obtained. In many cases, the processing time of step S34 is longer than that of the other steps, and the positive electrode active material can be produced in a short time by shortening the processing time of step S34. Thus, a technique for shortening the processing time of step S34 is required.

Here, the present inventors have found that a positive electrode active material having good characteristics can be obtained by annealing in an atmosphere containing fluoride (LiF in the present embodiment) in the mixture 903. In addition, it has been found that the annealing time can be shortened by one embodiment of the present invention.

[ Effect of annealing in an atmosphere containing fluoride ]

The annealing temperature is preferably above the temperature at which mixture 902 is melted. It is believed that mixture 902 is melted when mixture 903 is annealed. For example, MgF can be considered₂The mixture of (melting point 1263 ℃ C.) and LiF (melting point 848 ℃ C.) was melted and distributed in the surface layer portion of the composite oxide particles. In addition, MgF is considered to be a metal₂When melted with LiCoO₂The reaction of (2) is promoted to form LiMO₂. Thus, a combination of fluoride and magnesium source to form a eutectic mixture is preferably used.

The annealing temperature is more preferably equal to or higher than the temperature at which the mixture 903 is melted. It is believed to be in the form of fluoride (e.g., LiF), magnesium source (e.g., MgF)₂) And lithium oxides (e.g., LiCoO)₂) When a common mixture is formed, LiMO₂Is facilitated.

In addition, the temperature at which annealing is performed needs to be LiCoO₂The decomposition temperature (1130 ℃) of (A) is not higher than. Therefore, it is preferable to heat the alloy at a temperature of 1130 ℃ or lower, which is equal to or higher than the eutectic point of the fluoride and the magnesium source.

In addition, LiF and MgF will be described later₂Has a eutectic point of about 735 ℃. Further, LiF and MgF₂And LiCoO₂An endothermic peak of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC measurement) was observed around 820 ℃. Therefore, the annealing temperature is preferably 735 ℃ or higher, and more preferably 820 ℃ or higher. Further, LiCoO₂Has a decomposition temperature of 1130 ℃ but may generate a minute LiCoO at a temperature in the vicinity thereof₂Decomposition of (3). Therefore, the annealing temperature is preferably 1130 ℃ or less, more preferably 1000 ℃ or less.

Therefore, the annealing temperature is preferably 735 ℃ or more and 1130 ℃ or less, and more preferably 735 ℃ or more and 1000 ℃ or less. Further, it is preferably 820 ℃ to 1130 ℃ inclusive, and preferably 820 ℃ to 1000 ℃ inclusive.

Here, LiF and MgF are illustrated₂DSC measurement of the mixture of (a).

The measurement apparatus used was Thermoplus EV02 manufactured by Rigaku corporation. The measurement is carried out at a temperature ranging from 25 ℃ to 1000 ℃, and the temperature rise rate is 20 ℃/min.

FIG. 2 shows LiF vs MgF₂Mixture of (LiF/MgF)₂0.33 mol%) was obtained. In FIG. 2, an endothermic peak was observed at around 735 ℃. Thus, LiF and MgF₂The mixture of (a) has a eutectic point around 735 ℃.

In addition, it is considered that LiF, which is fluoride, is used as the flux in the present embodiment. Thus, it is possible to predict: MgF as LiF vaporizes and LiF in mixture 903 decreases₂Is not easily melted and LiMO₂Is suppressed. Thus, heating is preferably performed while suppressing vaporization of LiF.

Thus, by heating the mixture 903 in an atmosphere containing LiF, that is, by heating the mixture 903 in a state where the partial pressure of LiF in the heating furnace is high, vaporization of LiF in the mixture 903 can be suppressed and LiMO can be efficiently generated₂. Therefore, a positive electrode active material having good characteristics can be produced, and the annealing time can be shortened.

Here, the heating of LiF and MgF at a prescribed temperature was investigated experimentally₂Mixture of (LiF/MgF)₂0.33 mol%) of the amount of the organic acid. The experimental method is as follows: LiF and MgF are reacted at 200 ℃/h₂The mixture of (1) is raised to a predetermined temperature and kept at the predetermined temperature for 10 hours. Then, the temperature is reduced for 10 hours or more. Further, heating was performed while oxygen was passed at a flow rate of 2.5L/min. Table 1 shows the measurement results of the weight loss rate. In table 1, the results calculated by the weight difference of the mixture before and after heating/the weight of the mixture before heating × 100 are expressed in weight reduction ratio (%).

[ Table 1]

Heating temperature (. degree.C.)	Weight loss ratio (%)
		600	1
700	2
		800	8
900	26

As shown in Table 1, LiF and MgF were confirmed₂The weight of the mixture of (a) is reduced at least at 700 ℃. Thus, it is known that at temperatures above at least 700 ℃, LiF and MgF₂The constituent components (b) are vaporized and disappear from the reaction system.

In this specification, a heating furnace is an apparatus used for heat treatment (annealing) of a substance or a mixture, and includes a heater portion and an inner wall that can withstand an atmosphere containing a fluoride and at least 600 ℃. The heating furnace may be provided with a pump having a function of depressurizing and/or pressurizing the inside of the heating furnace.

[ annealing by use of an atmosphere containing fluoride ]

Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of a method of annealing by changing the atmosphere in the heating furnace to an atmosphere containing a fluoride.

The heating furnace 120 shown in fig. 3A and 3B includes a furnace space 102, a hot plate 104, a heater unit 106, and a heat insulator 108. Fig. 3A shows a case where the container 116 containing the mixture 903 is disposed in the space 102 in the heating furnace. Mixture 903 contains fluoride. Therefore, by heating the mixture 903 and vaporizing a part of the fluoride contained in the mixture 903, the mixture 903 may be heated under an atmosphere containing the fluoride.

Here, a LiMO manufactured by one embodiment of the present invention₂The valence of Co (cobalt) in (1) is preferably 3. Co can be in the valence of 2 or 3. Therefore, in order to suppress the reduction of Co, it is preferable that the atmosphere in the furnace space 102 contains oxygen, it is more preferable that the ratio of oxygen to nitrogen in the atmosphere in the furnace space 102 is equal to or greater than the atmospheric atmosphere, and it is further preferable that the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere in the furnace space 102 is equal to or greater than the atmospheric atmosphere. Thus, an atmosphere containing oxygen needs to be introduced into the space inside the heating furnace.

As a method of introducing an atmosphere containing oxygen into the space 102 in the heating furnace, there is a method of annealing while flowing oxygen gas from the outside. However, oxygen (O)₂) Has a molecular weight of about 32 and lithium fluoride (LiF) has a molecular weight of about 26, so that LiF as a gas is lighter than oxygen. Therefore, when annealing is performed while flowing oxygen gas, LiF vaporized by heating is easily discharged to the outside of the space 102 in the heating furnace, and there is a possibility that annealing cannot be performed in a LiF atmosphere.

Then, as shown in fig. 3A and 3B, in one embodiment of the present invention, in order to perform annealing in an atmosphere containing fluoride, annealing is performed under one or both of the following conditions: not flowing oxygen gas; the container 116 is capped with a cap 118.

In order to perform annealing without flowing oxygen gas, a step of making the atmosphere in the furnace space 102 an atmosphere containing oxygen and a step of setting the container 116 containing the mixture 903 in the furnace space 102 are performed before heating. By adopting this procedure, the mixture 903 can be annealed in an atmosphere containing oxygen and a fluoride. In addition, the space 102 in the heating furnace is sealed in the annealing so that the gas is not transmitted to the outside.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, the vessel 116 is annealed with the lid 118. With this structure, the atmosphere in the space 119 sealed by the container 116 and the lid 118 can be an atmosphere containing fluoride. The volume of the space 119 is smaller thanSince the space 102 in the heating furnace is a space containing a small amount of fluoride, the atmosphere in the space 119 can be an atmosphere containing fluoride when a small amount of fluoride is vaporized. That is, the reaction system can be made an atmosphere containing fluoride to prevent the amount of fluoride contained in the mixture 903 from being greatly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate LiMO₂. In addition, by using the cover 118, the mixture 903 can be annealed simply and inexpensively in an atmosphere containing a fluoride.

When the lid 118 is disposed, annealing can be performed in an atmosphere containing a sufficient amount of fluoride even without sealing the space 102 in the heating furnace. Therefore, when the lid 118 is disposed, the annealing can be performed by flowing oxygen gas. In particular, the lid 118 is preferably disposed in a deep container 116a as shown in fig. 3A and 3B. When the mixture 903 is added at the same depth, the space 119a relative to the amount of the mixture 903 is large for the deeper shaped container 116a compared to the shallower shaped container 116. Therefore, an atmosphere containing a sufficient amount of fluoride can be maintained.

Further, it is more preferable to arrange the lid 118 without flowing oxygen gas and perform annealing.

Fig. 4A and 4B show the detailed steps in the case where the oxygen gas is not flowed in step S34 shown in fig. 1. The order of the step of making the atmosphere in the furnace space 102 an atmosphere containing oxygen (step S34-1 in fig. 4A and 4B) and the step of placing the container 116 containing the mixture 903 in the furnace space 102 (step S34-2 in fig. 4A and 4B) is not limited. As shown in fig. 4B, the step of making the air in the furnace space 102 an atmosphere containing oxygen may be performed after the container 116 containing the mixture 903 is set in the furnace space 102. After the above-described steps, the heating step (S34-3 in fig. 4A and 4B) for the heating furnace 120 is performed.

The method of making the atmosphere in the space 102 in the heating furnace an atmosphere containing oxygen is not limited, and examples thereof include: a method of discharging air from the space 102 in the heating furnace and then introducing oxygen gas or dry air or other oxygen-containing gas; a method of flowing an oxygen-containing gas such as oxygen gas or dry air for a certain period of time. Wherein the oxygen gas is preferably introduced after the air in the space 102 in the furnace is exhausted (oxygen replacement). Further, the atmosphere may be an atmosphere containing oxygen.

The step of setting the container 116 containing the mixture 903 in the space 102 in the heating furnace is not limited, and examples thereof include: a method of disposing the container 116 directly in the space 102 in the heating furnace; and a method of disposing the container 116 in the space 102 in the heating furnace by using a device including a conveyance mechanism as shown in fig. 5A.

The process of heating the heating furnace 120 is not limited. The heating may be performed using a heating mechanism provided in the heating furnace 120.

Although there is no particular limitation on the method of disposing the mixture 903 when placed in the container 116, as shown in fig. 3A and 3B, it is preferable that the top surface of the mixture 903 is flat with respect to the bottom surface of the container 116, that is, the mixture 903 is disposed so that the height of the top surface of the mixture 903 is uniform.

The annealing is preferably performed at an appropriate temperature and time. The appropriate temperature and time vary depending on the conditions such as the size and composition of the particles of the composite oxide containing lithium, transition metal, and oxygen in step S25. In the case where the particles are small, annealing at a lower temperature or in a shorter time is sometimes preferable than when the particles are large.

For example, when the average particle diameter (D50) of the particles in step S25 is about 12 μm, the annealing time is preferably 3 hours or more, and more preferably 10 hours or more, for example.

On the other hand, when the average particle diameter (D50) of the particles in step S25 is about 5 μm, the annealing time is, for example, preferably 1 hour or more and 10 hours or less, and more preferably about 2 hours.

The temperature reduction time after annealing is preferably 10 hours or more and 50 hours or less, for example.

The annealed material is recovered (step S35 in fig. 1) to obtain a positive electrode active material 904 (step S36 in fig. 1).

Fig. 5 shows an example of the heating furnace. In fig. 5, portions having the same functions as those in fig. 3 are shown by the same hatching as in fig. 3, and reference numerals are sometimes omitted. Note that portions having the same functions as those in fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

< Structure of heating furnace >

The heating furnace used in one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, and various heating furnaces such as batch type (batch type) or continuous type (continuous type) heating furnaces can be used. Fig. 5A and 5B show an example thereof.

The heating furnace 130 shown in fig. 5A is an example of a continuous heating furnace. The heating furnace 130 includes a conveyor belt 132. Annealing can be continuously performed by disposing the container 134 containing the mixture 903 on the conveyor 132 and performing the treatment in the heating furnace 130. By adjusting the moving speed of the conveyor belt, the annealing time can be adjusted. Further, by disposing the fluoride 906 in one container 134 and annealing the mixture 903 at the same time, the atmosphere of the space 102 in the heating furnace can be a fluoride atmosphere. Note that, as in fig. 3B, the container 134 is preferably covered with a lid. The mixture 903 is annealed by the heating furnace 130, whereby a positive electrode active material 904 can be obtained.

The heating furnace 140 shown in fig. 5B is an example of a rotary heating furnace. The heating furnace 140 includes a material loading unit 142, an atmosphere control unit 144, and a recovery unit 146. The mixture 903 is put into the heating furnace space 102 from the material putting section 142. The heat plate 104 has a mechanism for rotating, and the heat plate 104 is inclined toward the recovery unit 146. By adopting this structure, annealing can be performed while the mixture 903 is made to flow. By adjusting the tilt or rotation speed, the annealing time can be adjusted. The annealed mixture 903 is recovered in the recovery unit 146, whereby a positive electrode active material 904 can be obtained.

Further, the oxygen atmosphere and the fluoride atmosphere in the furnace space 102 can be adjusted by the atmosphere controller 144.

This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with other embodiments.

(embodiment mode 2)

For LiMO₂An example of the method of (3) will be described. Hereinafter, the LiMO will be described with reference to FIG. 6₂Metal elements other than Co are contained in the alloyA method for producing a semiconductor device using a plurality of metal elements.

< method 2> for producing Positive electrode active Material

FIG. 6 shows a LiMO as₂An example of a process for producing a composite oxide containing Mg, Ni, and Al in addition to Co. The manufacturing method comprises the following steps: the metal element sources other than Li and Co were mixed and pulverized, and then the pulverized metal element sources were mixed with lithium cobaltate to perform annealing. S11 to S36 are the same as the steps described in embodiment 1 and fig. 1. That is, in the step of S34, the mixture 903-2 is preferably annealed in an atmosphere containing LiF. The positive electrode active material 904-2 can be obtained by the manufacturing process shown in fig. 6.

< step S15, step S16, step S17 >)

In addition, powdered nickel hydroxide (Ni (OH))₂) So that the mixing is performed at step S31. The powdered nickel hydroxide is subjected to step S15 of mixing nickel hydroxide and acetone and step S16 of recovering the nickel hydroxide in advance. The powdered nickel hydroxide may be obtained through step S16 (step S17).

< step S18, step S19, step S20 >)

In addition, powdered aluminum hydroxide (Al (OH))₃) So that the mixing is performed at step S31. The powdered aluminum hydroxide is subjected to step S18 of mixing aluminum hydroxide and acetone and step S19 of recovering the aluminum hydroxide in advance. The powdered aluminum hydroxide may be obtained through step S19 (step S20).

In the above steps S15 to S20, nickel hydroxide is used as the nickel (Ni) source and aluminum hydroxide is used as the aluminum (Al) source, but the nickel source and the aluminum source are not limited thereto. Oxides or halides containing the respective elements may also be used.

< method 3> for producing Positive electrode active Material

FIG. 7 shows a LiMO as₂An example of a process for producing a composite oxide containing Mg, Ni, and Al in addition to Co. The manufacturing method comprises the following steps: mixing the sources of the respective metal elements except Li and Co (S21) at the same time, pulverizing the mixture, and mixing the pulverized mixture with cobalt acidLithium is mixed for annealing. S31 to S35 are the same as the steps described in embodiment 1 and fig. 1. That is, in the step of S34, the mixture 903-3 is preferably annealed in an atmosphere containing LiF. The positive electrode active material 904-3 can be obtained by the manufacturing process shown in fig. 7.

< step S22 to step S24 >)

Similarly to the above steps S15 to S17 and S18 to S20, powdered MgF is prepared₂、Ni(OH)₂、Al(OH)₃. The powdered aluminum hydroxide is subjected to step S22 of mixing aluminum hydroxide and acetone and step S23 of recovering the aluminum hydroxide in advance. The powdered mixture 902-3 may be obtained through step S22 (step S24).

< method 4> for producing Positive electrode active Material

FIG. 8 shows a LiMO as₂An example of a process for producing a composite oxide containing Mg, Ni, and Al in addition to Co. The method for producing the LiMO-containing material includes Mg₂The composite oxide shown is then powdered by a method of adding a Ni source and an Al source to produce a composite oxide containing Mg, Ni and Al. S11 to S14 and S31 to S36 are the same as the steps described in embodiment 1 and fig. 1. That is, in the step of S34, the mixture 903 is preferably annealed in an atmosphere containing LiF. In addition, the steps S15 to S17 can refer to the description using fig. 6. The positive electrode active material 904-4 can be obtained by the manufacturing process shown in fig. 8.

Next, as shown in step S50, the positive electrode active material 904 and the powdered nickel hydroxide are mixed. Then, the mixed material is recovered (step S51). The powdered nickel hydroxide is subjected to step S15 of mixing nickel hydroxide and acetone and step S16 of recovering the nickel hydroxide. The powdered nickel hydroxide may be obtained through step S16 (step S17).

The material mixed in step S50 is recovered in step S51 to obtain a mixture 908 (step S52 of fig. 8).

Next, Al is added through steps S53 to S55. For the addition of Al, for example, a liquid phase method such as a sol-gel method, a solid phase method, a sputtering method, an evaporation method, a CVD (chemical vapor deposition) method, a PLD (pulsed laser deposition) method, or the like can be used.

As shown in fig. 8, first, in step S52, a metal source is prepared. In addition, in the case of using the sol-gel method, a solvent for the sol-gel method is prepared. As the Al source, Al alkoxide, Al hydroxide, Al oxide, or the like can be used. For example, when the number of cobalt atoms contained in the lithium cobaltate is 1, the concentration of aluminum contained in the metal source may be 0.001 times or more and 0.02 times or less.

Here, as an example, an example is shown in which a sol-gel method is used in which aluminum isopropoxide is used as a metal source and 2-propanol is used as a solvent.

Next, the aluminum alkoxide is dissolved in 2-propanol and the mixture 905 is mixed (step S53 of fig. 8).

The amount of the metal alkoxide required varies depending on the particle diameter of the lithium cobaltate. For example, when aluminum isopropoxide is used and the particle diameter (D50) of lithium cobaltate is about 20 μm, the concentration of aluminum contained in aluminum isopropoxide is preferably 0.001 times or more and 0.02 times or less when the number of cobalt atoms contained in lithium cobaltate is 1.

Next, a mixed solution of an alcohol solution of a metal alkoxide and lithium cobaltate particles is stirred in an atmosphere containing water. For example, stirring may be performed using a magnetic stirrer. The stirring time may be a time sufficient for the hydrolysis and polycondensation reaction between water and the metal alkoxide in the atmosphere, and for example, the stirring may be carried out at 25 ℃ for 4 hours under a Humidity of 90% RH (Relative Humidity). Further, the stirring may be performed in an atmosphere in which the humidity and temperature are not controlled, for example, in an atmosphere in a ventilation chamber. In this case, the stirring time is preferably longer, and for example, stirring may be performed at room temperature for 12 hours or more.

By reacting the moisture in the atmosphere with the metal alkoxide, the sol-gel reaction can be performed more slowly than in the case of adding water as a liquid. In addition, by reacting the metal alkoxide with water at normal temperature, the sol-gel reaction can be performed more slowly than in the case of heating at a temperature exceeding the boiling point of the alcohol of the solvent, for example. By slowly performing the sol-gel reaction, a coating layer having a uniform thickness and a good quality can be formed.

The precipitate is collected from the liquid mixture after the completion of the above-described processing (step S54 in fig. 8). As a collection method, filtration, centrifugal separation, evaporation, drying and solidification, and the like can be used. The precipitate may be washed with the same alcohol as the solvent in which the metal alkoxide is dissolved. In the case of drying and solidification by evaporation, the separation of the solvent and the precipitate may not be performed in this step, and the precipitate may be recovered in the drying step of the next step (step S54), for example.

Next, the collected residue is dried to obtain a mixture 909 (step S55 of fig. 8). The drying step may be, for example, vacuum or air drying at 80 ℃ for 1 hour to 4 hours.

Next, the resulting mixture is heated (step S56 in fig. 8).

The heating time is preferably 1 hour or more and 80 hours or less in the heating temperature range.

The heating temperature is less than 1000 ℃, preferably 700 ℃ to 950 ℃, and more preferably about 850 ℃.

In addition, the heating is preferably performed under an atmosphere containing oxygen.

In the present embodiment, heating is performed under the following conditions: the heating temperature is 850 ℃; the holding time is 2 hours; the temperature rising speed is 200 ℃/h; the flow rate of oxygen was 10L/min.

The heating temperature of step S56 is preferably lower than the heating temperature of step S34.

< step S57, step S58 >)

Subsequently, the cooled particles are collected (step S57 in fig. 8). Also, the particles are preferably screened. Through the above steps, the positive electrode active material 904-4 can be produced (step S58 in fig. 8).

This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with other embodiments.

(embodiment mode 3)

In this embodiment, an example of the structure of a positive electrode active material produced by a production method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[ Structure of Positive electrode active Material ]

Lithium cobaltate (LiCoO)₂) And the like, have a layered rock salt type crystal structure, have a high discharge capacity, and are considered to be excellent positive electrode active materials for secondary batteries. The material having a layered rock salt crystal structure may be, for example, LiMO₂The compound oxide shown. As an example of the element M, one or more selected from Co and Ni may be given. Further, as an example of the element M, one or more elements selected from Al and Mg may be mentioned in addition to one or more elements selected from Co and Ni.

The magnitude of the ginger-taylor effect of the transition metal compound is considered to be changed depending on the number of electrons of the d orbital of the transition metal.

Nickel-containing compounds are sometimes prone to skewing due to the ginger-taylor effect. Thus, in LiNiO₂When charging and discharging are performed at a high voltage, a crystal structure may collapse due to distortion. LiCoO₂The ginger-taylor effect is less adversely affected and may be more excellent in charge/discharge resistance at high voltage, and therefore, is preferable.

The positive electrode active material will be described below with reference to fig. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 and 10 illustrate a case where cobalt is used as a transition metal contained in the positive electrode active material.

The positive electrode active material produced in one embodiment of the present invention can reduce CoO even when charge and discharge are repeated at a high voltage₂Deviation of the layers. Furthermore, volume changes can be reduced. Therefore, the compound can realize excellent cycle characteristics. In addition, the compound may have a stable crystal structure even in a high-voltage charged state. This may prevent short-circuiting of the compound even when the compound is kept in a high-voltage charged state. In this case, the stability is further improved, and therefore, it is preferable. In particular, in the formula Li_(1-x-y)Co_(1-a-b)Ni_(x+a)Mg_(y+b)O₂The compound represented by (A) is preferable because the properties are good when 0 < x + a.ltoreq.0.015 and 0 < y + b.ltoreq.0.06.

The compound has a small volume difference between a fully discharged state and a charged state at a high voltage due to a change in crystal structure and a comparison between the same number of transition metal atoms.

Fig. 9 shows a crystal structure of the positive electrode active material 904 before and after charge and discharge. The positive electrode active material 904 is a composite oxide containing lithium, cobalt, and oxygen. Preferably, magnesium is contained in addition to the above. Further, halogen such as fluorine or chlorine is preferably contained. Further, aluminum and nickel are preferably contained.

The crystal structure of the charge depth 0 (discharge state) of fig. 9 is the same R-3m (O3) as that of fig. 10. However, the positive electrode active material 904 has a crystal structure different from the H1-3 type crystal structure when it has a sufficiently charged depth of charge. The structure is a space group R-3m, not a spinel crystal structure, but ions of cobalt, magnesium and the like occupy an oxygen 6 coordination position, and the arrangement of cations has symmetry similar to that of the spinel type. Therefore, the above-described crystal structure is referred to as a pseudo-spinel crystal structure in this specification and the like. In addition, in order to explain the symmetry of cobalt atoms and the symmetry of oxygen atoms, lithium is not shown in the diagram of the pseudo-spinel crystal structure shown in fig. 9, but CoO is actually used₂Lithium is present between the layers at 20 atomic% or less, for example, with respect to cobalt. Further, in both of the O3 type crystal structure and the pseudospinel type crystal structure, CoO is preferable₂A small amount of magnesium is present between the layers, i.e. at the lithium sites. In addition, a small amount of halogen such as fluorine may be present irregularly at the oxygen site.

Further, in the pseudo-spinel crystal structure, a light element such as lithium may occupy an oxygen 4 coordination site, and in this case, the arrangement of ions also has symmetry similar to that of the spinel type.

The pseudospinel crystal structure may have a structure in which Li is irregularly contained between layers, but may have a structure in which Li and CdCl are present irregularly₂The crystal structure of the crystal is similar to that of the crystal structure of the crystal. The and CdCl₂The crystal structure of the similar type is similar to that of lithium nickelate charged to a charge depth of 0.94 (Li)_0.06NiO₂) But a pure lithium cobaltate or a layered rock salt type positive electrode active material containing a large amount of cobalt generally does not have such a crystal structure.

The anions of the layered rock salt type crystal and the rock salt type crystal form a cubic closest packing structure (face-centered cubic lattice structure), respectively. It is presumed that the anion in the pseudospinel type crystal also has a cubic closest packing structure. When these crystals are brought into contact, there are crystal faces of the cubic closest packing structure constituted by anions that are uniformly oriented. The layered rock-salt crystal and pseudospinel crystal have a space group of R-3m, which is different from the space group of the rock-salt crystal of Fm-3m (a space group of a general rock-salt crystal) and Fd-3m (a space group of a rock-salt crystal having the simplest symmetry), and therefore the crystalline planes of the layered rock-salt crystal and pseudospinel crystal satisfying the above conditions have different miller indices. In the present specification, in the layered rock salt type crystal, the pseudospinel type crystal and the rock salt type crystal, the alignment of the cubic closest packing structure composed of anions may be substantially uniform in the crystal orientation.

In the positive electrode active material 904, the change in crystal structure at the time of desorption of a large amount of lithium is suppressed by charging at a high voltage as compared with a positive electrode active material 100C described later. For example, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 9, there is almost no CoO in the above crystal structure₂Deviation of the layers.

More specifically, the positive electrode active material 904 has structural stability even when the charging voltage is high. For example, even at a charging voltage at which the positive electrode active material 100C becomes H1-3 type crystal structure, for example, a voltage of about 4.6V with respect to the potential of lithium metal, the positive electrode active material 904 includes a region capable of maintaining the charging voltage of R-3m (O3) crystal structure, and also includes a region capable of maintaining the pseudo-spinel type crystal structure at a region of higher charging voltage, for example, a voltage of about 4.65V to 4.7V with respect to the potential of lithium metal. When the charging voltage is further increased, there is a case where H1-3 type crystallization is observed. For example, in the case of using graphite as the negative electrode active material of a secondary battery, the negative electrode active material includes a region capable of maintaining a charge voltage of a crystal structure of R-3m (O3) even at a voltage of the secondary battery of 4.3V or more and 4.5V or less, and also includes a region capable of maintaining a pseudospinel crystal structure at a higher charge voltage, for example, at a voltage of 4.35V or more and 4.55V or less with respect to the potential of lithium metal.

Thus, the crystal structure of the positive electrode active material 904 is not easily collapsed even if charge and discharge are repeated at a high voltage.

The coordinates of cobalt and oxygen in a unit cell of a pseudospinel crystal structure can be represented by Co (0, 0, 0.5) and O (0, 0, x) (0.20. ltoreq. x.ltoreq.0.25), respectively.

In CoO₂The interlayer, i.e. the small amount of magnesium present irregularly at the lithium sites, has a CoO inhibiting effect₂The effect of the deflection of the layer. Thereby when in CoO₂A pseudospinel crystal structure is readily obtained when magnesium is present between the layers. Therefore, magnesium is preferably distributed throughout the particles of the positive electrode active material 100A-1. In order to distribute magnesium throughout the particles, it is preferable to perform a heat treatment in the production process of the positive electrode active material 100A-1.

However, when the temperature of the heat treatment is too high, cation mixing (cation mixing) occurs, and the possibility of magnesium entering the cobalt site increases. When magnesium is present at the cobalt site, it does not have the effect of retaining R-3 m. Further, when the heat treatment temperature is too high, cobalt may be reduced to have a valence of 2, and lithium may be evaporated.

Therefore, it is preferable to add a halogen compound such as a fluorine compound to the lithium cobaltate before performing a heating treatment for distributing magnesium throughout the entire particle. The melting point of lithium cobaltate was lowered by adding the halogen compound. By lowering the melting point, magnesium can be easily distributed throughout the particles at a temperature at which cation-mixing is less likely to occur. When a fluorine compound is also present, it is expected to improve corrosion resistance against hydrofluoric acid generated by decomposition of the electrolyte.

Note that when the magnesium concentration is higher than a desired value, the effect of stabilizing the crystal structure may be reduced. This is because magnesium enters not only lithium sites but also cobalt sites. The atomic number of magnesium contained in the positive electrode active material produced according to one embodiment of the present invention is preferably 0.001 times or more and 0.1 times or less, more preferably more than 0.01 times and less than 0.04 times, and still more preferably about 0.02 times the atomic number of cobalt. The concentration of magnesium shown here may be a value obtained by elemental analysis of the entire particles of the positive electrode active material using ICP-MS or the like, or a value obtained from mixing of raw materials in the production process of the positive electrode active material, for example.

The atomic number of nickel contained in the positive electrode active material 904 is preferably 7.5% or less, more preferably 0.05% or more and 4% or less, and further preferably 0.1% or more and 2% or less of the atomic number of cobalt. The concentration of nickel shown here may be a value obtained from elemental analysis of the entire particles of the positive electrode active material using ICP-MS or the like, or a value obtained from mixing of raw materials in the production process of the positive electrode active material, for example.

< particle diameter >

When the particle diameter of the positive electrode active material 904 is too large, the following problems occur: diffusion of lithium becomes difficult; the surface of the active material layer is excessively rough when coated on the current collector. On the other hand, when the particle diameter of the positive electrode active material is too small, the following problems occur: the active material layer is not easy to be supported when the current collector is coated; excessive reaction with the electrolyte, etc. Therefore, the average particle diameter (D50: median diameter) is preferably 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, more preferably 2 μm or more and 40 μm or less, and still more preferably 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

< analytical method >

In order to determine whether or not a certain positive electrode active material shows a pseudo-spinel crystal structure when charged at a high voltage, the positive electrode charged at a high voltage may be determined by analysis using XRD, electron diffraction, neutron diffraction, Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), or the like. In particular, XRD has the following advantages, and is therefore preferable: the symmetry of the transition metal such as cobalt contained in the positive electrode active material can be analyzed with high resolution; the degree of crystallinity can be compared with the orientation of the crystals; the periodic distortion and the grain size of the crystal lattice can be analyzed; sufficient accuracy and the like can be obtained also when the positive electrode obtained by disassembling the secondary battery is directly measured.

As described above, the positive electrode active material 904 is characterized in that: the crystal structure between the high-voltage charged state and the discharged state is less changed. A material having a crystal structure which largely changes between charging and discharging at high voltage of 50 wt% or more is not preferable because it cannot withstand high-voltage charging and discharging. Note that a desired crystal structure may not be achieved only by adding an impurity element. For example, a positive electrode active material of lithium cobaltate containing magnesium and fluorine may have a pseudospinel crystal structure of 60 wt% or more, and may have an H1-3 crystal structure of 50 wt% or more, in a state of being charged at a high voltage. Further, the pseudospinel crystal structure becomes almost 100 wt% when a predetermined voltage is applied, and the H1-3 type crystal structure is sometimes generated when the predetermined voltage is further increased. Thus, the crystal structure of the positive electrode active material 904 is preferably analyzed by XRD or the like.

However, the crystal structure of the positive electrode active material in a high-voltage charged state or discharged state may change when exposed to air. For example, the crystal structure is sometimes changed from a pseudospinel type crystal structure to an H1-3 type crystal structure. Therefore, all samples are preferably treated in an inert atmosphere including an argon atmosphere or the like.

< Positive electrode active Material 100C of comparative example >

The positive electrode active material 100C shown in fig. 10 is lithium cobaltate (LiCoO) to which no halogen or magnesium is added in the production method described later₂). As described in non-patent document 1, non-patent document 2, and the like, the crystal structure of the lithium cobaltate shown in fig. 10 changes depending on the charging depth.

As shown in FIG. 10, lithium cobaltate whose charge depth is 0 (discharge state) includes a region having a crystal structure of space group R-3m and includes three CoO's in a unit cell₂And (3) a layer. This crystal structure is sometimes referred to as O3 type crystal structure. Note that CoO₂The layer is a structure in which an octahedral structure formed by cobalt and six coordinated oxygens maintains a state in which ridges are shared on one plane.

When the depth of charge is 1, has a crystal structure of space group P-3m1, and the unit cell comprises a CoO₂And (3) a layer. This crystal structure is sometimes referred to as O1 type crystal structure.

When the charging depth is about 0.88, lithium cobaltateHas a crystal structure of space group R-3 m. The structure can also be said to be a CoO such as P-3m1(O1)₂LiCoO with a structure similar to that of R-3m (O3)₂The structures are alternately stacked. Thus, this crystal structure is sometimes referred to as H1-3 type crystal structure. In fact, the number of cobalt atoms in the unit cell of the H1-3 type crystal structure is 2 times that of other structures. However, as shown in fig. 10 and the like, in the present specification, the c-axis in the H1-3 type crystal structure is represented as 1/2 in the unit cell for easy comparison with other structures.

As an example of the H1-3 type crystal structure, as disclosed in non-patent document 3, the coordinates of cobalt and oxygen in a unit cell may be represented by Co (O, O, 0.42150. + -. 0.00016) or O₁(O，O，0.27671±0.00045)、O₂(O, O, 0.11535. + -. 0.00045). O is₁And O₂Are all oxygen atoms. As such, the H1-3 type crystal structure is represented by a unit cell using one cobalt and two oxygen. On the other hand, as described below, it is preferable to represent the pseudospinel crystal structure according to one embodiment of the present invention in a unit cell using one cobalt and one oxygen. This indicates that the pseudospinel crystal structure differs from the H1-3 type crystal structure in the symmetry of cobalt and oxygen, and that the pseudospinel crystal structure changes less from the O3 structure than the H1-3 type crystal structure. For example, any unit cell may be selected so as to more suitably express the crystal structure of the positive electrode active material under the condition that the value of GOF (goodness of fit) in the rietveld analysis of the XRD pattern is as small as possible.

When charging and discharging are repeated at a high voltage at which the charging voltage is 4.6V or more with respect to the redox potential of lithium metal or at a deep depth at which the charging depth is 0.8 or more, the crystal structure of lithium cobaltate is repeatedly changed (i.e., nonequilibrium phase transition) between the H1-3 type crystal structure and the R-3m (O3) crystal structure in a discharged state.

However, CoO of the above two crystal structures₂The deviation of the layer is large. As shown by the dotted line and arrow in FIG. 10, CoO is present in the H1-3 crystal structure₂The layers deviate significantly from R-3m (O3). Such dynamic structural changes can contribute to the stability of the crystalline structureAdverse effects.

Also, the volume difference is large. The difference in volume between the H1-3 type crystal structure and the O3 type crystal structure in a discharged state is 3.0% or more per the same number of cobalt atoms.

In addition to the above, the H1-3 type crystal structure has a CoO such as P-3m1(O1)₂The possibility of the structure of the layer continuity being unstable is high.

As a result, the crystal structure of lithium cobaltate collapses when high-voltage charge and discharge are repeated. And collapse of the crystal structure causes deterioration of cycle characteristics. This is because the sites where lithium can stably exist are reduced due to collapse of the crystal structure, and insertion and desorption of lithium become difficult.

This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with other embodiments.

(embodiment mode 4)

In this embodiment, an example of a material that can be used for a secondary battery including a positive electrode active material produced by a production method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a secondary battery in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte are surrounded by an exterior body will be described as an example.

[ Positive electrode ]

The positive electrode includes a positive electrode active material layer and a positive electrode current collector.

< Positive electrode active Material layer >

The positive electrode active material layer contains positive electrode active material particles. The positive electrode active material layer may further contain a conductive auxiliary and a binder.

As the conductive aid, a carbon material, a metal material, a conductive ceramic material, or the like can be used. Further, as the conductive aid, a fibrous material may be used. The content of the conductive aid in the total amount of the active material layer is preferably 1 wt% or more and 10 wt% or less, more preferably 1 wt% or more and 5 wt% or less.

By using a conductive aid, a conductive network can be formed in the electrode. By using the conductive auxiliary agent, a conductive path between the positive electrode active materials can be maintained. By adding a conductive aid to the active material layer, an active material layer having high conductivity can be realized.

As the conductive aid, for example, natural graphite, artificial graphite such as mesocarbon microbeads, carbon fibers, or the like can be used. As the carbon fibers, for example, carbon fibers such as mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers and isotropic pitch-based carbon fibers can be used. As the carbon fiber, carbon nanofiber, carbon nanotube, or the like can be used. For example, carbon nanotubes can be produced by a vapor phase growth method or the like. As the conductive assistant, for example, carbon black (acetylene black (AB), etc.), graphite (black lead) particles, and carbon materials such as graphene and fullerene can be used. For example, metal powder, metal fiber, or conductive ceramic material of copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, or gold can be used.

Further, a graphene compound may be used as the conductive aid.

Graphene compounds sometimes have excellent electrical characteristics such as high conductivity and excellent physical characteristics such as high flexibility and high mechanical strength. In addition, the graphene compound has a planar shape. The graphene compound can form an area contact having low contact resistance. Since graphene compounds sometimes have very high conductivity even when they are thin, conductive paths can be efficiently formed in a small amount in an active material layer. Therefore, the graphene compound is preferably used as a conductive auxiliary agent because the contact area between the active material and the conductive auxiliary agent can be increased. Further, the use of a graphene compound as a conductive aid is preferable because the resistance can be reduced in some cases. Here, it is particularly preferable to use Graphene, multilayer Graphene, or Reduced Graphene Oxide (hereinafter, RGO) as the Graphene compound. Herein, RGO refers to, for example, a compound obtained by reducing Graphene Oxide (GO).

When active material particles having a small particle diameter, for example, active material particles having a particle diameter of 1 μm or less are used, the active material particles have a large specific surface area, and therefore, a large number of conductive paths for connecting the active material particles are required. In this case, it is particularly preferable that: a graphene compound capable of efficiently forming a conductive path even in a small amount is used.

Hereinafter, an example of the cross-sectional structure of the active material layer 200 containing a graphene compound as a conductive auxiliary is described as an example.

Fig. 11A is a longitudinal sectional view of the active material layer 200. In addition, fig. 11B is an enlarged view of an area surrounded by a dashed-dotted line in fig. 11A. The active material layer 200 includes a particulate positive electrode active material 101, a graphene compound 201 serving as a conductive auxiliary, and a binder (not shown). Here, as the graphene compound 201, for example, graphene or multilayer graphene can be used. Further, the graphene compound 201 preferably has a sheet shape. The graphene compound 201 may be formed in a sheet shape in such a manner that a plurality of multi-layer graphene or (and) a plurality of single-layer graphene partially overlap.

In a longitudinal cross section of the active material layer 200, as shown in fig. 11A, the graphene compound 201 in a sheet form is substantially uniformly dispersed inside the active material layer 200. In fig. 11A, the graphene compound 201 is schematically shown by a thick line, but the graphene compound 201 is actually a thin film having a thickness of a single layer or a plurality of layers of carbon molecules. Since the plurality of graphene compounds 201 are formed so as to wrap or cover the plurality of particulate positive electrode active materials 101 or so as to be attached to the surfaces of the plurality of particulate positive electrode active materials 101, the graphene compounds 201 are in surface contact with the positive electrode active materials 101.

Here, a plurality of graphene compounds are bonded to each other to form a graphene compound sheet in a network shape (hereinafter referred to as a graphene compound network or graphene network). When the graphene net covers the active materials, the graphene net may be used as a binder to bond the active materials to each other. Therefore, the amount of the binder can be reduced or the binder does not need to be used, whereby the proportion of the active material in the volume of the electrode or the weight of the electrode can be increased. That is, the capacity of the power storage device can be increased.

Here, it is preferable that graphene oxide be used as the graphene compound 201, and the graphene oxide and the active material be mixed to form a layer to be the active material layer 200, followed by reduction. By using graphene oxide having extremely high dispersibility in a polar solvent in the formation of the graphene compound 201, the graphene compound 201 can be substantially uniformly dispersed in the active material layer 200. The solvent is removed from the dispersion medium containing uniformly dispersed graphene oxide, and the graphene oxide is reduced, so that graphene compounds 201 remaining in the active material layer 200 are partially overlapped with each other to be dispersed in a manner of forming surface contact, whereby a three-dimensional conductive path can be formed. The reduction of graphene oxide may be performed by, for example, heat treatment or using a reducing agent.

Therefore, unlike a granular conductive aid such as acetylene black, which is in point contact with the active material, the graphene compound 201 can be in surface contact with low contact resistance, and therefore, the conductivity between the granular positive electrode active material 101 and the graphene compound 201 can be improved with the graphene compound 201 being smaller than that of a general conductive aid. Therefore, the ratio occupied by the positive electrode active material 101 in the active material layer 200 can be increased. Thereby, the discharge capacity of the power storage device can be increased.

As the adhesive, for example, a rubber material such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), styrene-isoprene-styrene rubber (styrene-isoprene-styrene rubber), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber (butadiene rubber), or ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer is preferably used. Fluororubbers may also be used as the adhesive.

In addition, as the binder, for example, a water-soluble polymer is preferably used. Examples of the water-soluble polymer include polysaccharides. As the polysaccharide, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, diacetyl cellulose, and regenerated cellulose, starch, and the like can be used. These water-soluble polymers and the above-mentioned rubber materials are more preferably used in combination.

Alternatively, materials such as polystyrene, polymethyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, sodium polyacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polypropylene oxide, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), ethylene propylene diene monomer, polyvinyl acetate, and cellulose nitrate are preferably used as the binder.

As the binder, a plurality of the above materials may be used in combination.

For example, a material having a particularly high viscosity-adjusting function may be used in combination with another material. For example, although a rubber material or the like has high cohesive force and high elasticity, it is sometimes difficult to adjust the viscosity when mixed in a solvent. In such a case, for example, it is preferable to mix with a material having a particularly high viscosity-adjusting function. As the material having a particularly high viscosity-adjusting function, for example, a water-soluble polymer can be used. The polysaccharide can be used as a water-soluble polymer having a particularly good viscosity-controlling function, and examples thereof include cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, diacetyl cellulose, and regenerated cellulose, and starch.

Note that when a cellulose derivative such as carboxymethyl cellulose is converted to a salt such as a sodium salt or an ammonium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, the solubility is improved, and the effect as a viscosity modifier is easily exhibited. Since the solubility is increased, the dispersibility of the active material with other components can be improved when forming a slurry for an electrode. In the present specification, cellulose and cellulose derivatives used as a binder of an electrode include salts thereof.

By dissolving the water-soluble polymer in water to stabilize the viscosity, the active material and other materials used as a binder combination, for example, styrene butadiene rubber, can be stably dispersed in an aqueous solution. Since the water-soluble polymer has a functional group, it is expected that the water-soluble polymer is easily and stably attached to the surface of the active material. Cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose often have a functional group such as a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group. Since the polymer has a functional group, the polymer is expected to interact with each other to widely cover the surface of the active material.

When the adhesive covering or contacting the surface of the active material forms a film, it is also expected to be used as a passive film to exert an effect of suppressing decomposition of the electrolytic solution. Here, the passive film is a film having no electron conductivity or extremely low conductivity, and for example, when the passive film is formed on the surface of an active material, decomposition of an electrolyte at a battery reaction potential is suppressed. More preferably, the passive film is capable of transmitting lithium ions while suppressing conductivity.

< Positive electrode Current collector >

As the positive electrode current collector, a highly conductive material such as a metal, e.g., stainless steel, gold, platinum, aluminum, or titanium, or an alloy thereof can be used. In addition, the material for the positive electrode current collector is preferably not dissolved by the potential of the positive electrode. Further, an aluminum alloy to which an element for improving heat resistance, such as silicon, titanium, neodymium, scandium, or molybdenum, is added may be used. Alternatively, the metal element may be formed using a metal element which reacts with silicon to form silicide. Examples of the metal element that reacts with silicon to form a silicide include zirconium, titanium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, and nickel. The current collector may suitably have a shape of foil, plate (sheet), mesh, punched metal mesh, drawn metal mesh, or the like. The thickness of the current collector is preferably 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

[ negative electrode ]

The negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material layer and a negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may also contain a conductive assistant and a binder.

< negative electrode active Material >

As the negative electrode active material, for example, an alloy-based material, a carbon-based material, or the like can be used.

As the negative electrode active material, an element capable of undergoing charge-discharge reaction by alloying/dealloying reaction with lithium can be used. For example, a material containing at least one of silicon, tin, gallium, aluminum, germanium, lead, antimony, bismuth, silver, zinc, cadmium, indium, and the like can be used. The capacity of this element is greater than that of carbon, and in particular, the theoretical capacity of silicon is greater, being 4200 mAh/g. Therefore, silicon is preferably used for the negative electrode active material. In addition, compounds containing these elements may also be used. Examples thereof include SiO and Mg₂Si、Mg₂Ge、SnO、SnO₂、Mg₂Sn、SnS₂、V₂Sn₃、FeSn₂、CoSn₂、Ni₃Sn₂、Cu₆Sn₅、Ag₃Sn、Ag₃Sb、Ni₂MnSb、CeSb₃、LaSn₃、La₃Co₂Sn₇、CoSb₃InSb, SbSn, and the like. An element capable of undergoing a charge-discharge reaction by an alloying/dealloying reaction with lithium, a compound containing the element, or the like may be referred to as an alloy material.

In this specification and the like, SiO means, for example, SiO. Or SiO can also be expressed as SiO_x. Here, x preferably represents a value of 1 or a vicinity thereof. For example, x is preferably 0.2 or more and 1.5 or less, and more preferably 0.3 or more and 1.2 or less.

As the carbon-based material, graphite, easily graphitizable carbon (soft carbon), hardly graphitizable carbon (hard carbon), carbon nanotube, graphene, carbon black, or the like can be used.

Examples of the graphite include artificial graphite and natural graphite. Examples of the artificial graphite include mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB), coke-based artificial graphite (coke-based artificial graphite), pitch-based artificial graphite (pitch-based artificial graphite), and the like. Here, spherical graphite having a spherical shape can be used as the artificial graphite. For example, MCMB may have a spherical shape, and is therefore preferable. MCMB is sometimes preferred because it is relatively easy to reduce its surface area. Examples of the natural graphite include flake graphite and spheroidized natural graphite.

When lithium ions are intercalated in graphite (upon formation of a lithium-graphite intercalation compound), graphite shows a low potential (vs. Li/Li of 0.05V or more and 0.3V or less) similar to that of lithium metal⁺). Thus, the lithium ion secondary battery can show a high operating voltage. Graphite also has the following advantages: the capacity per unit volume is large; the volume expansion is small; is cheaper; it is preferable because it is more safe than lithium metal.

In addition, as the anode active material, an oxide such as titanium dioxide (TiO) may be used₂) Lithium titanium oxide (Li)₄Ti₅O₁₂) Lithium-graphite intercalationCompound (Li)_xC₆) Niobium pentoxide (Nb)₂O₅) Tungsten oxide (WO)₂) Molybdenum oxide (MoO)₂) And the like.

In addition, as the negative electrode active material, Li having a nitride containing lithium and a transition metal may be used₃Li of N-type structure_3-xM_xN (M ═ Co, Ni, Cu). For example, Li_2.6Co_0.4N₃Show a large charge and discharge capacity (900mAh/g, 1890 mAh/cm)³) And is therefore preferred.

When a nitride containing lithium and a transition metal is used as the negative electrode active material, lithium ions are contained in the negative electrode active material, and therefore the negative electrode active material can be used together with V used as the positive electrode active material₂O₅、Cr₃O₈And the like, which do not contain lithium ions, are preferable. Note that when a material containing lithium ions is used as the positive electrode active material, lithium ions contained in the positive electrode active material are desorbed in advance, and as the negative electrode active material, a nitride containing lithium and a transition metal may also be used.

In addition, a material that causes a conversion reaction may also be used for the anode active material. For example, a transition metal oxide that does not form an alloy with lithium, such as cobalt oxide (CoO), nickel oxide (NiO), or iron oxide (FeO), is used for the negative electrode active material. Examples of the material causing the conversion reaction include Fe₂O₃、CuO、Cu₂O、RuO₂、Cr₂O₃Isooxide, CoS_0.89Sulfides such as NiS and CuS, and Zn₃N₂、Cu₃N、Ge₃N₄Iso-nitrides, NiP₂、FeP₂、CoP₃Isophosphide, FeF₃、BiF₃And the like.

As the conductive aid and the binder that can be contained in the negative electrode active material layer, the same materials as those that can be contained in the positive electrode active material layer can be used.

< negative electrode Current collector >

As the negative electrode current collector, the same material as that of the positive electrode current collector can be used. In addition, as the negative electrode current collector, a material that does not form an alloy with a carrier ion such as lithium is preferably used.

[ electrolyte ]

The electrolyte solution includes a solvent and an electrolyte. As the solvent of the electrolytic solution, an aprotic organic solvent is preferably used, and for example, one of Ethylene Carbonate (EC), Propylene Carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate, chloroethylene carbonate, vinylene carbonate, γ -butyrolactone, γ -valerolactone, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), Ethyl Methyl Carbonate (EMC), methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, methyl butyrate, 1, 3-dioxane, 1, 4-dioxane, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DME), dimethyl sulfoxide, diethyl ether, methyl diglyme (methyl diglyme), acetonitrile, benzonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, sulfolane, sultone, and the like can be used, or two or more of the above can be used in any combination and ratio.

Further, by using one or more kinds of ionic liquids (room-temperature molten salts) having flame retardancy and low volatility as a solvent of the electrolyte solution, it is possible to prevent the electrical storage device from breaking or firing even if the internal temperature of the electrical storage device rises due to internal short-circuiting, overcharge, or the like. The ionic liquid is composed of cations and anions, and comprises organic cations and anions. Examples of the organic cation used in the electrolyte solution include aliphatic onium cations such as quaternary ammonium cation, tertiary sulfonium cation and quaternary phosphonium cation, and aromatic cations such as imidazolium cation and pyridinium cation. Examples of the anion used in the electrolyte solution include a 1-valent amide anion, a 1-valent methide anion, a fluorosulfonic acid anion, a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid anion, a tetrafluoroboric acid anion, a perfluoroalkylboric acid anion, a hexafluorophosphoric acid anion, a perfluoroalkylphosphoric acid anion, and the like.

As the electrolyte dissolved in the solvent, for example, LiPF can be used₆、LiClO₄、LiAsF₆、LiBF₄、LiAlCl₄、LiSCN、LiBr、LiI、Li₂SO₄、Li₂B₁₀Cl₁₀、Li₂B₁₂Cl₁₂、LiCF₃SO₃、LiC₄F₉SO₃、LiC(CF₃SO₂)₃、LiC(C₂F₅SO₂)₃、LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂、LiN(C₄F₉SO₂)(CF₃SO₂)、LiN(C₂F₅SO₂)₂And the like, or two or more of the foregoing may be used in any combination and ratio.

As the electrolyte used in the power storage device, a high-purity electrolyte having a small content of particulate dust or elements other than constituent elements of the electrolyte (hereinafter, simply referred to as "impurities") is preferably used. Specifically, the ratio of the impurities in the electrolyte solution is 1% or less, preferably 0.1% or less, and more preferably 0.01% or less.

In addition, additives such as a dinitrile compound, for example, vinylene carbonate, Propane Sultone (PS), tert-butyl benzene (TBB), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), lithium bis oxalato borate (LiBOB), succinonitrile, adiponitrile, and the like may be added to the electrolyte solution. The concentration of the additive may be set to 0.1 wt% or more and 5 wt% or less in the entire solvent, for example.

Further, a polymer gel electrolyte in which a polymer is swollen with an electrolyte solution may be used.

When a polymer gel electrolyte is used, safety against liquid leakage and the like is improved. In addition, the secondary battery can be made thinner and lighter.

As the gelled polymer, silicone gel, acrylic gel, acrylonitrile gel, polyoxyethylene gel, polyoxypropylene gel, fluorine-based polymer gel, or the like can be used. For example, a polymer having a polyoxyalkylene structure such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), PVDF, polyacrylonitrile, or the like, and a copolymer containing these can be used. For example, PVDF-HFP, which is a copolymer of PVDF and Hexafluoropropylene (HFP), may be used. In addition, the polymer formed may also have a porous shape.

In addition, a solid electrolyte containing an inorganic material such as a sulfide or an oxide, or a solid electrolyte containing a polymer material such as PEO (polyethylene oxide) may be used instead of the electrolytic solution. When a solid electrolyte is used, a separator or a spacer does not need to be provided. Further, since the entire battery can be solidified, there is no fear of leakage, and safety is remarkably improved.

Therefore, the positive electrode active material produced by the production method according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an all-solid-state battery. By applying the positive electrode active material to an all-solid-state battery, an all-solid-state battery having high safety and excellent characteristics can be obtained.

This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with other embodiments.

(embodiment 5)

In this embodiment, an example of the shape of a secondary battery including the positive electrode active material manufactured by the manufacturing method described in the above embodiment will be described. The materials used for the secondary battery described in this embodiment can be referred to the description of the above embodiments.

[ coin-type secondary battery ]

First, an example of the coin-type secondary battery is explained. Fig. 12A is an external view of a coin-type (single-layer flat-type) secondary battery, and fig. 12B is a sectional view thereof.

In the coin-type secondary battery 300, a positive electrode can 301 also serving as a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode can 302 also serving as a negative electrode terminal are insulated and sealed by a gasket 303 formed using polypropylene or the like. The positive electrode 304 is formed of a positive electrode current collector 305 and a positive electrode active material layer 306 provided in contact therewith. The anode 307 is formed of an anode current collector 308 and an anode active material layer 309 provided in contact therewith.

In the positive electrode 304 and the negative electrode 307 used for the coin-type secondary battery 300, active material layers may be formed on one surface of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively.

As the positive electrode can 301 and the negative electrode can 302, a metal having corrosion resistance to the electrolyte, such as nickel, aluminum, and titanium, an alloy thereof, or an alloy thereof with another metal (for example, stainless steel) can be used. In order to prevent corrosion by the electrolyte, it is preferable that the positive electrode can 301 and the negative electrode can 302 be covered with nickel, aluminum, or the like. The positive electrode can 301 is electrically connected to a positive electrode 304, and the negative electrode can 302 is electrically connected to a negative electrode 307.

The cathode 307, the cathode 304, and the separator 310 are impregnated with the electrolyte, and as shown in fig. 12B, the cathode 304, the separator 310, the anode 307, and the cathode can 302 are stacked in this order with the cathode can 301 disposed below, and the cathode can 301 and the cathode can 302 are pressed together with the gasket 303 interposed therebetween, thereby manufacturing the coin-type secondary battery 300.

By using the positive electrode active material particles described in the above embodiment for the positive electrode 304, the coin-type secondary battery 300 with less deterioration and high safety can be realized.

[ separator ]

In addition, the secondary battery preferably includes a separator. As the separator, for example, the following materials can be used: cellulose-containing fibers such as paper, nonwoven fabrics, glass fibers, ceramics, synthetic fibers including nylon (polyamide), vinylon (polyvinyl alcohol fibers), polyester, acrylic resin, polyolefin, and polyurethane, and the like. The separator is preferably processed into a bag shape and disposed so as to surround either one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

The separator may have a multilayer structure. For example, a ceramic material, a fluorine material, a polyamide material, or a mixture thereof may be coated on a film of an organic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. As the ceramic material, for example, alumina particles, silica particles, or the like can be used. As the fluorine-based material, PVDF, polytetrafluoroethylene, or the like can be used, for example. As the polyamide-based material, for example, nylon, aramid (meta-aramid, para-aramid), or the like can be used.

The ceramic material is coated to improve oxidation resistance, thereby suppressing deterioration of the separator during high-voltage charge and discharge, and improving reliability of the secondary battery. By applying the fluorine-based material, the separator and the electrode can be easily brought into close contact with each other, and the output characteristics can be improved. The heat resistance can be improved by coating a polyamide-based material (particularly, aramid), whereby the safety of the secondary battery can be improved.

For example, a polypropylene film may be coated on both sides with a mixed material of alumina and aramid. Alternatively, the surface of the polypropylene film in contact with the positive electrode may be coated with a mixed material of alumina and aramid, and the surface in contact with the negative electrode may be coated with a fluorine-based material.

The safety of the secondary battery can be ensured by using the separators of the multilayer structure even if the total thickness of the separators is small, and thus the capacity per unit volume of the secondary battery can be increased.

[ cylindrical Secondary Battery ]

Next, an example of the cylindrical secondary battery will be described with reference to fig. 13A to 13D. As shown in fig. 13A and 13B, the cylindrical secondary battery 600 has a positive electrode cover (battery cover) 601 on the top surface and a battery can (outer can) 602 on the side surface and the bottom surface. The positive electrode cover is insulated from the battery can (outer can) 602 by a gasket (insulating gasket) 610.

Fig. 13B is a view schematically showing a cross section of the cylindrical secondary battery. Inside the hollow cylindrical battery can 602, a battery element in which a strip-shaped positive electrode 604 and a strip-shaped negative electrode 606 are wound with a separator 605 interposed therebetween is provided. Although not shown, the battery element is wound around a center pin. One end of the battery can 602 is closed and the other end is open. As the battery can 602, a metal such as nickel, aluminum, or titanium, an alloy thereof, or an alloy thereof with other metals (e.g., stainless steel) having corrosion resistance to an electrolyte can be used. In addition, in order to prevent corrosion by the electrolyte, the battery can 602 is preferably covered with nickel, aluminum, or the like. Inside the battery can 602, the battery element in which the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator are wound is sandwiched between a pair of insulating plates 608 and 609 that face each other. A nonaqueous electrolytic solution (not shown) is injected into the battery case 602 provided with the battery element. As the nonaqueous electrolytic solution, the same electrolytic solution as that of the coin-type secondary battery can be used.

Since the positive electrode and the negative electrode for the cylindrical secondary battery are wound, the active material is preferably formed on both surfaces of the current collector. The positive pole 604 is connected to a positive terminal (positive current collecting wire) 603, and the negative pole 606 is connected to a negative terminal (negative current collecting wire)Wires) 607. A metal material such as aluminum can be used for both the positive electrode terminal 603 and the negative electrode terminal 607. The positive terminal 603 is resistance welded to the safety valve mechanism 612, and the negative terminal 607 is resistance welded to the bottom of the battery can 602. The safety valve mechanism 612 and the Positive electrode cap 601 are electrically connected by a PTC element (Positive Temperature Coefficient) 611. When the internal pressure of the battery rises to exceed a predetermined threshold value, the safety valve mechanism 612 cuts off the electrical connection between the positive electrode cover 601 and the positive electrode 604. In addition, the PTC element 611 is a heat sensitive resistance element whose resistance increases at the time of temperature rise, and limits the amount of current by the increase of resistance to prevent abnormal heat generation. As the PTC element, barium titanate (BaTiO) can be used₃) Quasi-semiconductor ceramics, and the like.

As shown in fig. 13C, a plurality of secondary batteries 600 may be sandwiched between a conductive plate 613 and a conductive plate 614 to form a module 615. The plurality of secondary batteries 600 may be connected in parallel, connected in series, or connected in parallel and then connected in series. By constituting the module 615 including a plurality of secondary batteries 600, it is possible to extract a large electric power.

Fig. 13D is a top view of module 615. For clarity, the conductive plate 613 is shown in dashed lines. As shown in fig. 13D, the module 615 may include a lead 616 that electrically connects the plurality of secondary batteries 600. The conductive plate 613 may be provided on the conductive line 616 in such a manner as to overlap with the conductive line 616. Further, temperature control device 617 may be provided between the plurality of secondary batteries 600. When secondary battery 600 is overheated, it may be cooled by temperature control device 617, and when secondary battery 600 is overcooled, it may be heated by temperature control device 617. The performance of the module 615 is thus not easily affected by the outside air temperature.

By using the positive electrode active material produced by the production method described in the above embodiment as the positive electrode 604, a cylindrical secondary battery 600 with less deterioration and high safety can be realized.

[ example of Structure of Power storage device ]

Other configuration examples of the power storage device will be described with reference to fig. 14 to 18.

Fig. 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating the external appearance of the power storage device. The power storage device includes a circuit board 900 and a secondary battery 913. A label 910 is attached to the secondary battery 913. As shown in fig. 14B, the power storage device includes terminals 951 and 952, and antennas 914 and 915.

Circuit board 900 includes terminals 911 and circuitry 912. The terminal 911 is connected to the terminal 951, the terminal 952, the antenna 914, the antenna 915, and the circuit 912. Further, a plurality of terminals 911 may be provided, and the plurality of terminals 911 may be used as a control signal input terminal, a power supply terminal, and the like, respectively.

Circuit 912 may also be disposed on the back side of circuit board 900. The shapes of the antenna 914 and the antenna 915 are not limited to the coil shape, and may be, for example, a linear shape or a plate shape. Further, antennas such as a planar antenna, a caliber antenna, a traveling wave antenna, an EH antenna, a magnetic field antenna, and a dielectric antenna may be used. Alternatively, the antenna 914 or the antenna 915 may be a flat plate-shaped conductor. The flat plate-like conductor may also be used as one of the conductors for electric field coupling. In other words, the antenna 914 or the antenna 915 can be used as one of two conductors of the capacitor. This allows electric power to be exchanged not only by electromagnetic and magnetic fields but also by electric fields.

The line width of antenna 914 is preferably greater than the line width of antenna 915. This can increase the amount of power received by the antenna 914.

The power storage device includes a layer 916 between the antenna 914 and the antenna 915 and the secondary battery 913. The layer 916 has a function of shielding an electromagnetic field from the secondary battery 913, for example. As the layer 916, for example, a magnetic material can be used.

The structure of the power storage device is not limited to the structure shown in fig. 14.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 15A and 15B, different antennas are provided on a pair of opposing surfaces of the secondary battery 913 shown in fig. 14A and 14B, respectively. Fig. 15A is an external view showing a side view of one of the pair of surfaces, and fig. 15B is an external view showing a side view of the other of the pair of surfaces. Note that the same portions as those of the power storage device shown in fig. 14A and 14B can be appropriately explained with reference to the power storage device shown in fig. 14A and 14B.

As shown in fig. 15A, an antenna 914 is provided on one of a pair of surfaces of the secondary battery 913 with a layer 916 interposed therebetween, and as shown in fig. 15B, an antenna 915 is provided on the other of the pair of surfaces of the secondary battery 913 with a layer 917 interposed therebetween. The layer 917 has a function of shielding an electromagnetic field from the secondary battery 913, for example. As the layer 917, a magnetic material can be used, for example.

With the above configuration, the sizes of both the antenna 914 and the antenna 915 can be increased.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 15C and 15D, different antennas are provided on a pair of opposing surfaces of the secondary battery 913 shown in fig. 14A and 14B, respectively. Fig. 15C is an external view showing a side view of one of the pair of surfaces, and fig. 15D is an external view showing a side view of the other of the pair of surfaces. Note that the same portions as those of the power storage device shown in fig. 14A and 14B can be appropriately explained with reference to the power storage device shown in fig. 14A and 14B.

As shown in fig. 15C, an antenna 914 and an antenna 915 are provided with a layer 916 interposed therebetween on one of a pair of surfaces of the secondary battery 913, and as shown in fig. 15D, an antenna 918 is provided with a layer 917 interposed therebetween on the other of the pair of surfaces of the secondary battery 913. The antenna 918 has a function of data communication with an external device, for example. As the antenna 918, for example, an antenna having a shape applied to the antenna 914 and the antenna 915 can be used. As a communication method between the power storage device and another device using the antenna 918, a response method or the like that can be used between the power storage device and another device, such as NFC, can be used.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 16A, a display device 920 may be provided on the secondary battery 913 shown in fig. 14A and 14B. The display device 920 is electrically connected to the terminal 911 through the terminal 919. Note that the label 910 may not be attached to a portion where the display device 920 is provided. Note that the same portions as those of the power storage device shown in fig. 14A and 14B can be appropriately applied to the description of the power storage device shown in fig. 14A and 14B.

The display device 920 may display, for example, an image showing whether or not charging is being performed, an image showing the amount of stored electricity, and the like. As the display device 920, for example, electronic paper, a liquid crystal display device, an electroluminescence (also referred to as EL) display device, or the like can be used. For example, power consumption of the display device 920 can be reduced by using electronic paper.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 16B, a sensor 921 may be provided in the secondary battery 913 shown in fig. 14A and 14B. The sensor 921 is electrically connected to the terminal 911 through the terminal 922. Note that the same portions as those of the power storage device shown in fig. 14A and 14B can be appropriately applied to the description of the power storage device shown in fig. 14A and 14B.

The sensor 921 may have a function of measuring, for example, the following factors: displacement, position, velocity, acceleration, angular velocity, number of rotations, distance, light, liquid, magnetism, temperature, chemical substance, sound, time, hardness, electric field, current, voltage, electric power, radiation, flow, humidity, slope, vibration, smell, or infrared. By providing the sensor 921, for example, data (temperature, etc.) indicating the environment in which the power storage device is provided can be detected and stored in a memory in the circuit 912.

Further, a configuration example of the secondary battery 913 will be described with reference to fig. 17 and 18.

The secondary battery 913 shown in fig. 17A includes a wound body 950 provided with terminals 951 and 952 inside a frame 930. The roll 950 is impregnated with an electrolyte solution inside the frame 930. The terminals 952 contact the frame 930, and the terminals 951 are prevented from contacting the frame 930 by an insulating material or the like. Note that although the frame body 930 is illustrated separately in fig. 17A for convenience, the wound body 950 is actually covered with the frame body 930, and the terminals 951 and 952 extend outside the frame body 930. As the frame 930, a metal material (e.g., aluminum) or a resin material can be used.

As shown in fig. 17B, the frame 930 shown in fig. 17A may be formed using a plurality of materials. For example, in the secondary battery 913 shown in fig. 17B, a frame 930a and a frame 930B are bonded, and a wound body 950 is provided in a region surrounded by the frame 930a and the frame 930B.

As the frame 930a, an insulating material such as an organic resin can be used. In particular, shielding of the electric field by the secondary battery 913 can be suppressed by using a material such as an organic resin for the surface on which the antenna is formed. Further, if the shielding of the electric field by the housing 930a is small, an antenna such as the antenna 914 or the antenna 915 may be provided inside the housing 930 a. As the frame 930b, for example, a metal material can be used.

Fig. 18 shows the structure of the roll 950. The wound body 950 includes a negative electrode 931, a positive electrode 932, and a separator 933. The wound body 950 is formed by stacking the negative electrode 931 and the positive electrode 932 on each other with the separator 933 interposed therebetween to form a laminate, and winding the laminate. Further, a stack of a plurality of negative electrodes 931, positive electrodes 932, and separators 933 may be further stacked.

The negative electrode 931 is connected to the terminal 911 shown in fig. 14 through one of the terminal 951 and the terminal 952. The positive electrode 932 is connected to the terminal 911 shown in fig. 14 through the other of the terminals 951 and 952.

By using the positive electrode active material particles described in the above embodiment for the positive electrode 932, it is possible to realize the secondary battery 913 with less deterioration and high safety.

[ laminated Secondary Battery ]

Next, an example of the laminate-type secondary battery will be described with reference to fig. 19 to 24. When the laminate-type secondary battery having flexibility is mounted in an electronic device having flexibility in at least a part thereof, the secondary battery may be bent along deformation of the electronic device.

A laminate type secondary battery 980 is explained with reference to fig. 19A to 19C. The laminate-type secondary battery 980 includes a wound body 993 shown in fig. 19A. The roll 993 includes a negative electrode 994, a positive electrode 995, and a separator 996. Similar to the wound body 950 described with reference to fig. 18, the wound body 993 is formed by stacking a negative electrode 994 and a positive electrode 995 on each other with a separator 996 interposed therebetween to form a laminate sheet, and winding the laminate sheet.

The number of stacked layers of negative electrode 994, positive electrode 995, and separator 996 can be appropriately designed according to the required capacity and element volume. The negative electrode 994 is connected to a negative current collector (not shown) via one of the lead electrode 997 and the lead electrode 998, and the positive electrode 995 is connected to a positive current collector (not shown) via the other of the lead electrode 997 and the lead electrode 998.

As shown in fig. 19B, the wound body 993 is accommodated in a space formed by bonding a film 981 to be an outer package and a film 982 having a concave portion by thermocompression bonding or the like, whereby a secondary battery 980 as shown in fig. 19C can be manufactured. The roll 993 includes a lead electrode 997 and a lead electrode 998, and is impregnated with an electrolyte solution inside the film 981 and the film 982 having the concave portion.

The film 981 and the film 982 having the concave portion are made of a metal material such as aluminum or a resin material. When a resin material is used as a material of the film 981 and the film 982 having the concave portion, the film 981 and the film 982 having the concave portion can be deformed when a force is applied from the outside, and a flexible secondary battery can be manufactured.

Further, an example using two films is shown in fig. 19B and 19C, but it is also possible to fold one film to form a space and to accommodate the above-described roll 993 in the space.

By using the positive electrode active material particles described in the above embodiments for the positive electrode 995, the secondary battery 980 with less deterioration and high safety can be realized.

Although fig. 19A to 19C show an example of the secondary battery 980 including a wound body in a space formed by a film to be an exterior body, a secondary battery including a plurality of rectangular positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes in a space formed by a film to be an exterior body as shown in fig. 20 may be used.

The laminated secondary battery 500 shown in fig. 20A includes: a positive electrode 503 including a positive electrode current collector 501 and a positive electrode active material layer 502; a negative electrode 506 including a negative electrode current collector 504 and a negative electrode active material layer 505; an insulator 507; an electrolyte 508; and an outer package 509. A separator 507 is provided between the positive electrode 503 and the negative electrode 506 provided in the exterior body 509. The outer package 509 is filled with an electrolyte 508. As the electrolytic solution 508, the electrolytic solution described in embodiment 2 can be used.

In the laminated secondary battery 500 shown in fig. 20A, the positive electrode current collector 501 and the negative electrode current collector 504 also serve as terminals that are electrically contacted with the outside. Therefore, a part of the positive electrode collector 501 and the negative electrode collector 504 may be exposed to the outside of the exterior body 509. The lead electrode is ultrasonically welded to the positive electrode current collector 501 or the negative electrode current collector 504 using a lead electrode, and the lead electrode is exposed to the outside of the exterior body 509 without exposing the positive electrode current collector 501 and the negative electrode current collector 504 to the outside of the exterior body 509.

In the laminate-type secondary battery 500, as the outer package 509, for example, a laminate film having the following three-layer structure can be used: a highly flexible metal thin film of aluminum, stainless steel, copper, nickel or the like is provided on a film made of a material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, ionomer, polyamide or the like, and an insulating synthetic resin thin film of polyamide resin, polyester resin or the like is provided on the metal thin film as an outer surface of the outer package.

Fig. 20B shows an example of a cross-sectional structure of the laminate type secondary battery 500. For the sake of simplicity, fig. 20A shows an example including two current collectors, but the battery actually includes a plurality of electrode layers.

One example in fig. 20B includes 16 electrode layers. In addition, the secondary battery 500 has flexibility even if 16 electrode layers are included. Fig. 20B shows a structure of a total of 16 layers of the negative electrode current collector 504 having 8 layers and the positive electrode current collector 501 having 8 layers. Fig. 20B shows a cross section of the extraction portion of the negative electrode, and the 8-layer negative electrode current collector 504 is subjected to ultrasonic welding. Of course, the number of electrode layers is not limited to 16, and may be more than 16 or less than 16. When the number of electrode layers is large, a secondary battery having a larger capacity can be manufactured. In addition, when the number of electrode layers is small, a secondary battery having excellent flexibility and capable of being thinned can be manufactured.

Here, fig. 21 and 22 show an example of an external view of the laminate type secondary battery 500. Fig. 21 and 22 include: a positive electrode 503; a negative electrode 506; an insulator 507; an outer package body 509; a positive electrode lead electrode 510; and a negative lead electrode 511.

Fig. 23A shows an external view of the positive electrode 503 and the negative electrode 506. The positive electrode 503 includes a positive electrode current collector 501, and a positive electrode active material layer 502 is formed on the surface of the positive electrode current collector 501. The positive electrode 503 has a region (hereinafter referred to as tab region) where a part of the positive electrode current collector 501 is exposed. The negative electrode 506 has a negative electrode current collector 504, and a negative electrode active material layer 505 is formed on the surface of the negative electrode current collector 504. The negative electrode 506 has a tab region, which is a region where a part of the negative electrode current collector 504 is exposed. The areas and shapes of the tab regions of the positive electrode and the negative electrode are not limited to the example shown in fig. 23A.

[ method for producing laminated Secondary Battery ]

Here, an example of a method for manufacturing a laminated secondary battery whose appearance is shown in fig. 21 will be described with reference to fig. 23B and 23C.

First, the negative electrode 506, the separator 507, and the positive electrode 503 are stacked. Fig. 23B shows the negative electrode 506, the separator 507, and the positive electrode 503 stacked. Here, an example using 5 sets of negative electrodes and 4 sets of positive electrodes is shown. Next, the tab regions of the positive electrodes 503 are joined to each other, and the positive electrode lead electrode 510 is joined to the tab region of the outermost positive electrode. For example, ultrasonic welding or the like can be used for bonding. Similarly, the tab regions of the negative electrodes 506 are joined to each other, and the negative lead electrode 511 is joined to the tab region of the outermost negative electrode.

Next, the negative electrode 506, the separator 507, and the positive electrode 503 are disposed on the exterior package 509.

Next, as shown in fig. 23C, the outer package 509 is folded along the portion indicated by the broken line. Then, the outer peripheral portion of the outer package 509 is joined. For example, thermal compression bonding or the like can be used for bonding. At this time, a region (hereinafter referred to as an inlet) which is not joined to a part (or one side) of the outer package 509 is provided for the subsequent injection of the electrolyte solution 508.

Next, the electrolytic solution 508 is introduced into the outer package 509 from an inlet provided in the outer package 509. The electrolytic solution 508 is preferably introduced under a reduced pressure atmosphere or an inert atmosphere. Finally, the inlets are joined. In this manner, the secondary battery 500 of the laminate type secondary battery can be manufactured.

By using the positive electrode active material particles described in the above embodiments for the positive electrode 503, the secondary battery 500 with less deterioration and high safety can be realized.

[ Flexible Secondary Battery ]

Next, an example of a bendable secondary battery will be described with reference to fig. 24 and 25.

Fig. 24A shows a schematic top view of a bendable battery 250. Fig. 24B, 24C, and 24D are schematic sectional views along the cut-off lines C1-C2, C3-C4, and a cut-off line a1-a2 in fig. 24A, respectively. The battery 250 includes an outer package 251, and a positive electrode 211a and a negative electrode 211b accommodated in the outer package 251. A lead wire 212a electrically connected to the positive electrode 211a and a lead wire 212b electrically connected to the negative electrode 211b extend outside the exterior package 251. In addition, an electrolyte (not shown) is sealed in the region surrounded by the outer package 251 in addition to the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211 b.

The positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b included in the battery 250 are described with reference to fig. 25. Fig. 25A is a perspective view illustrating the stacking order of the positive electrode 211a, the negative electrode 211b, and the separator 214. Fig. 25B is a perspective view showing the lead 212a and the lead 212B in addition to the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211B.

As shown in fig. 25A, the battery 250 includes a plurality of rectangular positive electrodes 211a, a plurality of rectangular negative electrodes 211b, and a plurality of separators 214. The positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b include a tab portion and a portion other than the tab, which protrude from each other. A positive electrode active material layer is formed on a portion of one surface of the positive electrode 211a other than the tab, and a negative electrode active material layer is formed on a portion of one surface of the negative electrode 211b other than the tab.

The positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b are stacked such that the surfaces of the positive electrode 211a on which the positive electrode active material layer is not formed are in contact with each other and the surfaces of the negative electrode 211b on which the negative electrode active material layer is not formed are in contact with each other.

Further, a separator 214 is provided between the surface of the positive electrode 211a on which the positive electrode active material layer is formed and the surface of the negative electrode 211b on which the negative electrode active material layer is formed. For convenience, the spacer 214 is shown in phantom in fig. 25.

As shown in fig. 25B, the plurality of positive electrodes 211a and the wires 212a are electrically connected in the bonding portions 215 a. Further, the plurality of negative electrodes 211b and the lead 212b are electrically connected in the joint portion 215 b.

Next, the outer package 251 will be described with reference to fig. 24B, 24C, 24D, and 24E.

The outer package 251 has a thin film shape and is folded in two so as to sandwich the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211 b. The outer package body 251 includes a folded portion 261, a pair of seal portions 262, and a seal portion 263. The pair of sealing portions 262 are provided so as to sandwich the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b, and may be referred to as side seals. The sealing portion 263 includes a portion overlapping with the conductive lines 212a and 212b and may also be referred to as a top seal.

The outer package 251 preferably has a waveform shape in which ridge lines 271 and valley lines 272 are alternately arranged at portions overlapping the positive electrodes 211a and the negative electrodes 211 b. The sealing portions 262 and 263 of the outer package 251 are preferably flat.

Fig. 24B is a cross section taken at a portion overlapping with the ridge line 271, and fig. 24C is a cross section taken at a portion overlapping with the valley line 272. Fig. 24B and 24C both correspond to the cross sections in the width direction of the battery 250 and the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211B.

Here, the end of the negative electrode 211b in the width direction, i.e., the distance between the end of the negative electrode 211b and the sealing portion 262 is a distance La. When the battery 250 is deformed by bending or the like, the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b are deformed so as to be shifted from each other in the longitudinal direction, as will be described later. If the distance La is too short, the outer package 251 may strongly rub against the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b, and the outer package 251 may be damaged. In particular, when the metal film of the exterior body 251 is exposed, the metal film may be corroded by the electrolyte. Therefore, the distance La is preferably set as long as possible. On the other hand, when the distance La is too long, the volume of the battery 250 increases.

It is preferable that the distance La between the negative electrode 211b and the sealing portion 262 is longer as the total thickness of the stacked positive electrode 211a and negative electrode 211b is larger.

More specifically, when the total thickness of the stacked positive electrode 211a and negative electrode 211b is the thickness t, the distance La is 0.8 times or more and 3.0 times or less, preferably 0.9 times or more and 2.5 times or less, and more preferably 1.0 times or more and 2.0 times or less of the thickness t. By making the distance La within the above range, a battery that is small and has high reliability against bending can be realized.

When the distance between the pair of sealing portions 262 is the distance Lb, the distance Lb is preferably sufficiently larger than the widths of the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b (here, the width Wb of the negative electrode 211 b). Thus, even if the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b are in contact with the outer package 251 when the battery 250 is repeatedly deformed by bending or the like, a part of the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b can be displaced in the width direction, and therefore, the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b can be effectively prevented from rubbing against the outer package 251.

For example, the difference between the distance Lb between the pair of sealing portions 262 and the width Wb of the negative electrode 211b satisfies 1.6 times or more and 6.0 times or less, preferably 1.8 times or more and 5.0 times or less, and more preferably 2.0 times or more and 4.0 times or less of the thickness t of the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211 b.

In other words, the distance Lb, the width Wb, and the thickness t preferably satisfy the following equation 1.

[ equation 1]

Here, a satisfies 0.8 or more and 3.0 or less, preferably satisfies 0.9 or more and 2.5 or less, and more preferably satisfies 1.0 or more and 2.0 or less.

Fig. 24D is a cross section including the lead 212a, and corresponds to a cross section in the longitudinal direction of the battery 250, the positive electrode 211a, and the negative electrode 211 b. As shown in fig. 24D, the folded portion 261 preferably includes a space 273 between the longitudinal ends of the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b and the exterior body 251.

Fig. 24E shows a schematic cross-sectional view when the battery 250 is bent. FIG. 24E corresponds to a section along section line B1-B2 in FIG. 24A.

When battery 250 is bent, a part of exterior body 251 located outside the bent portion is deformed to extend, and the other part of exterior body 251 located inside the bent portion is deformed to contract. More specifically, the portion of the outer package 251 located outside the bend deforms so that the amplitude of the wave is small and the period of the wave is large. On the other hand, the portion of the outer package 251 located inside the bend deforms so that the amplitude of the wave is large and the cycle of the wave is small. By deforming outer package 251 in the above manner, stress applied to outer package 251 due to bending can be relaxed, and thus the material itself constituting outer package 251 does not necessarily need to have stretchability. As a result, battery 250 can be bent with a small force without damaging outer package 251.

As shown in fig. 24E, when the battery 250 is bent, the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b are displaced from each other. At this time, since the ends of the plurality of stacked positive electrodes 211a and negative electrodes 211b on the side of the sealing portion 263 are fixed by the fixing member 217, they are shifted by a larger shift amount as they approach the folded portion 261. This can relax the stress applied to the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b, and the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b do not necessarily need to have scalability. As a result, the battery 250 can be bent without damaging the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211 b.

Since the space 273 is provided between the positive and negative electrodes 211a and 211b and the outer package 251, the ends of the positive and negative electrodes 211a and 211b positioned inside when bent may be shifted relative to each other so as not to contact the outer package 251.

The battery 250 illustrated in fig. 24 and 25 is a battery in which damage to the outer package and damage to the positive electrode 211a and the negative electrode 211b do not easily occur even when the battery is repeatedly bent and extended, and battery characteristics are not easily deteriorated. By using the positive electrode active material particles described in the above embodiment for the positive electrode 211a included in the battery 250, a secondary battery with less deterioration and high safety can be realized.

This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with other embodiments.

(embodiment mode 6)

In this embodiment, an example in which a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on an electronic device will be described.

First, fig. 26 shows an example in which the bendable secondary battery described in part of embodiment 4 is mounted on an electronic device. Examples of electronic devices to which the flexible secondary battery is applied include television sets (also referred to as televisions or television receivers), monitors of computers and the like, digital cameras, digital video cameras, digital photo frames, mobile phones (also referred to as mobile phones or mobile phone sets), portable game machines, portable information terminals, audio reproducing devices, large-sized game machines such as pachinko machines, and the like.

In addition, the secondary battery having flexibility may be assembled along a curved surface in the interior or exterior wall of a house or a high-rise building, the interior or exterior finishing of an automobile.

Fig. 26A shows an example of a mobile phone. The mobile phone 7400 includes an operation button 7403, an external connection port 7404, a speaker 7405, a microphone 7406, and the like, in addition to the display portion 7402 incorporated in the housing 7401. The mobile phone 7400 has a secondary battery 7407.

Fig. 26B shows a state where the mobile phone 7400 is bent. When the mobile phone 7400 is deformed by an external force to bend the whole, the secondary battery 7407 provided therein is also bent. Fig. 26C shows a state of the secondary battery 7407 being bent at this time. The secondary battery 7407 is a thin secondary battery. Secondary battery 7407 is fixed in a bent state. Secondary battery 7407 has lead electrodes electrically connected to current collectors.

Fig. 26D shows an example of a bracelet-type display device. The portable display device 7100 includes a housing 7101, a display portion 7102, operation buttons 7103, and a secondary battery 7104. In addition, fig. 26E shows a secondary battery 7104 which is bent. When the bent secondary battery 7104 is worn on the arm of the user, the frame body of the secondary battery 7104 is deformed, so that the curvature of a part or the whole of the secondary battery 7104 changes. A value representing the degree of curvature of any point of the curve in terms of a value of an equivalent circle radius is a radius of curvature, and the reciprocal of the radius of curvature is referred to as curvature. Specifically, a part or all of the main surface of the frame or the secondary battery 7104 is deformed in a range of a curvature radius of 40mm or more and 150mm or less. As long as the radius of curvature in the main surface of the secondary battery 7104 is in the range of 40mm or more and 150mm or less, high reliability can be maintained.

Fig. 26F is an example of a wristwatch-type portable information terminal. The portable information terminal 7200 includes a housing 7201, a display portion 7202, a strap 7203, a buckle 7204, operation buttons 7205, an input/output terminal 7206, and the like.

The portable information terminal 7200 can execute various application programs such as a mobile phone, an electronic mail, reading and writing of an article, music playing, network communication, and a computer game.

The display surface of the display portion 7202 is curved, and display can be performed along the curved display surface. The display portion 7202 includes a touch sensor, and can be operated by a touch of a screen such as a finger or a stylus. For example, an application can be started by touching an icon 7207 displayed on the display portion 7202.

The operation button 7205 may have various functions such as a power switch, a wireless communication switch, setting and canceling of a mute mode, setting and canceling of a power saving mode, and the like, in addition to time setting. For example, by using an operating system incorporated in the portable information terminal 7200, the functions of the operation buttons 7205 can be freely set.

In addition, the portable information terminal 7200 can perform short-range wireless communication standardized by communication. For example, by communicating with a headset that can communicate wirelessly, a handsfree call can be made.

The portable information terminal 7200 includes an input/output terminal 7206, and can directly transmit data to or receive data from another information terminal via a connector. In addition, charging may be performed through the input/output terminal 7206. In addition, the charging operation may be performed by wireless power supply without using the input/output terminal 7206.

The display portion 7202 of the portable information terminal 7200 includes a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the secondary battery 7104 in a bent state shown in fig. 26E may be incorporated in the inside of the frame 7201, or the secondary battery 7104 in a bendable state may be incorporated in the inside of the tape 7203.

The portable information terminal 7200 preferably includes a sensor. As the sensor, for example, a human body sensor such as a fingerprint sensor, a pulse sensor, or a body temperature sensor, a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, or an acceleration sensor is preferably mounted.

Fig. 26G shows an example of a armband type display device. The display device 7300 includes a display portion 7304 and a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. The display device 7300 may be provided with a touch sensor in the display portion 7304 and used as a portable information terminal.

The display surface of the display portion 7304 is curved, and display can be performed along the curved display surface. The display device 7300 can change the display state by short-range wireless communication or the like standardized by communication.

The display device 7300 includes an input/output terminal, and can directly transmit data to or receive data from another information terminal via a connector. In addition, charging may be performed through the input/output terminal. In addition, the charging operation may be performed by wireless power supply without using the input/output terminal.

Next, fig. 27A and 27B show an example of a tablet terminal that can be folded in half. The tablet terminal 9600 shown in fig. 27A and 27B includes a housing 9630a, a housing 9630B, a movable portion 9640 connecting the housing 9630a and the housing 9630B, a display portion 9631, a display mode switch 9626, a power switch 9627, a power saving mode switch 9625, a latch 9629, and an operation switch 9628. By using a panel having flexibility for the display portion 9631, a tablet terminal having a larger display portion can be realized. Fig. 27A illustrates a state in which the tablet terminal 9600 is opened, and fig. 27B illustrates a state in which the tablet terminal 9600 is closed.

The tablet terminal 9600 includes a power storage body 9635 inside a housing 9630a and a housing 9630 b. Power storage bodies 9635 are provided in a housing 9630a and a housing 9630b through a movable portion 9640.

In the display portion 9631, a part thereof can be used as a region of a touch panel, and data can be input by contacting a displayed operation key. Further, by touching a position of the keyboard display changeover button on the touch panel with a finger, a stylus pen, or the like, the keyboard button can be displayed on the display portion 9631.

The display mode switch 9626 can switch between the vertical screen display and the horizontal screen display to select switching between the black-and-white display and the color display. The power saving mode switch 9625 can set the display luminance to the optimum luminance in accordance with the amount of external light during use detected by an optical sensor incorporated in the tablet terminal 9600. The tablet terminal may incorporate other detection devices such as a sensor for detecting inclination, such as a gyroscope and an acceleration sensor, in addition to the optical sensor.

Fig. 27B shows a closed state, and the tablet terminal includes a housing 9630, a solar cell 9633, and a charge/discharge control circuit 9634 including a DCDC converter 9636. A secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention is used as the power storage element 9635.

Further, since the tablet terminal 9600 can be folded in two, the housing 9630a and the housing 9630b can be folded so as to be overlapped when not in use. By folding the housing 9630a and the housing 9630b, the display portion 9631 can be protected, and durability of the tablet terminal 9600 can be improved. Further, since the power storage body 9635 using the secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention has a large capacity and excellent cycle characteristics, a tablet terminal that can be used for a long period of time can be provided.

Further, the tablet terminal shown in fig. 27A and 27B may also have the following functions: displaying various information (still images, moving images, text images, and the like); displaying a calendar, a date, a time, and the like on the display section; a touch input for performing a touch input operation or editing on information displayed on the display unit; the processing is controlled by various software (programs).

By using the solar cell 9633 mounted on the surface of the tablet terminal, power can be supplied to the touch screen, the display portion, the image signal processing portion, or the like. Note that the solar cell 9633 may be provided on one surface or both surfaces of the housing 9630, and the power storage body 9635 can be efficiently charged.

The configuration and operation of the charge/discharge control circuit 9634 shown in fig. 27B will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in fig. 27C. Fig. 27C shows the solar cell 9633, the power storage body 9635, the DCDC converter 9636, the converter 9637, the switches SW1 to SW3, and the display portion 9631, and the power storage body 9635, the DCDC converter 9636, the converter 9637, the switches SW1 to SW3 correspond to the charge/discharge control circuit 9634 shown in fig. 27B.

First, an example of an operation when the solar cell 9633 generates power by external light will be described. The electric power generated by the solar cell is boosted or reduced using the DCDC converter 9636 to a voltage for charging the power storage body 9635. When the display portion 9631 is operated by the power from the solar cell 9633, the switch SW1 is turned on, and the voltage is raised or lowered by the converter 9637 to a voltage required for the display portion 9631. When the display of the display portion 9631 is not performed, the switch SW1 may be turned off and the switch SW2 may be turned on to charge the power storage body 9635.

Note that the solar cell 9633 is shown as an example of the power generation unit, but the power storage body 9635 may be charged using another power generation unit such as a piezoelectric element (piezoelectric element) or a thermoelectric conversion element (Peltier element). For example, the charging may be performed using a contactless power transmission module capable of transmitting and receiving power wirelessly (in a contactless manner) or by combining other charging methods.

Fig. 28 shows an example of other electronic devices. In fig. 28, a display device 8000 is an example of an electronic apparatus using a secondary battery 8004 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the display device 8000 corresponds to a display device for receiving television broadcasts, and includes a housing 8001, a display portion 8002, a speaker portion 8003, a secondary battery 8004, and the like. A secondary battery 8004 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided inside a casing 8001. Display device 8000 may receive power supply from a commercial power supply, and may use power stored in secondary battery 8004. Therefore, even when power supply from a commercial power supply cannot be received due to a power failure or the like, the display device 8000 can be used by using the secondary battery 8004 according to one embodiment of the present invention as an uninterruptible power supply.

As the Display portion 8002, a semiconductor Display Device such as a liquid crystal Display Device, a light-emitting Device including a light-emitting element such as an organic EL element in each pixel, an electrophoretic Display Device, a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), an FED (Field Emission Display), or the like can be used.

In addition to display devices for receiving television broadcasts, display devices include all display devices for displaying information, such as display devices for personal computers and display devices for displaying advertisements.

In fig. 28, an embedded lighting device 8100 is an example of an electronic device using a secondary battery 8103 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the lighting device 8100 includes a housing 8101, a light source 8102, a secondary battery 8103, and the like. Although fig. 28 illustrates a case where the secondary battery 8103 is provided inside the ceiling 8104 to which the housing 8101 and the light source 8102 are attached, the secondary battery 8103 may be provided inside the housing 8101. Lighting device 8100 can receive power supply from a commercial power source and can use power stored in secondary battery 8103. Therefore, even when power supply from a commercial power supply cannot be received due to a power failure or the like, by using the secondary battery 8103 according to one embodiment of the present invention as an uninterruptible power supply, the lighting device 8100 can be utilized.

Although fig. 28 illustrates an embedded lighting device 8100 installed in a ceiling 8104, the secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention may be used in an embedded lighting device installed in a side wall 8105, a floor 8106, a window 8107, or the like, for example, other than the ceiling 8104, or may be used in a desk lighting device, or the like.

As the light source 8102, an artificial light source that artificially obtains light by electric power can be used. Specifically, examples of the artificial light source include discharge lamps such as incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps, and light emitting elements such as LEDs and organic EL elements.

In fig. 28, an air conditioner having an indoor unit 8200 and an outdoor unit 8204 is an example of an electronic device using a secondary battery 8203 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the indoor unit 8200 includes a housing 8201, an air outlet 8202, a secondary battery 8203, and the like. Although fig. 28 illustrates a case where secondary battery 8203 is provided in indoor unit 8200, secondary battery 8203 may be provided in outdoor unit 8204. Alternatively, a secondary battery 8203 may be provided in both the indoor unit 8200 and the outdoor unit 8204. The air conditioner may receive power supply from a commercial power source, or may use power stored in secondary battery 8203. In particular, when the secondary battery 8203 is provided in both the indoor unit 8200 and the outdoor unit 8204, the air conditioner can be used by using the secondary battery 8203 according to one embodiment of the present invention as an uninterruptible power supply even when power supply from a commercial power supply cannot be received due to a power failure or the like.

Although a split type air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is illustrated in fig. 28, a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention may be used for an integrated type air conditioner having both the functions of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit in one housing.

In fig. 28, an electric refrigerator-freezer 8300 is an example of an electronic device using a secondary battery 8304 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the electric refrigerator-freezer 8300 includes a frame 8301, a refrigerator door 8302, a freezer door 8303, a secondary battery 8304, and the like. In fig. 28, a secondary battery 8304 is provided inside the frame 8301. The electric refrigerator-freezer 8300 may receive power supply from a commercial power source, or may use power stored in the secondary battery 8304. Therefore, even when the supply of electric power from the commercial power supply cannot be received due to a power failure or the like, by using the secondary battery 8304 according to one embodiment of the present invention as an uninterruptible power supply, the refrigerator-freezer 8300 can be used.

In addition, in a period in which the electronic apparatus is not used, particularly in a period in which the ratio of the amount of actually used electric power (referred to as an electric power usage ratio) in the total amount of electric power that can be supplied from the supply source of the commercial power supply is low, electric power is stored in the secondary battery, whereby it is possible to suppress an increase in the electric power usage ratio in a period other than the above-described period. For example, in the case of the electric refrigerator-freezer 8300, at night when the temperature is low and the opening and closing of the refrigerator door 8302 or the freezer door 8303 are not performed, electric power is stored in the secondary battery 8304. In addition, during the daytime when the temperature is high and the refrigerating chamber door 8302 or the freezing chamber door 8303 is opened or closed, the secondary battery 8304 is used as an auxiliary power source, thereby suppressing the power usage during the daytime.

The secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to being mounted on the electronic device, and may be mounted on all electronic devices. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery with less deterioration and high safety can be provided. Therefore, by mounting the secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention to the electronic device described in this embodiment, an electronic device having a longer service life and high safety can be provided.

This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with other embodiments.

(embodiment 7)

In the present embodiment, an example in which a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle is shown.

When the secondary battery is mounted in a vehicle, a new generation clean energy vehicle such as a Hybrid Vehicle (HV), an Electric Vehicle (EV), or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV or PHEV) can be realized.

Fig. 29 illustrates a vehicle using a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. An automobile 8400 shown in fig. 29A is an electric automobile using an electric engine as a power source for traveling. Alternatively, the automobile 8400 is a hybrid automobile in which an electric engine or an engine can be used as a power source for traveling. By using the secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle having a long travel distance can be realized. The secondary battery can supply electric power to a light-emitting device such as a headlight 8401 or a room lamp (not shown), as well as driving the electric motor 8406.

In addition, the secondary battery may supply electric power to a display device such as a speedometer, a tachometer, or the like included in the automobile 8400. The secondary battery can supply electric power to a semiconductor device such as a navigation system included in the automobile 8400.

In the automobile 8500 shown in fig. 29B, the secondary battery 8024 included in the automobile 8500 can be charged by receiving electric power from an external charging device by a plug-in system, a non-contact power supply system, or the like. Fig. 29B shows a case where a secondary battery 8024 mounted in an automobile 8500 is charged from a charging device 8021 of the above-ground installation type through a cable 8022. In the case of Charging, a Charging method, a specification of a connector, and the like can be performed by a predetermined method such as CHAdeMO (registered trademark) or Combined Charging System. As the charging device 8021, a charging station installed in a commercial facility or a power supply of a home may be used. For example, the secondary battery 8024 installed in the automobile 8500 can be charged by supplying electric power from the outside using a plug-in technique. The charging may be performed by converting ac power into dc power by a conversion device such as an ACDC converter.

Although not shown, the power receiving device may be mounted in a vehicle and charged by supplying electric power from a power transmitting device on the ground in a non-contact manner. When the non-contact power supply system is used, the power transmission device is incorporated in a road or an outer wall, and charging can be performed not only during parking but also during traveling. In addition, the transmission and reception of electric power between vehicles may be performed by the non-contact power feeding method. Further, a solar battery may be provided outside the vehicle, and the secondary battery may be charged when the vehicle is stopped or traveling. Such non-contact power supply may be realized by an electromagnetic induction method or a magnetic field resonance method.

Fig. 29C shows an example of a two-wheeled vehicle using the secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. A scooter 8600 shown in fig. 29C includes a secondary battery 8602, a rearview mirror 8601, and a turn signal light 8603. The secondary battery 8602 may supply power to the direction lamp 8603.

In addition, in a scooter 8600 shown in fig. 29C, a secondary battery 8602 may be housed in the under seat housing part 8604. Even if the under-seat receiving portion 8604 is small, the secondary battery 8602 may be received in the under-seat receiving portion 8604.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery with less deterioration and high safety can be manufactured. Therefore, when the vehicle is mounted on a vehicle, it is possible to suppress a reduction in a travel distance, acceleration performance, and the like. In addition, a vehicle with high safety can be realized. In addition, a secondary battery mounted in a vehicle may be used as an electric power supply source outside the vehicle. At this time, the use of commercial power sources, for example, at times of peak demand for electricity can be avoided. Energy savings and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions would be facilitated if the use of commercial power sources during peak demand could be avoided. Further, since a secondary battery which is less deteriorated and highly safe can be used for a long period of time, the amount of rare metal such as cobalt used can be reduced.

This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with other embodiments.

[ example 1]

In this example, a description will be given of LiMO produced by the production method according to one embodiment of the present invention₂. The manufacturing method will be described with reference to fig. 1, 3B, and table 2.

＜LiMO₂Production of each sample of (1) >

First, a mixture 902 containing magnesium and fluorine is produced (step S11 to step S14). In LiF and MgF₂The molar ratio of (A) to (B) is LiF: MgF₂1: 3, adding acetone as a solvent, and mixing and crushing by a wet method. The mixing and pulverization were carried out for 12 hours at 400rpm by using a ball mill using zirconia balls. The treated material is recovered to provide a mixture 902.

Next, lithium cobaltate was prepared as a composite oxide containing lithium and cobalt. More specifically, CELLSEEDC-10N manufactured by Nippon chemical industries, Inc. was prepared (step S25).

Next, in step S31, the mixture 902 was weighed so that the atomic weight of magnesium was 0.5 mol% with respect to the atomic weight of cobalt in the lithium cobaltate. The mixing was carried out in a dry manner at 150rpm for 1 hour using a ball mill using zirconium balls. Then, recovery is performed (step S32) to obtain a mixture 903 (step S33).

Next, the mixture 903 is put into an alumina crucible (alumina crucible), and annealed in a muffle furnace (step S34). As shown in table 2, the annealing conditions were different for each sample. The temperature is raised at 200 ℃/h and lowered for more than 10 hours. The heat-treated material was collected and screened (step S35) to obtain samples (comparative sample 1, comparative sample 2, and sample 3) (step S36). Fig. 30 shows an alumina crucible used in practice. Fig. 30A shows a state before the alumina crucible is covered with a lid, and fig. 30B shows a state when the alumina crucible is covered with a lid. As shown in fig. 30B, the alumina crucible was covered with a lid to produce sample 3.

Sample 3 was produced by the production method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Comparison of annealing time and O for sample 1 and sample 3₂The conditions are different. Comparison of O in sample 2 and sample 3₂The conditions are different. In addition, comparative sample 1 and comparative sample 2 are "fluidized" O₂And (4) manufacturing under the condition.

[ Table 2]

＜LiMO₂Method for annealing of samples of (1)

The procedure was the same for all samples to S33. The annealing method of S34 differs depending on the sample. Fig. 3B shows a schematic view when annealing is performed.

In table 2, "sample weight" refers to the weight of the annealed mixture 903.

In table 2, "annealing temperature" refers to a temperature at which annealing is performed, and "annealing time" refers to a time during which the annealing temperature is maintained.

In Table 2, "O₂The condition "means that O is₂The term "flowing" as used herein means introducing O into the space 102 in the heating furnace at a flow rate of 10L/min₂In the case of annealing, the term "purging" means that the air in the space 102 in the heating furnace is replaced with O before annealing₂And then annealing is performed.

< manufacture of Battery pack >

Next, each positive electrode was produced using the comparative sample 1, the comparative sample 2, and the sample 3 obtained above as positive electrode active materials. Each positive electrode was formed by the following method: with a positive electrode active material: AB: PVDF 95: 3: 2 (weight ratio), a positive electrode active material, AB, and PVDF were mixed to obtain a slurry, and the slurry was applied to a current collector. As a solvent of the slurry, NMP was used.

After the slurry is applied to the current collector, the solvent is evaporated. Then, pressurization was carried out at 210kN/m and then at 1467 kN/m. The positive electrode was obtained through the above-described steps. The loading of the positive electrode was about 7mg/cm²The electrode density was > 3.8 g/cc.

A CR 2032-type (20 mm in diameter and 3.2mm in height) coin-type battery cell was produced using the formed positive electrode.

Lithium metal was used as the counter electrode.

Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF) was used as an electrolyte in the electrolyte solution in an amount of 1mol/L₆) The electrolyte was prepared using Ethylene Carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) as EC: DEC ═ 3: 7 (volume ratio) in the electrolyte. As a secondary battery to be evaluated for charge and discharge efficiency, Vinylene Carbonate (VC) was added to the electrolyte at 2 wt%.

Polypropylene having a thickness of 25 μm was used as the separator.

The positive electrode can and the negative electrode can are formed of stainless steel (SUS).

< measurement of Charge/discharge efficiency >

The cycle characteristics of the battery packs manufactured using the obtained comparative samples 1, 2, and 3 were measured. CCCV charging (1.0C, 4.6V, and a stop current of 0.1C) and CC discharging (1.0C, 2.5V) were performed, and cycle characteristics were evaluated at 25 ℃. Fig. 31 shows the result.

As can be seen from fig. 31, sample 3 produced by one embodiment of the present invention exhibited better cycle characteristics than comparative sample 2. Sample 3 also exhibited cycle characteristics equivalent to those of comparative sample 1. However, as can be seen from table 2: sample 3 can produce a positive electrode active material with the annealing time of 1/3 of comparative sample 1. Therefore, it can be said that sample 3 can produce a positive electrode active material having good characteristics in a short time. As described above, it is understood that a positive electrode active material exhibiting good characteristics can be produced in a short time by one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, it is understood that sample 3 can be handled with a large mass, i.e., 30g, at a time. From this, it is understood that a large amount of positive electrode active material having good characteristics can be produced in a short time by one embodiment of the present invention.

[ example 2]

In this example, a description will be given of LiMO produced by a production method according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is different from that of example 1₂. The manufacturing method will be described with reference to fig. 1, 3B, and table 3.

＜LiMO₂Production of each sample of (1) >

The mixture 902 is manufactured through steps S11 to S14 of fig. 1. The procedure of example 1 was repeated, except that the mixing and the pulverization were carried out in a dry manner. Subsequently, CELLSEEDC-10N and the mixture 902 were mixed in the same manner as in steps S31 to S33 of example 1 to obtain a mixture 903.

Next, the mixture 903 is placed in an alumina crucible and annealed in a muffle furnace (step S34). As shown in table 3, the annealing conditions were different for each sample. The alumina crucible used in this example is a small and deep container as shown in the container 116a of fig. 3. 1.5g of the sample was placed in the small-sized deep container, and 12 containers were placed in a muffle furnace to perform annealing. Other conditions were the same as in example 1.

[ Table 3]

< manufacture of Battery pack >

Next, a battery pack was produced in the same manner as in example 1, using the comparative sample 4 and the sample 5 obtained above, respectively.

< measurement of Charge/discharge efficiency >

The cycle characteristics of the obtained battery packs of comparative samples 4 and 5 were measured. The charge was CCCV (0.2C, 4.6V, and end current 0.02C) and the discharge was CC (0.2C, 2.5V), and the cycle characteristics were evaluated at 25 ℃. Fig. 32 shows the result thereof.

As shown in fig. 32, the sample 5 annealed with the lid closed exhibited very good cycle characteristics as compared with the comparative sample 4 annealed without the lid. Thus, canTo know even O₂The condition is "flow", and a positive electrode active material exhibiting good characteristics can be produced even when a container having a deep shape is covered with a lid.

[ description of symbols ]

101: positive electrode active material, 100A-1: positive electrode active material, 100C: positive electrode active material, 102: space in the heating furnace, 116: container, 116 a: container, 119: space, 119 a: space, 120: heating furnace, 130: heating furnace, 132: conveyor belt, 134: container, 140: heating furnace, 142: material insertion section, 144: atmosphere control unit, 146: recovery unit, 200: active material layer, 201: graphene compound, 211 a: positive electrode, 211 b: negative electrode, 212 a: wire, 212 b: lead, 214: separator, 215 a: joint, 215 b: joint, 217: fixing member, 250: battery, 251: outer package, 261: folded portion, 262: sealing portion, 263: sealing part, 271: ridge, 272: valley line, 273: space, 300: secondary battery, 301: positive electrode can, 302: negative electrode can, 303: gasket, 304: positive electrode, 305: positive electrode current collector, 306: positive electrode active material layer, 307: negative electrode, 308: negative electrode current collector, 309: negative electrode active material layer, 310: separator, 500: secondary battery, 501: positive electrode collector, 502: positive electrode active material layer, 503: positive electrode, 504: negative electrode collector, 505: negative electrode active material layer, 506: negative electrode, 507: isolator, 508: electrolyte, 509: outer package body, 510: positive electrode lead electrode, 511: negative electrode lead electrode, 600: secondary battery, 601: positive electrode cover, 602: battery can, 603: positive electrode terminal, 604: positive electrode, 605: spacer, 606: negative electrode, 607: negative terminal, 608: insulating plate, 609: insulating plate, 611: PTC element, 612: safety valve mechanism, 613: conductive plate, 614: conductive plate, 615: module, 616: lead, 617: temperature control device, 900: circuit board, 902: mixture, 902-3: mixture, 903: mixture, 903-2: mixture, 903-3: mixture, 904: positive electrode active material, 904-2: positive electrode active material, 904-3: positive electrode active material, 904-4: positive electrode active material, 905: mixture, 908: mixture, 909: mixture, 910: label, 911: terminal, 912: circuit, 913: secondary battery, 914: antenna, 915: an antenna, 916: layer, 917: layer, 918: antenna, 919: terminal, 920: display device, 921: a sensor, 922: terminal, 930: frame, 930 a: frame, 930 b: frame body, 931: negative electrode, 932: positive electrode, 933: separator, 950: roll, 951: terminal, 952: terminal, 980: secondary battery, 981: film, 982: film, 993: roll, 994: negative electrode, 995: positive electrode, 996: separator, 997: lead electrode, 998: lead electrode, 7100: portable display device, 7101: frame body, 7102: display unit, 7103: operation buttons, 7104: secondary battery, 7200: portable information terminal, 7201: frame body, 7202: display unit, 7203: tape, 7204: buckle, 7205: operation buttons, 7206: input/output terminal, 7207: icon, 7300: display device, 7304: display section, 7400: mobile phone, 7401: frame, 7402: display section, 7403: operation button, 7404: external connection port, 7405: speaker, 7406: microphone, 7407: secondary battery, 8000: display device, 8001: frame, 8002: display unit, 8003: speaker unit, 8004: secondary battery, 8021: charging device, 8022: cable, 8024: secondary battery, 8100: lighting device, 8101: frame, 8102: light source, 8103: secondary battery, 8104: ceiling, 8105: side wall, 8106: floor, 8107: window, 8200: indoor unit, 8201: frame, 8202: supply-air outlet, 8203: secondary battery, 8204: outdoor unit, 8300: electric refrigerator-freezer, 8301: frame body, 8302: refrigerating chamber door, 8303: freezing chamber door, 8304: secondary battery, 8400: car, 8401: headlights, 8406: electric motor, 8500: car, 8600: scooter, 8601: rearview mirror, 8602: secondary battery, 8603: turn signal, 8604: under-seat accommodation portion, 9600: tablet terminal, 9625: switch, 9626: switch, 9627: power switch, 9628: operation switch, 9629: fastener, 9630: frame, 9630 a: frame, 9630 b: frame, 9631: display unit, 9633: solar cell, 9634: charge/discharge control circuit, 9635: power storage body, 9636: DCDC converter, 9637: converter, 9640: movable part