U.S. patent application number 17/531878 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-17 for porous insulator, electrode, and nonaqueous power storage element.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ricoh Company, Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Ricoh Company, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hiromitsu Kawase, Okitoshi Kimura, Masahiro Masuzawa, Miku Ohkimoto, Keigo Takauji, Hideo Yanagita, Yuu Zama.
Application Number | 20220085458 17/531878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005988825 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220085458 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ohkimoto; Miku ; et
al. |
March 17, 2022 |
POROUS INSULATOR, ELECTRODE, AND NONAQUEOUS POWER STORAGE
ELEMENT
Abstract
A porous insulator contains a porous structure, containing a
polymer compound having communicating pores, and a solid having a
melting point or glass transition temperature lower than that of
the polymer compound.
Inventors: |
Ohkimoto; Miku; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Yanagita; Hideo; (Tokyo, JP) ; Takauji;
Keigo; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Masuzawa; Masahiro;
(Kanagawa, JP) ; Zama; Yuu; (Kanagawa, JP)
; Kimura; Okitoshi; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Kawase;
Hiromitsu; (Kanagawa, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ricoh Company, Ltd. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005988825 |
Appl. No.: |
17/531878 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16351161 |
Mar 12, 2019 |
|
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17531878 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 50/491 20210101;
H01G 11/22 20130101; H01M 10/0525 20130101; H01M 50/463 20210101;
H01M 50/46 20210101; H01M 10/0585 20130101; H01M 50/443 20210101;
H01M 50/489 20210101; H01M 50/411 20210101; H01M 10/4235 20130101;
H01M 50/426 20210101; H01M 4/13 20130101; H01M 4/131 20130101; H01M
4/62 20130101; H01M 50/417 20210101; H01G 11/52 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01M 50/46 20060101
H01M050/46; H01M 10/0585 20060101 H01M010/0585; H01M 10/42 20060101
H01M010/42; H01M 10/0525 20060101 H01M010/0525; H01M 4/131 20060101
H01M004/131; H01M 4/62 20060101 H01M004/62; H01M 4/13 20060101
H01M004/13; H01G 11/22 20060101 H01G011/22; H01G 11/52 20060101
H01G011/52; H01M 50/411 20060101 H01M050/411; H01M 50/463 20060101
H01M050/463; H01M 50/443 20060101 H01M050/443; H01M 50/417 20060101
H01M050/417; H01M 50/426 20060101 H01M050/426; H01M 50/489 20060101
H01M050/489; H01M 50/491 20060101 H01M050/491 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 15, 2018 |
JP |
2018-048205 |
Jan 11, 2019 |
JP |
2019-003694 |
Claims
1-6. (canceled)
7: An ink comprising: a polymerizable compound; a porogen capable
of dissolving the polymerizable compound; and a solid, wherein, as
a polymerization of the polymerizable compound progresses to
produce a polymer, a phase of the porogen separates from a phase of
the polymer, wherein the solid has a lower melting point or glass
transition temperature than the polymer.
8: The ink of claim 7, wherein the polymerizable compound has two
or more polymerizable groups.
9: The ink of claim 7, wherein the polymerizable compound comprises
at least one member selected from the group consisting of acrylate
resins, methacylate resins, urethane acrylate resins, and vinyl
ester resins.
10: The ink of claim 7, wherein the ink has a viscosity of from 1
to 150 mPas at 25 degrees C.
11: The ink of claim 7, wherein the ink has a viscosity of from 5
to 20 mPas at 25 degrees C.
12: The ink of claim 7, wherein a proportion of the polymerizable
compound in the ink is from 10% to 70% by mass.
13: The ink of claim 7, wherein a proportion of the polymerizable
compound in the ink is from 10% to 50% by mass.
14: The ink of claim 7, wherein a volume ratio between the
polymerizable compound and the solid is from 1:1 to 1:15.
15: The ink of claim 7, wherein a volume ratio between the
polymerizable compound and the solid is from 1:1 to 1:10.
16: The ink of claim 7, further comprising a polymerization
initiator comprising a photopolymerization initiator.
17: The ink of claim 7, wherein the solid comprises a resin.
18: A method for manufacturing a porous insulator, comprising:
applying the ink of claim 7 onto a substrate; polymerizing the
polymerizable compound; and removing the porogen.
19: The method of claim 18, wherein the polymerizing includes
irradiating the polymerizable compound with non-ionizing radiation,
ionizing radiation, or infrared rays.
20: The method of claim 18, wherein the polymerization is performed
under N.sub.2 atmosphere.
21: The method of slain wherein the substrate is an electrode
substrate.
22: The method of claim 18, wherein the substrate comprises an
electrode substrate and an electrode mixture overlying the
electrode substrate.
23: The method of claim 18, wherein the porous insulator is formed
by a polymerization induced phase separation method.
24: The method of claim 18, wherein the applying is performed by
inkjet printing.
25: A porous insulator produced by the method of claim 18.
26: An ink comprising: a polymerizable compound; a porogen; and a
solid, wherein, when the polymerizable compound is caused to
polymerize by a polymerization induced phase separation method and
the porogen is removed, a polymer is formed having a bicontinuous
or monolith structure containing multiples pores communicated with
each other, wherein the solid has a lower melting point or glass
transition temperature than the polymer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is based on and claims priority
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application
Nos, 2018-048205 and 2019-003694, filed on Mar. 15, 2018 and Jan.
11, 2019, respectively, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire
disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] The present, disclosure relates to a porous insulator, an
electrode, and a nonaqueous power storage element.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] A lithium ion secondary battery causes thermal runaway and
abnormal heat generation in some cases when the cathode and the
anode are short-circuited due to breakage or the like. To prevent
thermal runaway, it is effective to give a shape maintaining
function to the battery that suppresses heat shrinkage to prevent a
short circuit between the cathode and the anode, and to provide a
separator having a shutdown function in the battery that disturbs
tire battery reaction by thermal deformation.
[0004] Conventionally, a polyolefin microporous film having a
melting point around 150 degrees C. has been mainly used as a
separator.
[0005] However, the polyolefin microporous film is likely to shrink
upon thermal deformation, due to the strain generated at the ti me
of forming the pores, so that the cathode and the anode are likely
to be short-circuited.
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention, a porous insulator is provided. The porous insulator
comprises a porous structure comprising a polymer compound having
communicating pores, and a solid having a melting point or glass
transition temperature lower than that of the polymer compound.
[0007] In accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention, an electrode is provided. The electrode includes an
electrode substrate, an electrode mixture overlying the electrode
substrate, and the above-described porous insulator overlying the
electrode mixture. The electrode mixture comprises an active
material.
[0008] In accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention, a nonaqueous power storage element comprising the
above-described electrode is provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the
same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, wherein;
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a porous
insulator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrode
according to an embodiment of the present invention:
[0012] FIGS. 3A to 3D are schematic diagrams for explaining a shape
maintaining function and a shutdown function of the porous
insulator illustrated in FIG. 1:
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a nonaqueous power storage
element, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device A
prepared in Examples; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device B
prepared in Examples.
[0016] The accompanying drawings are intended to depict example
embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted
to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be
considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an"
and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "includes" and/or "including", when used
in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,
integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups thereof.
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail
below with reference to accompanying drawings. In describing
embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is
employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this
patent specification is not intended to be limited to the specific
terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each
specific element includes all technical equivalents that, have a
similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a
similar result.
[0019] For the sake of simplicity, the same reference number will
be given to identical constituent elements such as parts and
materials having the same functions and redundant descriptions
thereof omitted unless otherwise stated.
[0020] Within the context of the present disclosure, if a first
layer is stated to be "overlaid" on, or "overlying" a second layer,
the first layer may be in direct contact with a portion or all of
the second layer, or there may be one or more intervening layers
between the first and second layer, with the second layer being
closer to the substrate than the first layer.
[0021] A separator for electrochemical elements which comprises a
porous substrate and a porous film comprising a resin has been
proposed. The porous substrate has a heat resistant temperature of
150 degrees C. or higher and contains filler particles. The resin
has a melting point in the range of from 80 to 130 degrees C.
[0022] This separator contains the filler particles and the resin,
as described above. Generally, when filler particles which are
likely to take a closest packing structure and a resin which blocks
pores are used in combination, communicability of the separator is
likely to decrease. As a result, ion permeability of the separator
decreases, and therefore input-output characteristics of the
lithium ion secondary battery deteriorates, and durability thereof
decreases by overvoltage or the like.
[0023] According to an embodiment of tire present invention, a
porous insulator having high communicability, a shape maintaining
function, and a shutdown function is provided.
Porous Insulator and Electrode
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a porous
insulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] A porous insulator 10 comprises a porous structure 11 and a
solid 12. The porous structure 11 has communicating pores and
comprises a polymer compound. The solid 12 has a melting point or a
glass transition temperature lower than that of the polymer
compound. Since the porous structure 11 is formed of the polymer
compound without using filler particles, a high porosity is readily
given thereto. As a result, the porous insulator 10 has high
communicability. Further, when the porous insulator 10 is heated up
to the melting point (or glass transition temperature) of the solid
12, the solid 12 turns into a liquid (or rubber state) but the
polymer compound does not turn into a liquid (or rubber state) due
to the difference in melting point (or glass transition
temperature) between the polymer compound and the solid 12, thereby
maintaining the shape of the porous structure 11, Accordingly, the
porous insulator 10 provides a shape maintaining function and a
shutdown function. Since the pores in the porous insulator 10 are
communicating with each other, the solid 12 tuned into a liquid (or
rubber state) can move within the pores, thereby improving the
shutdown function of the porous insulator 10.
[0026] In the present disclosure, the melting point or the glass
transition temperature of the solid 12 is compared with either the
melting point or the glass transition temperature of the polymer
compound. In other words, the solid 12 and the polymer compound are
compared in terms of temperature at which when they transit from a
solid state to a liquid state or a glass state. Therefore, "the
solid 12 having a melting point or a glass transition temperature
lower than that of the polymer compound" refer to the following
four cases:
[0027] 1) The melting point of the solid 12 is lower than the
melting point of the polymer compound;
[0028] 2) The melting point of the solid 12 is lower than the glass
transition temperature of the polymer compound;
[0029] 3) The glass transition temperature of the solid 12 is lower
than the melting point of the polymer compound; and
[0030] 4) The glass transition temperature of the solid 12 is lower
than the glass transition temperature of the polymer compound.
[0031] The porous insulator 10 is applicable to electrodes of
nonaqueous storage elements such as lithium ion secondary batteries
and nickel hydrogen secondary batteries, power generation elements
such as fuel cells and solar cells, and the like.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrode
according to an embodiment of the present invention, including the
porous insulator 10.
[0033] An electrode 20 comprises an electrode substrate 21, an
electrode mixture 23 overlying the electrode substrate 21, and the
porous insulator 10 overlying the electrode mixture 23. The
electrode mixture 23 comprises an active material 22. A part of the
porous insulator 10 is present in a part of the electrode mixture
23. Therefore, the bonding strength between the electrode mixture
23 and the porous insulator 10 is improved. This configuration
makes the active material 22 hardly separate from tire electrode 20
when an impact such as vibration is externally applied thereto.
Therefore, a nonaqueous power storage element containing the
electrode 20 has an improved durability. In addition, when a
conductor such as a nail penetrates the nonaqueous power storage
element containing the electrode 20, a short circuit between the
cathode and the anode hardly occurs, so that the safety of the
nonaqueous power storage element is improved.
[0034] In the electrode 20, as described above, a part of the
porous insulator 10 is present in a part of the electrode mixture
23, in other words, a part of the porous insulator 10 is integrated
with the surface of the active material constituting the electrode
mixture 23. Here, the integration refers to not only a state in
which a film-like member as an upper layer is stacked on a lower
layer but also a state in which a part of an upper layer intrudes
into a lower layer so that the surface of an upper material
constituting the upper layer and the surface of a lower material
constituting the lower layer are bonded without forming a clear
interface between the upper layer and the lower layer.
[0035] In the accompanied drawings, the electrode mixture 23 is
schematically drawn in a structure in which spherical particles are
stacked, for the purpose of illustration. However, the particles
constituting the electrode mixture 23 may be either spherical or
non-spherical and may be of a mixture of particles with various
shapes and sizes.
[0036] In the electrode mixture 23, the region where the porous
insulator 10 is present preferably accounts for 0.5% or more, more
preferably 1.0% or more, of the electrode mixture 23 from the
surface thereof in a depth direction.
[0037] Note that a part of the porous insulator 10 may not be
present in a part of the electrode mixture 23.
[0038] Next, the shape maintaining function and the shutdown
function of the porous insulator 10 are described below with
reference to FIOs. 3A to 3D.
[0039] In general, there is a case in which excess current flows in
a nonaqueous power storage element due to the occurrence of
abnormal charge or discharge or the like, and abnormal heat
generation thereby occurs. In such a case, the electrode 20 is
capable of suppressing abnormal heat generation.
[0040] Specifically, in a case in which the pore diameter of the
porous structure 11 is smaller than the particle diameter of the
solid 12 (see FIG. 3A), pores 31 are blocked as the solid 12 turns
into a liquid 12' by heating (see FIG. 3B). As a result, ions
present in a nonaqueous electrolytic solution are prevented from
moving in the communicating pores 31, and the progress of an
electrochemical reaction in the nonaqueous power storage element is
suppressed. As a result, current flow is interrupted, and
temperature rise is suppressed. Since temperature rise gradually
progresses for a certain period of time after the solid 12 has
turned into the liquid 12', the liquid 12' moves inside the
communicating pores 31 and becomes connected with each other,
exhibiting a more effective shutdown function. Further, it is
possible that the liquid 12' adheres to the surrounding of the
active material 22 present in the porous insulator 10 (see FIG.
3C). In this case, the nonaqueous electrolytic solution is
prevented from contacting the active material 22 and temperature
rise is suppressed. On the other hand, when the internal
temperature of the nonaqueous power storage element reaches 160
degrees C. or higher depending on the surrounding environment such
as a high temperature environment, an electrochemical reaction
between the anode and the nonaqueous electrolytic solution proceeds
due to decomposition of an SEI coating. When the temperature
thereafter reaches 180 degrees C. or higher, an electrochemical
reaction between the cathode and the nonaqueous electrolytic
solution proceeds. When such a thermal runaway reaction progresses,
the temperature rises rapidly and reaches 200 degrees C. or higher.
Even at a temperature at which the solid 12 turns into the liquid
12', the porous structure 11 maintain its shape without turning
into a liquid, i.e., without thermally shrinking, thereby
preventing a short circuit between the cathode and the anode.
[0041] In a case in which the pore diameter of the porous structure
11 is larger than the particle diameter of the solid 12 (see FIG.
3D), the solid 12 tuned into the liquid 12' by heating moves inside
the communicating pores 31 and adheres to the surrounding of the
active material 22 present in the porous insulator 10 (see FIG.
3C). In this case, the nonaqueous electrolytic solution is
prevented from contacting the active material 22 and temperature
rise is suppressed.
[0042] The melting point or glass transition temperature of the
polymer compound is preferably 160 degrees C. or higher, more
preferably 200 degrees C. or higher, for the shape maintaining
function of the porous insulator 10.
[0043] The existence distribution of the porous structure 11 and
the solid 12 in the porous insulator 10 is not particularly limited
and can be appropriately designed according to required
characteristics of the nonaqueous power storage element. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the solid 12 may be uniformly
dispersed in the porous structure 11. Alternatively, the
distribution of the solid 12 may be non-uniform such that the solid
12 is locally present in the porous structure 11.
[0044] Next, the difference in melting point or glass transition
temperature between the polymer compound and the solid 12 is
described below.
[0045] When excessive current flows in the nonaqueous power storage
element due to the occurrence of abnormal charge or discharge or
the like and the nonaqueous power storage element generates heat,
the solid 12 turns into the liquid 12' and blocks the communicating
pores 31 in the porous insulator 10. As a result, current flow is
interrupted, so that temperature rise is suppressed. However, after
the solid 12 has tuned into the liquid 12', temperature rise slowly
progresses inside the nonaqueous power storage element for a
certain period of time, so that the shape of the porous structure
11 should be maintained to prevent a short circuit between the
cathode and the anode. If the difference in melting point or glass
transition temperature between the polymer compound and the solid
12 is too small, it is difficult to prevent a short circuit between
the cathode and the anode. Therefore, the difference in melting
point or glass transition temperature between the polymer compound
and the solid 12 is preferably 20 degrees C. or more, and more
preferably 50 degrees C. or more.
[0046] The pore diameter of the porous insulator 10 is preferably
from 0.1 to 10 .mu.m, and more preferably from 0.1 to 1.0 .mu.m.
When the pore diameter of the porous insulator 10 is 0.1 .mu.m or
more, nonaqueous electrolytic solution permeability and ion
permeability of the porous insulator 10 are improved and a reaction
efficiently progresses inside the nonaqueous power storage element.
When the pore diameter of the porous insulator 10 is 10 .mu.m or
less, a short circuit between the cathode and the anode caused by
generation of lithium dendrite inside the nonaqueous power storage
element can be prevented and safety of the nonaqueous power storage
element is improved.
[0047] The porosity of the porous insulator 10 is preferably from
30% to 90%, and more preferably from 50% to 85%. When the porosity
of the porous insulator 10 is 30% or more, communicability of the
porous insulator 10 is improved, so that nonaqueous electrolytic
solution permeability and ion permeability thereof are improved and
a reaction efficiently progresses inside the nonaqueous power
storage element. When the porosity of the porous insulator 10 is
85% or less, the strength of the porous insulator 10 is improved
and the porous insulator 10 hardly breaks even when an impact such
as vibration is externally applied thereto.
[0048] The polymer compound is not particularly limited as long as
it has a melting point or glass transition temperature higher than
that of the solid 12. Examples thereof include, but are not limited
to, aramid, polyamideimide, polyimide, and cellulose.
[0049] Each of these polymer compounds can be used alone or in
combination with others.
[0050] It is preferable that the polymer compound has a
cross-linked structure for the shape maintaining function of the
porous insulator 10. When the polymer compound has a cross-linked
structure, chemical resistance and strength can be controlled by
controlling the cross-linking density.
[0051] In a case in which the polymer compound has a cross-linked
structure, the porous structure 11 is not particularly limited.
However, for the shutdown function, the porous structure 11 is
preferably of a bicontinuous structure having a backbone comprising
a three-dimensional branched network structure of the polymer
compound.
[0052] Examples of such a porous structure 11 include, but are not
limited to, a bi continuous structure called a monolith structure
in which a carbon backbone is in a three-dimensional network
structure.
[0053] In the present disclosure, when the polymer compound having
a cross-linked structure has neither melting point nor glass
transition temperature, it is assumed that the melting point or
glass transition temperature thereof is higher than that of the
solid 12.
[0054] Preferably, the solid 12 is electrically insulating, stable
with respect to a nonaqueous electrolytic solution, and comprised
of an electrochemically stable material to be hardly oxidized or
reduced by a voltage applied when incorporated in a nonaqueous
power storage element.
[0055] The solid 12 is not particularly limited as long as its
melting point or glass transition temperature is lower than that of
the polymer compound. The solid 12 may be either a
high-molecular-weight compound or a low-molecular-weight compound
(e.g., ethylene carbonate).
[0056] The melting point or glass transition temperature of the
solid 12 is preferably from 80 to 200 degrees C., and more
preferably from 110 to 160 degrees C. When the melting point or
glass transition temperature of the solid 12 is 80 degrees C. or
higher, the power storage element can be used regardless of the use
environment, since the shutdown function does not appear unless the
inner temperature of the nonaqueous power storage element reaches
an abnormal temperature depending on the external environment. When
the melting point or glass transition temperature of the solid 12
is 200 degrees C. or lower, the shutdown function can appear at the
initial stage of abnormal generation of heat by the nonaqueous
power storage element, improving safety of the nonaqueous power
storage element.
[0057] The shape of the solid 12 is not particularly limited as
long as it does not significantly interfere with the
communicability of the pores 31 of the porous insulator 10.
[0058] For easy control of the melting point or glass transition
temperature by molecular structure, the solid 12 is preferably
comprised of resin particles. In this case, the melting point or
glass transition temperature of the solid 12 can be optimized in
consideration of safety of the nonaqueous power storage element,
thereby improving the shutdown function of the porous insulator
10.
[0059] Examples of the resin constituting the resin particles
include, but are not limited to, polyethylene (PE), modified
polyethylene, polypropylene, paraffin, copolymerized polyolefin,
polyolefin derivatives (e.g., chlorinated polyethylene,
polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride, fluororesin),
polyolefin wax, petroleum wax, and carnauba wax.
[0060] Examples of the copolymerized polyolefin include, but are
not limited to, ethylene-vinyl monomer copolymers such as
ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
(EVA), ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-acrylic acid
copolymer, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl
alcohol copolymer.
[0061] These resins constituting the resin particles may be used
alone or in combination with others.
[0062] The resin particles may be sur face-modified. In this case,
dispersibility of the resin particles in a coating liquid used for
manufacturing the porous insulator 10 can be improved. As a result,
distribution of the resin particles in the porous insulator 10
becomes uniform and the shape maintaining function and the shutdown
function of the porous insulator 10 are improved.
[0063] Surface modification of the resin particles may be conducted
by, for example, introducing a polar group such as an alkoxy group,
amide group, carboxyl group, and sulfonic acid group to the surface
by utilizing a reactive group such as an ethylenic unsaturated
group and epoxy group.
[0064] The particle diameter of the resin particles is preferably
from 0.01 to 100 .mu.m, and more preferably from 0.1 to 1 .mu.m.
When the particle diameter of the resin particles is 0.01 .mu.m or
more, the shutdown function of the porous insulator 10 is improved.
When the particle diameter of the resin particles is 100 .mu.m or
less, communicability of the pores 31 of the porous insulator 10 is
improved.
Method for Manufacturing Porous Insulator
[0065] The porous insulator 10 in which the polymer compound has no
cross-linked structure may be manufactured by a method utilizing a
phase separation phenomenon such as a thermally induced phase
separation method and a poor solvent induced phase separation
method.
[0066] In this case, the solvent to be used for the coating liquid
for manufacturing the porous insulator 10 is not particularly
limited and may be appropriately selected considering solubility
parameter so as to form a desired porous structure.
[0067] As another example, the porous insulator 10 may be
manufactured by a method including applying a coating liquid
containing a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound,
and the solid 12 (where the polymerizable compound is dissolved in
the coating liquid) and irradiating it with non-ionizing radiation,
ionizing radiation, or infrared rays.
[0068] The polymer compound having a cross-linked structure is
poorly soluble in general. Therefore, the porous insulator 10 in
which the polymer compound has a cross-linked structure is
manufactured using a coating liquid containing one or more types of
polyfunctional polymerizable compounds (e.g., a cross-linkable
monomer, a cross-linkable oligomer).
[0069] The polyfunctional polymerizable compound refers to a
compound having two or more polymerizable groups.
[0070] In this case, the porous insulator 10 can be formed by
utilizing a polymerization induced phase separation method.
[0071] The polyfunctional polymerizable compound is not
particularly limited as long as it can be cross-linked by
irradiation with non-ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation, or
infrared rays. Examples thereof include, but are not limited to,
acrylate resin, methacrylate resin, urethane acrylate resin, vinyl
ester resin, unsaturated polyester, epoxy resin, oxetane resin,
vinyl ether, and a resin utilizing an ene-thiol reaction. Of these,
for productivity, acrylate resin, methacrylate resin, urethane
acrylate resin, and vinyl ester resin are preferable.
[0072] Examples of radically polymerizable monomers as the
polyfunctional polymerizable compound include, but are not limited
to, an ester compound obtained by epoxidizing a double bond of a
terpene having an unsaturated bond (such as myrcene, carene,
ocimene, pinene, limonene, camphene, terpinolene, tricyclene,
terpinene, fenchene, phellandrene, sylvestrene, sabinene,
dipentene, bornene, isopulegol, and carvone) and adducting acrylic
acid or methacrylic acid thereto, an ester compound of a
terpene-derived alcohol (such as citronellol, pinocampheol,
geraniol, fenchyl alcohol, nerol, borneol, linalool, menthol,
terpineol, citronellal, ionone, citral, pinol, cyclocitral,
carvomenthene, ascaridole, safranal, piperitol, menthene monool,
dihydrocarvone, carveol, sclareol, hinokiol, ferruginol, totarol,
sugiol, farnesol, patchouli alcohol, nerol idol, carotol, cadinol,
lanceol, eudesmol, and phytol) with acrylic acid or methacrylic
acid, hinokiic acid, santalic acid, and an acrylate or methacrylate
compound having an ester side chain having the backbone of
menthone, carvotanacetone, phellandral, perillaldehyde, thujone,
calone, camphor, bisabolene, santalene, zingiberene, caryophyllene,
curcumene, cedrene, cadinene, longifolene, sesquibenihene, cedrol,
guaiol, kessoglycol, cyperone, eremophilone, zerumbone, camphorene,
podocarprene, phyllocladene, ketomanoyl oxide, manoyl oxide,
abietic acid, pimaric acid, neoabietic acid, levopimaric acid,
iso-d-pimaric acid, agathene dicarboxylic acid, carotenoid,
piperitone, ascaridole, fenchene, a sesquiterpene, a diterpene, or
a triterpene.
[0073] As the polymerization initiator, a photopolymerization
initiator or a thermal polymerization initiator may be used.
[0074] As the photopolymerization initiator, a photoradical
generator may be used.
[0075] Examples of the photoradical generator include, but are not
limited to, .alpha.-hydroxyacetophenone, .alpha.-aminoacetophenone,
4-aroyl-1,3-dioxolane, benzyl ketal, 2,2-diethoxyacetophenone,
p-dimethylaminoacetophene, p-dimethylaminopropiophenone,
benzophenone, 2-chlorobenzophenone, 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone,
4,4'-bisdiethylaminobenzophenone, Michler's ketone, benzyl,
benzoin, benzyl dimethyl ketal, tetramethylthiuram monosulfide,
thioxanthone, 2-chlorothioxanthone, 2-methylthioxanthone,
azobisisobutyronitrile, benzoin peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide,
1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone,
2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-one,
1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropane-1-one, methyl
benzoyl formate, benzoin alkyl ethers and esters such as benzoin
isopropyl ether, benzoin methyl ether; benzoin ethyl ether, benzoin
isobutyl ether, benzoin n-butyl ether, and benzoin n-propyl ether,
(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) phenyl ketone,
2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)-butanone-1,
(1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl) ketone, 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenyl
ethane-1-one,
bis(.eta..sup.5-2,4-cyclopentadiene-1-yl)-bis(2,6-difluoro-3-(1H-pyrrole--
1-yl)phenyl) titanium, bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine
oxide, 2-methyl-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholinopropane-1-one,
2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropane-1-one (DAROCURE 1173),
bis(2,6-dimethoxybenzoyl)-2,4,4-trimethylpentylphosphine oxide,
1-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propane-1-one
monoacylphosphine oxide, bisacylphosphine oxide, titanocene,
fluorescein, anthraquinone, thioxanthone or xanthone, lophine
dimer, trihalomethyl compounds or dihalomethyl compounds, active
ester compounds, and organic boron compounds.
[0076] A photo-cross-linking radical generator such as a bisazide
compound may be used in combination with the photoradical
generator.
[0077] Examples of the thermal polymerization initiator include,
but are not limited to, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN).
[0078] As the polymerization initiator, a photoacid generator may
also be used. In this case, when the applied coating liquid is
irradiated with light, the photoacid generator generates an acid
and the polyfunctional polymerizable compound is cross-linked.
[0079] Examples of the polyfunctional polymerizable compound which
is cross-linked in the presence of an acid include, but are not
limited to, monomers having a cationically-polymerizable vinyl
bond, such as compounds having a cyclic ether group such as epoxy
group, oxetane group, and oxolane group, acrylic compounds or vinyl
compounds having the above-described substituent on a side chain,
carbonate compounds, low-molecular-weight melamine compounds, vinyl
ethers and vinylcarbazoles, styrene derivatives,
.alpha.-methylstyrene derivatives, and vinyl alcohol esters such as
ester compounds of vinyl alcohols with acrylic acid or methacrylic
acid.
[0080] Examples of the photoacid generator include, but are not
limited to, onium salts, diazonium salts, quinone diazide
compounds, organic halides, aromatic sulfonate compounds, bisulfone
compounds, sulfonyl compounds, sulfonate compounds, sulfonium
compounds, sulfamide compounds, iodonium compounds, and sulfonyl
diazomethane compounds. Of these, onium salts are preferable.
[0081] Examples of the onium salts include, but are not limited to,
diazonium salts, phosphonium salts, and sulfonium salts having a
counter ion such as a fluoroborate anion, a hexafluoroantimonate
anion, a hexafluoroarsenate anion, a trifluoromethanesulfonate
anion, a p-toluenesulfonate anion, and a p-nitrotoluenesulfonate
anion.
[0082] Examples of the photoacid generator further include
halogenated triazine compounds.
[0083] Each of these photoacid generators may be used alone or in
combination with others.
[0084] When the photoacid generator is used, a sensitizing dye may
be used in combination.
[0085] Examples of the sensitizing dye include, but are not limited
to, acridine compounds, benzoflavins, perylene, anthracene, and
laser dyes.
[0086] The coating liquid used for manufacturing the porous
insulator 10 preferably further contains a porogen. The porogen is
used for forming the pores 31 in the porous insulator 10.
[0087] The porogen is not particularly limited as long as it is a
liquid substance capable of dissolving the polymerizable compound
and the polymerization initiator and phase-separating the resulting
polymer as the polymerization of the polymerizable compound
proceeds. Examples thereof include, but are not limited to,
ethylene glycols such as diethylene glycol monomethyl ether,
ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and dipropylene glycol monomethyl
ether, esters such as .gamma.-butyrolactone and propylene
carbonate, and amides such as N,N-dimethylacetamide.
[0088] Liquid substances having a relatively large molecular
weight, such as methyl tetradecanoate, methyl decanoate, methyl
myristate, and tetradecane, also tend to function as the
porogen.
[0089] Among them, ethylene glycol is preferred since it has a high
boiling point and improves production stability of the porous
insulator 10.
[0090] Each of the above-described porogens may be used alone or in
combination with others.
[0091] The viscosity of the coating liquid used for manufacturing
the porous insulator 10 is preferably from 1 to 150 mPa s, more
preferably from 5 to 20 mPa s, at 25 degrees C. In this case, the
coating liquid penetrates into clearances in the active material
22, so that a part of the porous insulator 10 can be present in a
part of the electrode mixture 23.
[0092] The proportion of the polymerizable compound in the coating
liquid is preferably from 10% to 70% by mass, and more preferably
from 10% to 50% by mass. When the proportion is 10% by mass or
more, the strength of the porous insulator 10 is improved. When the
proportion is 70% by mass or less, the coating liquid penetrates
into clearances in the active material 22, so that a part of the
porous insulator 10 can be present in a part of the electrode
mixture 23.
[0093] The volume ratio between the polymerizable compound and the
solid 12 contained in the coating liquid is not particularly
limited as long as the coating liquid can be applied to the porous
insulator 10 and can be appropriately selected according to the
purpose. The volume ratio is preferably from 1.1 to 1:15, and more
preferably from 1:1 to 1:10 In this case, the shutdown function of
the porous insulator 10 is improved.
[0094] There is no particular limitation on the coating method of
the coating liquid Examples thereof include, but are not limited
to, spin coating, casting, micro gravure coating, gravure coating,
bar coating, roll coating, wire bar coating, dip coating, slit
coating, capillary coating, spray coating, nozzle coating, and
various printing methods such as gravure printing, screen printing,
flexographic printing, offset printing, reverse printing, and
inkjet printing.
[0095] The electrode mixture 23 for nonaqueous power storage
elements may be formed by applying a coating liquid in which a
powdery active material is dispersed in a dispersion medium onto
the electrode substrate 21, followed by drying.
[0096] The coating method of the coating liquid may be, for
example, a printing method using a spray, a dispenser, a die
coater, or a pulling up coating.
[0097] The cathode active material for lithium ion secondary
batteries is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of
reversibly adsorbing and releasing alkali metal ions. Examples
thereof include, but are not limited to, alkali-metal-containing
transition metal compounds.
[0098] Each of these cathode active materials may be used alone or
in combination with others.
[0099] Examples of lithium-containing transition metal compounds
include, but are not limited to, a composite oxide comprising
lithium and one or more elements selected from the group consisting
of cobalt, manganese, nickel, chromium, iron, and vanadium.
[0100] Specific examples of the cathode active material include,
but are not limited to, lithium-containing transition metal oxides
such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, and lithium
manganese oxide; olivine-type lithium salts such as LiFePO.sub.4;
chalcogen compounds such as titanium disulfide and molybdenum
disulfide, and manganese dioxide.
[0101] The lithium-containing transition metal oxide refers to a
metal oxide containing lithium and a transition metal, or a metal
oxide in which a part of the transition metal therein is
substituted with a different element.
[0102] Examples of the different element include, but are not
limited to, Na, Mg, Sc, Y, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, Cr, Pb, Sb,
and B. Of these, Mn, Al, Co, Ni, and Mg are preferable.
[0103] Each of these different elements may be used alone or in
combination with others.
[0104] The anode active material for lithium ion secondary
batteries is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of
reversibly adsorbing and releasing alkali metal ions. Examples
thereof include, but are not limited to, carbon materials
containing graphite having a graphite-type crystal structure.
[0105] Examples of the carbon materials include, but are not
limited to, natural graphite, spherical or fibrous synthetic
graphite, poorly-graphitizable carbon (hard carbon), and
easily-graphitizable carbon (soft carbon).
[0106] Examples of the anode active material other than the carbon
materials include lithium titanate.
[0107] For energy density of lithium ion secondary batteries, high
capacity materials such as silicon, tin, silicon alloy, tin alloy,
silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and tin oxide can also be used as
the anode active material.
[0108] Examples of the cathode active material for nickel hydrogen
secondary batteries include, but are not limited to, nickel
hydroxide.
[0109] Examples of the anode active material tor nickel hydrogen
secondary batteries include, but are not limited to, AB.sub.2-type
or A.sub.2B-type hydrogen storage alloys such as a
Zr--Ti--Mn--Fe--Ag--V--Al--W alloy and a
Ti.sub.15Zr.sub.21V.sub.15Ni.sub.29Cr.sub.5Co.sub.5Fe.sub.1Mn.sub.8
alloy.
[0110] The electrode mixture 23 may further contain a binder and a
conducting agent.
[0111] Examples of the binder include, but are not limited to,
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),
polyethylene, polypropylene, aramid resin, polyamide, polyimide,
polyamideimide, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylic
acid methyl ester, polyacrylic acid ethyl ester, polyacrylic acid
hexyl ester, polymethacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid methyl
ester, polymethacrylic acid ethyl ester, polymethacrylic acid hexyl
ester, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyether,
polyether sulfone, hexafluoropolypropylene, styrene butadiene
rubber, and carboxymethyl cellulose.
[0112] Examples of the binder further include copolymers of two or
more monomers selected from the group consisting of
tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene,
perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether, vinylidene fluoride,
chlorotrifluoroethylene, ethylene, propylene, pentafluoropropylene,
fluoromethyl vinyl ether, acrylic acid, and hexadiene.
[0113] Each of these binders may be used alone or in combination
with others.
[0114] Examples of the conducting agent include, but are not
limited to, graphites such as natural graphite and synthetic
graphite, carbon blacks such as acetylene black, Ketjen black,
channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black;
conductive fibers such as carbon fibers and metal fibers, powders
of metals such as carbon fluoride and aluminum, conductive whiskers
such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides
such as titanium oxide; and conductive materials such as phenylene
derivatives and graphene derivatives.
[0115] The electrode substrate 21 for nonaqueous power storage
elements is not particularly limited as long as it is a substrate
having planarity and conductivity. The electrode substrate 21 may
be any of an aluminum foil, a copper foil, a stainless steel foil,
and a titanium foil, which are used for secondary batteries and
capacitors, an etched foil with fine holes formed by etching the
above foil, and a perforated electrode substrate used for lithium
ion capacitors.
[0116] The active material for fuel cells generally comprised of
catalyst particles such as platinum particles, ruthenium particles,
and platinum alloy particles, supported on the surface of a
catalyst carrier such as carbon.
[0117] The electrode mixture 23 for fuel cells may be formed by
applying a coating liquid containing a catalyst carrier carrying a
precursor of catalyst particles onto the electrode substrate 21 and
reducing the coating under hydrogen atmosphere.
[0118] The precursor of catalyst particles may be supported on the
surface of the catalyst carrier by a process including: dissolving
the precursor of catalyst particles in a suspension in which the
catalyst carrier is suspended in water: and adding an alkali
thereto to produce a metal hydroxide and make the metal hydroxide
supported on the surface of the catalyst carrier at the same
time.
[0119] Examples of the precursor of catalyst particles include, but
are not limited to, chloroplatinic acid, dinitrodiamino platinum,
platinum(IV) chloride, platinum(II) chloride,
bisacetylacetonatoplatinum, dichlorodiammine platinum,
dichlorotetramine platinum, platinum sulfate chlororuthenate,
hexachloroiridate, hexachlororhodate, ferric chloride, cobalt
chloride, chromium chloride, gold chloride, silver nitrate, rhodium
nitrate, palladium chloride, nickel nitrate, iron sulfate, and
copper chloride.
[0120] Examples of the electrode substrate 21 for fuel cells
include, but are not limited to, a fibrous carbon paper electrode
used for fuel cells put into an unwoven or woven planar form, and
the above-described perforated electrode substrate having fine
holes.
[0121] Examples of the active material for solar cells include, but
are not limited to, oxide semiconductor powders such as WO.sub.3
powder, TIO.sub.2 powder, SnO.sub.2 powder, ZnO powder, ZrO.sub.2
powder, Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 powder, CeO.sub.2 powder, SiO.sub.2 powder,
and Al.sub.2O.sub.3 powder.
[0122] The electrode mixture 23 for solar cells may be formed by
applying a coating liquid containing an oxide semiconductor powder
carrying a dye onto the electrode substrate 21.
[0123] Examples of the dye include, but are not limited to,
ruthenium-tris transition metal complex, ruthenium-bis transition
metal complex, osmium-tris transition metal complex, osmium-bis
transition metal complex, ruthenium-cis-diaqua-bipyridyl complex,
phthalocyanine and porphyrin, and organic-inorganic perovskite
crystals.
[0124] Examples of the electrode substrate 21 for solar cells
include, but are not limited to, a substrate in which a transparent
semiconductor film of indium-titanium oxide, zinc oxide, or the
like, is formed on a flat substrate formed of glass, plastic, or
the like, and a substrate on which a conductive electrode film is
deposited, which are used for solar cells.
Nonaqueous Power Storage Element
[0125] The nonaqueous power storage element according to an
embodiment of the present invention includes the electrode
according to an embodiment of the present invention. At this time,
the electrode is either a cathode or an anode.
[0126] In the nonaqueous power storage element of the present
embodiment, the cathode and the anode are disposed with a separator
therebetween. Preferably, the cathode and the anode are laminated
in an alternating manner with a separator therebetween. At this
time, the number of laminated layers of the cathode and the anode
can be arbitrarily determined.
[0127] Since the electrode includes the porous insulator according
to an embodiment of the present invention, the separator can be
omitted, if necessary.
[0128] The nonaqueous power storage element of the present
embodiment is preferably injected with a nonaqueous electrolytic
solution and sealed with an exterior. To insulate from the
exterior, it is preferable that a separator is disposed between the
electrodes on both sides and the exterior.
[0129] The nonaqueous power storage element is not particularly
limited and may be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
Examples thereof include, but are not limited to a nonaqueous
secondary battery and a nonaqueous capacitor.
[0130] The shape of the nonaqueous power storage element is not
particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from among
known shapes according to the use thereof. For example, the shape
of the nonaqueous power storage element may be of a laminate type,
a cylinder type in which a sheet electrode and a separator are
spirally assembled, another cylinder type in which a pellet
electrode and a separator are combined into an inside-out
structure, or a coin type in which a pellet electrode and a
separator are laminated.
[0131] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the nonaqueous power storage
element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0132] A nonaqueous power storage element 40 includes a cathode 41,
an anode 42, a separator 43 holding a nonaqueous electrolytic
solution, an exterior can 44, a lead wire 45 of the cathode 41, and
a lead wire 46 of the anode 42.
Separator
[0133] The separator is provided between the anode and the cathode
to prevent a short circuit between the anode and the cathode.
[0134] The separator has ion permeability and does not have
electron conductivity.
[0135] The separator is not particularly limited and may be
appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples thereof
include, but are not limited to, papers such as Kraft paper,
vinylon mixed paper, and synthetic pulp mixed paper, cellophane,
polyethylene grafted films, polyolefin unwoven fabrics such as
polypropylene melt-flow unwoven fabric, polyamide unwoven fabrics,
glass fiber unwoven fabrics, polyethylene microporous membranes,
and polypropylene microporous membranes.
[0136] For holding the nonaqueous electrolytic solution, the
separator preferably has a porosity of 50% or more.
[0137] The average thickness of the separator is preferably from 3
to 50 .mu.m, and more preferably from 5 to 30 .mu.m. When the
average thickness of the separator is 3 .mu.m or more, it is easy
to prevent a short circuit between the anode and the cathode. When
the average thickness is 50 .mu.m or less, the electrical
resistance between the anode and the cathode hardly increases.
[0138] The shape of the separator is not particularly limited as
long as it can be applied to tire nonaqueous power storage element,
and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For
example, the shape may be a sheet-like shape.
[0139] The size of the separator is not particularly limited as
long as it can be applied to the nonaqueous power storage element,
and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
[0140] The separator may have either a single-layer structure or a
multi-layer structure.
Nonaqueous Electrolytic Solution
[0141] The nonaqueous electrolytic solution refers to an
electrolytic solution in which an electrolyte salt is dissolved in
a nonaqueous solvent.
Nonaqueous Solvent
[0142] The nonaqueous solvent is not particularly limited and may
be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but an aprotic
organic solvent is preferable.
[0143] Examples of the aprotic organic solvent include, but are not
limited to, a carbonate-based organic solvent such as chain
carbonates and cyclic carbonates.
[0144] Examples of the chain carbonates include, but are not
limited to, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC),
methyl ethyl carbonate (EMC), and methyl propionate (MP).
[0145] Examples of the cyclic carbonates include, but are not
limited to, propylene carbonate (PC), ethylene carbonate (EC),
butylene carbonate (BC), and vinylene carbonate (VC).
[0146] Among these, ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate
(DMC) are preferably used in combination. At this time, the ratio
between ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is not
particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to
the purpose.
[0147] In the present embodiment, a nonaqueous solvent other than
the carbonate-based organic solvent may be used, if necessary.
[0148] Examples of the nonaqueous solvent other than the
carbonate-based organic solvent include, but are not limited to,
ester-based organic solvents such as cyclic esters and chain
esters, and ether-based organic solvents such as cyclic ethers and
chain ethers.
[0149] Specific examples of the cyclic esters include, but are not
limited to, .gamma.-butyrolactone (.gamma.-BL),
2-methyl-.gamma.-butyrolactone, acetyl-.gamma.-butyrolactone, and
.gamma.-valerolactone.
[0150] Specific examples of the chain esters include, but are not
limited to, propionic acid alkyl esters, malonic acid dialkyl
esters, acetic acid alkyl esters (e.g., methyl acetate (MA), ethyl
acetate), and formic acid alkyl esters (e.g., methyl formate (MF),
ethyl formate).
[0151] Specific examples of the cyclic ethers include, but are not
limited to, tetrahydrofuran, alkyltetrahydrofuran,
alkoxytetrahydrofuran, dialkoxytetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolan,
alkyl-1,3-dioxolan, and 1,4-dioxolan.
[0152] Specific examples of the chain ethers include, but are not
limited to, 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), diethyl ether,
ethyleneglycol dialkyl ethers, diethyleneglycol dialkyl ethers,
triethylene glycol dialkyl ethers, and tetraethylene glycol dialkyl
ether's.
Electrolyte Salt
[0153] The electrolyte salt is not particularly limited as long as
it has high ion conductivity and is soluble in a nonaqueous
solvent. Preferred examples thereof include a lithium salt.
[0154] The lithium salt is not particularly limited and can be
appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples thereof
include, but are not limited to, lithium hexafluorophosphate
(LiPF.sub.6), lithium perchlorate (LiClO.sub.4), lithium chloride
(LiCl), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF.sub.4), lithium
hexafluoroarsenate (LiAsF.sub.6), lithium trifluoromethasulfonate
(LiCF.sub.3SO.sub.3), lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide
(LiN(CF.sub.3SO.sub.2).sub.2), and lithium
bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide
(LiN(C.sub.2F.sub.5SO.sub.2).sub.2). Among these, LiPF.sub.6 is
particularly preferable in view of the occlusion amount of anions
in the carbon electrode.
[0155] Each of these electrolyte salts may be used alone or in
combination with others.
[0156] The content of the electrolyte salt in the nonaqueous
electrolytic solution is not particularly limited and may be
appropriately selected according to the purpose, but is preferably
from 0.7 to 4 mol/L, more preferably from 1.0 to 3 mol/L, and most
preferably from 1.0 to 2.5 mol/L.
Application of Nonaqueous Power Storage Element
[0157] The power storage element according to the present
embodiment is not particularly limited in application and can be
used for various purposes. For example, the power storage element
may be used for laptop computers, pen input personal computers,
mobile personal computers, electronic book players, cellular
phones, portable facsimile machines, portable copiers, portable
printers, headphone stereos, video movie recorders, liquid crystal
display televisions, handy cleaners, portable CD players, mini disk
players, transceivers, electronic organizers, calculators, memory
cards, portable tape recorders, radios, backup power sources,
motors, illumination apparatuses, toys, game machines, clocks,
electronic flashes, and cameras.
EXAMPLES
[0158] Further understanding can be obtained by reference to
certain specific examples which are provided herein for the purpose
of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting.
[0159] Using devices A and B (illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6,
respectively) prepared by the methods described later, insulating
properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous insulator, and
a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon heating were
evaluated.
Insulating Properties Upon Heating
[0160] Insulating properties upon heating were evaluated using the
devices A and B, Specifically, a direct current resistance value
between the anode substrates was measured when the devices A and B
were heated to 200 degrees C. Insulating properties upon heating
were evaluated according to the following criteria.
[0161] A: The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates is 1 M.OMEGA. or more.
[0162] B: The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates is 1 K.OMEGA. or more and less than 1 M.OMEGA..
[0163] C: The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates is less than 1 K.OMEGA.
Porosity of Porous Insulator
[0164] The porosity of the porous insulator was evaluated using the
device A at room temperature (25 degrees C.) Specifically, first,
the device A was filled with a unsaturated fatty acid (commercially
available butter) and then osmium dyeing was conducted. Next, a
cross-sectional structure of the porous insulator inside the device
A was cut out with a focused ion beam (FIB) and observed with a
scanning electron microscope (SEM) to measure the porosity of the
porous insulator. The porosity of the porous insulator was
evaluated according to the following criteria.
[0165] A+: The porosity is 50% or more.
[0166] A: The porosity is 30% or more and less than 50%.
[0167] C. The porosity is less than 30%.
Change in Porosity of Porous Insulator Upon Heating
[0168] A change in porosity of the porous insulator upon heating
was evaluated using the device A. Specifically, first, the device A
was heated at 200 degrees C. for 15 minutes using a hot plate.
Subsequently, the device A was filled with a unsaturated fatty acid
(commercially available butter) and then osmium dyeing was
conducted. Next, a cross-sectional structure of the porous
insulator inside the device A was cut out with a focused ion beam
(FIB) and observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to
measure the porosity of the porous insulator upon heating, and the
difference from the porosity of the porous insulator measured at
room temperature was determined. The change in porosity of the
porous insulator upon heating was evaluated according to the
following criteria.
[0169] A+: A decrease in porosity is 30% or more.
[0170] A: A decrease in porosity is 5% or more and less than
30%.
[0171] B: A decrease in porosity is 1% or more and less than
5%.
[0172] C: A decrease in porosity is less than 1%.
Example 1
[0173] The device A illustrated in FIG. 5 was prepared by the
processes (1) to (3) described below.
(1) Preparation of Porous Insulator Ink
[0174] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 14 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD) as a cross-linkable monomer, 32 parts by mass of
dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto Chemical
Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 0.7 parts by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SE) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
54 pans by mass of polypropylene (PP) wax particles (manufactured
by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) having a melting point of 140 degrees C.
as resin particles.
[0175] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
1:4.
(2) Formation of Porous Insulator
[0176] The porous insulator ink was applied onto a copper foil
having a thickness of 8 .mu.m as an anode substrate with a
dispenser and irradiated with ultraviolet under N.sub.2 atmosphere
so that the cross-linkable monomer got cross-linked. Next, the
solvent was removed by application of heat at 100 degrees C. for 1
minute using a hot plate to form a porous insulator.
[0177] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
with SEM, it was found that macropores having a pore diameter of
about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were formed.
(3) Preparation of Device A
[0178] The device A was prepared by laminating a copper foil having
a thickness of 8 .mu.m as an anode substrate on the anode substrate
on which the porous insulator had been formed.
[0179] Next, insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of
the porous insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous
insulator upon heating were evaluated using the device A (see Table
2).
[0180] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
[0181] The device B illustrated in FIG. 6 was prepared by the
processes (4) to (6) described below.
(4) Formation of Anode Mixture
[0182] An anode mixture ink was prepared by uniformly dispersing in
water 97 parts by mass of graphite particles having an average
particle size of 10 .mu.m as an anode active material, 1 part by
mass of cellulose as a thickener, and 2 parts by mass of an acrylic
resin as a binder.
[0183] The anode mixture ink was applied onto a copper foil having
a thickness of 8 .mu.m as an anode substrate with a dispenser,
dried at 120 degrees C. for 10 minutes, and pressed to form an
anode mixture having a thickness of 60 .mu.m.
[0184] The electrode substrate on which the anode mixture had been
formed was cut into a piece having sides of 50 mm.times.33 mm
(5) Formation of Porous Insulator
[0185] The porous insulator ink was applied onto the electrode
substrate on which the anode mixture had been formed with a
dispenser and irradiated with ultraviolet under N.sub.2 atmosphere
so that the cross-linkable monomer got cross-linked. Next, the
solvent was removed by application of heat at 100 degrees C. for 1
minute using a hot plate to form a porous insulator.
[0186] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
with SEM, it was found that macropores having a pore diameter of
about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were formed.
(6) Preparation of Device B
[0187] The device B was prepared by laminating a copper foil having
a thickness of 8 .mu.m as an anode substrate on the electrode
substrate on which the porous insulator had been formed.
[0188] Next, insulating properties upon heating were evaluated
using the device B (see Table 2).
Example 2
(1) Preparation of Porous Insulator Ink
[0189] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 14 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD.) as a cross-linkable monomer, 32 parts by mass
of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto
Chemical Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 0.7 parts by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SE) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
54 parts by mass of polyethylene (PE) wax particles (manufactured
by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) having a melting point of 110 degrees C.
as resin particles.
[0190] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
1.4.
[0191] The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner
as in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the
porous insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0192] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0193] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 3
(1) Preparation of Porous Insulator Ink
[0194] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 9 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol di acrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD.) as a cross-linkable monomer, 20 parts by mass
of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto
Chemical Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 0.4 parts by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SR) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
70 parts by mass of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) particles
TORAYPEARL (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) having a
melting point of 151 degrees C. as resin particles.
[0195] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
1:4.
[0196] The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner
as in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the
porous insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0197] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0198] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 4
(1) Preparation of Porous Insulator Ink
[0199] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 23 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD) as a cross-linkable monomer, 53 parts by mass of
dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto Chemical
Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 1.1 parts by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SB) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
23 parts by mass of polypropylene wax particles (manufactured by
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) having a melting point of 140 degrees C. as
resin particles.
[0200] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
1:1.
[0201] The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner
as in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the
porous insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0202] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0203] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured al room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 5
[0204] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 23 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD.) as a cross-linkable monomer, 53 parts by mass
of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto
Chemical Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 1.1 parts by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SE) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
2.3 parts by mass of polyethylene wax particles (manufactured by
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) having a melting point of 110 degrees C. as
resin particles.
[0205] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
1:1.
[0206] The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner
as in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the
porous insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0207] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0208] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 6
[0209] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 19 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD.) as a cross-linkable monomer, 43 parts by mass
of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto
Chemical Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 0.9 parts by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SE) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
37 parts by mass of polyvinylidene fluoride particles TORAYPEARL
(manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) having a melting point of
151 degrees C. as resin particles.
[0210] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
1:1.
[0211] The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner
as in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the
porous insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0212] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0213] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 7
[0214] The procedure in Example 1 was repeated to prepare the
devices A and B except that the photopolymerization initiator was
replaced with a thermal polymerization initiator AIBN (manufactured
by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and the ultraviolet
irradiation in forming the porous insulator was replaced with
heating at 70 degrees C., and insulating properties upon heating,
the porosity of the porous insulator, and a change in porosity of
the porous insulator upon heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0215] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0216] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 8
[0217] The procedure in Example 2 was repeated to prepare the
devices A and B except that the photopolymerization initiator was
replaced with a thermal polymerization initiator AIBN (manufactured
by Wako Pure Chemical Industries. Ltd.) and the ultraviolet
irradiation in forming the porous insulator was replaced with
heating at 70 degrees C. and insulating properties upon heating,
the porosity of the porous insulator, and a change in porosity of
the porous insulator upon heating were evaluated (see fable 2) As a
result of observing the surface of the porous insulator of each of
the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that macropores having a
pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were formed.
[0218] The direct current resistance value between the amxie
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 9
[0219] The procedure in Example 3 was repeated to prepare the
devices A and B except that the photopolymerization initiator was
replaced with a thermal polymerization initiator AIBN (manufactured
by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and the ultraviolet
irradiation in forming the porous insulator was replaced with
heating at 70 degrees C., and insulating properties upon heating,
the porosity of the porous insulator, and a change in porosity of
the porous insulator upon hearing were evaluated (see Table 2) As a
result of observing the surface of the porous insulator of each of
the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that macropores having a
pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were formed.
[0220] The direct current, resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 10
[0221] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 26 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD.) as a cross-linkable monomer, 60 parts by mass
of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto
Chemical Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 1.0 part by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SE) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
13 parts by mass of polypropylene wax particles (manufactured by
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) having a melting point of 140 degrees C. as
resin particles.
[0222] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and tire resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
2:1.
[0223] The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner
as in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the
porous insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0224] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0225] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20 MD
or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 11
[0226] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 26 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD.) as a cross-linkable monomer. 60 parts by mass
of di propylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto
Chemical Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 1.0 part by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SE) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
13 parts by mass of polyethylene wax particles (manufactured by
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) having a melting point of 110 degrees C. as
resin particles.
[0227] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
2:1.
[0228] The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner
as in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the
porous insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0229] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about. 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0230] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 12
[0231] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 23 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD.) as a cross-linkable monomer, 53 parts by mass
of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto
Chemical Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 1.0 part by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SE) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
23 parts by mass of polyvinylidene fluoride particles TORAYPEARL
(manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) having a melting point of
151 degrees C. as resin particles.
[0232] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
2:1.
[0233] The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner
as in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the
porous insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0234] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0235] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 13
[0236] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 6 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD.) as a cross-linkable monomer, 13 parts by mass
of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto
Chemical Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 0.3 parts by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SE) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
81 parts by mass of polypropylene wax particles (manufactured by
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) having a melting point of 140 degrees C. as
resin particles.
[0237] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
1:14.
[0238] The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner
as in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the
porous insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0239] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0240] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 14
[0241] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 6 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD.) as a cross-linkable monomer, 13 parts by mass
of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto
Chemical Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 0.3 parts by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SB) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
81 parts by mass of polyethylene wax particles (manufactured by
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) having a melting point of 110 degrees C. as
resin particles.
[0242] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
1:14.
[0243] The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner
as in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the
porous insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0244] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0245] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Example 15
[0246] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 3 parts by
mass of tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (manufactured by
DAICEL-ALLNEX LTD) as a cross-linkable monomer, 7 parts by mass of
dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (manufactured by Kanto Chemical
Co., Inc.) as a porogen, 0.2 parts by mass of IRGACURE 184
(manufactured by BASF SE) as a photopolymerization initiator, and
89 parts by mass of polyvinylidene fluoride particles TORAYPEARL
(manufactured by foray Industries, Inc.) having a melting point of
151 degrees C. as resin particles.
[0247] Here, the volume ratio between the cross-linkable monomer
and the resin particles contained in the porous insulator ink was
114 The processes (2) to (7) were conducted in the same manner as
in Example 1 to prepare the devices A and B except that the porous
insulator ink was replaced with that prepared above. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0248] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0249] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Comparative Example 1
(1) Preparation of Porous Insulator Ink
[0250] A porous insulator ink was prepared by mixing 20 parts by
mass of polypropylene wax particles (manufactured by Mitsui
Chemicals. Inc.) having a melting point of 140 degrees C. as resin
particles, 1 part by mass of polyvinylidene fluoride W #9100
(manufactured by KUREHA CORPORATION) as a binder, and 79 parts by
mass of cyclohexanone (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) as
a solvent.
[0251] The procedure in Example 1 was repeated to prepare the
devices A and B except that the porous insulator ink was replaced
with that prepared above and the ultraviolet irradiation under
N.sub.2 atmosphere was omitted. Next, insulating properties upon
heating, the porosity of the porous insulator, and a change in
porosity of the porous insulator upon heating were evaluated (see
Table 2).
[0252] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0253] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Comparative Example 2
[0254] The procedure in Comparative Example 1 was repeated to
prepare the devices A and B except that, in preparing the porous
insulator ink, the polypropylene wax particles were replaced with
polyethylene wax particles (manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.)
having a melting point of 110 degrees C. Next, insulating
properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous insulator; and
a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon heating were
evaluated (see Table 2).
[0255] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
Comparative Example 3
[0256] The procedure in Comparative Example 1 was repeated to
prepare the devices A and B except that, in preparing the porous
insulator ink, the polypropylene wax particles were replaced with
polyvinylidene fluoride particles TORAYPEARL (manufactured by Toray
Industries, Inc.) having a melting point of 151 degrees C. Next,
insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous
insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0257] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
Comparative Example 4
[0258] The procedure in Comparative Example 1 was repeated to
prepare the devices A and B except that, in preparing the porous
insulator ink, the polypropylene wax particles were replaced with
silica particles (manufactured by JGC Catalysts and Chemicals Ltd.)
having high thermal resistance. Next, insulating properties upon
heating, the porosity of the porous insulator, and a change in
porosity of the porous insulator upon heating were evaluated (see
Table 2).
[0259] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
Comparative Example 5
[0260] The procedure in Example 1 was repeated to prepare the
devices A and B except that, in preparing the porous insulator ink,
the polypropylene wax particles were not added. Next, insulating
properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous insulator, and
a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon heating were
evaluated (see Table 2).
[0261] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0262] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Comparative Example 6
[0263] The procedure in Example 1 was repeated to prepare the
devices A and B except that, in preparing the porous insulator ink,
the polypropylene wax particles were replaced with silica particles
(manufactured by JGC Catalysts and Chemicals Ltd.) having high
thermal resistance. Next, insulating properties upon heating, the
porosity of the porous insulator, and a change in porosity of the
porous insulator upon heating were evaluated (see Table 2).
[0264] As a result, of observing the surface of the porous
insulator of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found
that macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m
were formed.
[0265] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Comparative Example 7
[0266] The procedure in Example 1 was repeated to prepare the
devices A and B except that, in preparing the porous insulator ink,
tire porogen was replaced with cyclohexanone having high solubility
in the polymer of the cross-linkable monomer. Next, insulating
properties upon heating, the porosity of the porous insulator, and
a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon heating were
evaluated (see Table 2).
[0267] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that no
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0268] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
Comparative Example 8
[0269] The procedure in Comparative Example 5 was repeated to
prepare the devices A and B except that, in preparing the porous
insulator ink, the porogen was replaced with cyclohexanone having
high solubility in the cross-linkable monomer. Next, insulating
proper ties upon heating, the porosity of the porous insulator, and
a change in porosity of the porous insulator upon heating were
evaluated (see Table 2).
[0270] As a result of observing the surface of the porous insulator
of each of the devices A and B with SEM, it was found that no
macropores having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m were
formed.
[0271] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20 or
more, which indicates high insulating properties.
[0272] The compositions of the porous insulator inks are shown in
Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Resin Particles Melting Cross-linkable Point
Volume Polymerization Monomer Resin [degrees C.] Ratio Porogen
Initiator Example 1 Tricyclodecane PP wax 140 1:4 Dipropylene Photo
dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether Example 2
Tricyclodecane PE wax 110 1:4 Dipropylene Photo dimethanol glycol
diacrylate monomethyl ether Example 3 Tricyclodecane PVDF 151 1:4
Dipropylene Photo dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether
Example 4 Tricyclodecane PP wax 140 1:1 Dipropylene Photo
dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether Example 5
Tricyclodecane PE wax 110 1:1 Dipropylene Photo dimethanol glycol
diacrylate monomethyl ether Example 6 Tricyclodecane PVDF 151 1:1
Dipropylene Photo dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether
Example 7 Tricyclodecane PP wax 140 1:4 Dipropylene Thermal
dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether Example 8
Tricyclodecane PE wax 110 1:4 Dipropylene Thermal dimethanol glycol
diacrylate monomethyl ether Example 9 Tricyclodecane PVDF 151 1:4
Dipropylene Thermal dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether
Example 10 Tricyclodecane PP wax 140 2:1 Dipropylene Photo
dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether Example 11
Tricyclodecane PE wax 110 2:1 Dipropylene Photo dimethanol glycol
diacrylate monomethyl ether Example 12 Tricyclodecane PVDF 151 2:1
Dipropylene Photo dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether
Example 13 Tricyclodecane PP wax 140 1:14 Dipropylene Photo
dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether Example 14
Tricyclodecane PE wax 110 1:14 Dipropylene Photo dimethanol glycol
diacrylate monomethyl ether Example 15 Tricyclodecane PVDF 151 1:14
Dipropylene Photo dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether
Comparative -- PP wax 140 -- -- -- Example 1 Comparative -- PE wax
110 -- -- -- Example 2 Comparative -- PVDF 151 -- -- -- Example 3
Comparative -- -- -- -- -- -- Example 4 Comparative Tricyclodecane
-- -- -- Dipropylene Photo Example 5 dimethanol glycol diacrylate
monomethyl ether Comparative Tricyclodecane -- -- -- Dipropylene
Photo Example 6 dimethanol glycol diacrylate monomethyl ether
Comparative Tricyclodecane PP wax 140 1:4 -- Photo Example 7
dimethanol diacrylate Comparative Tricyclodecane -- -- -- -- Photo
Example 8 dimethanol diacrylate
[0273] Here, the volume ratio refers to the volume ratio between
the cross-linkable monomer and the resin particles contained in the
porous insulator ink.
Comparative Example 9
[0274] The device A illustrated in FIG. 5 was prepared by the
process (1) described below.
(1) Preparation of Device A
[0275] The device A was prepared by laminating a polyolefin porous
film UPORE (manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd.) having macropores
having a pore diameter of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m and further a
copper foil having a thickness of 8 .mu.m on a copper foil having a
thickness of 8 .mu.m as an anode substrate, and insulating
properties upon heating was evaluated (see Table 2).
[0276] The direct current resistance value between the anode
substrates of the device A measured at room temperature was 20
M.OMEGA. or more, which indicates high insulating properties.
[0277] The device B illustrated in FIG. 6 was prepared by the
process (2) described below.
(2) Preparation of Device B
[0278] The procedure in Example 1 was repeated to prepare the
device B except that a polyolefin porous film UPORE (manufactured
by Ube Industries, Ltd.) having macropores having a pore diameter
of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m and further a copper foil having a
thickness of 8 .mu.m were laminated on the electrode substrate on
which an anode mixture had been formed, and insulating properties
upon heating was evaluated (see Table 2).
[0279] Next, insulating properties upon heating, the porosity of
the porous insulator, and a change in porosity of the porous
insulator upon heating were evaluated using the devices A and B
(see Table 2).
[0280] Evaluation results for insulating properties upon heating,
the porosity of the porous insulator, and a change in porosity of
the porous insulator upon heating are shown in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Insulating Porosity of Properties Porous
Insulator upon Change Heating Room Upon Device A Device B
Temperature Heating Example 1 A A A+ A+ Example 2 A A A+ A+ Example
3 A A A+ A+ Example 4 A A A+ A Example 5 A A A+ A Example 6 A A A+
A Example 7 A A A+ A+ Example 8 A A A+ A+ Example 9 A A A+ A+
Example 10 A A A B Example 11 A A A B Example 12 A A A B Example 13
B B A A Example 14 B B A A Example 15 B B A A Comparative Example 1
C C A A Comparative Example 2 C C A A Comparative Example 3 C C A A
Comparative Example 4 A A A C Comparative Example 5 A A A C
Comparative Example 6 A A A C Comparative Example 7 A A C C
Comparative Example 8 A A C C Comparative Example 9 C C A A
[0281] It is clear from Table 2 that the porous insulators of
Examples 1 to 15 have a high porosity. In addition, it is clear
that the porous insulators of Examples 1 to 15 have a high shape
maintaining function and a high shutdown function, because the
insulating properties upon heating and the change in porosity upon
heating are large. This is because the porous structure is formed
of the polymer compound with a cross-linked structure having high
heat resistance by using a porous insulator ink containing
appropriate cross-linkable monomer, porogen, and resin particles,
and the porous insulator thereby maintains insulting properties.
Further, since the porous insulator contains resin particles having
a melting point lower than that of the polymer compound, the resin
particles melt before the shape of the polymer compound changes
upon heating and block the pores of the porous structure, improving
the shutdown function.
[0282] The porous insulator of Example 1 contains a larger amount
of resin particles than the porous insulator of Example 4, and
therefore the change in porosity of the porous insulator upon
heating is larger and the shutdown function is higher.
[0283] The porous insulators of Examples 2, 3, 5, and 6 contain
resin particles having different melting points from those of the
porous insulator of Example 1 and deliver the same effect as the
porous insulator of Example 1, since these resin particles have a
lower melting point than the polymer compound.
[0284] In the porous insulators of Examples 7 to 9, the
cross-linkable monomer is cross-linked by using a thermal
polymerization initiator, and the same effects as those of the
porous insulators of Examples 1 to 6 are delivered. This indicates
that a porous insulator having a high shape maintaining function, a
high shutdown function, and a high porosity can be formed by using
a porous insulator ink containing appropriate cross-linkable
monomer, porogen, and resin particles.
[0285] The porous insulators of Examples 10 to 12 contain a small
amount of resin particles. Therefore, the change in porosity upon
heating is smaller than that of the porous insulators of Examples 1
to 9.
[0286] The porous insulators of Examples 13 to 15 contain a large
amount of resin particles. Therefore, the porosity thereof is lower
than that of the porous insulators of Examples 1 to 9.
[0287] The porous insulators of Comparative Examples 1 to 3 have a
shutdown function because of comprising resin particles and a
binder, but the porosity is low. This is because the resin
particles form a structure close to the closest packing. Further,
when the porous insulators of Comparative Examples 1 to 3 reach a
certain temperature, the resin particles constituting the porous
structure turn into a liquid and the shape thereof rapidly changes,
resulting in a low shape maintaining function.
[0288] The porous insulator of Comparative Example 4 has a high
shape maintaining function because of containing silica particles
having high heat resistance. However, the porosity thereof is low
because of having the same structure as the porous insulators of
Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Since silica particles do not melt
even when they reach 200 degrees C., the change in porosity upon
heating is small and the shutdown function is low in the porous
insulator of Comparative Example 4.
[0289] The porous insulators of Comparative Examples 5 and 6 have a
certain degree of porosity. However, the change in porosity upon
heating is small and the shutdown function is low because they
contain no resin particle.
[0290] The porous insulators of Comparative Examples 7 and 8 have
high insulating properties upon heating but the porosity is low.
This is because the cross-linkable monomer has high solubility in a
solvent, so that phase separation hardly proceeds even when the
polymerization of the cross-linkable monomer proceeds.
[0291] The porous insulator of Comparative Example 9 has a high
porosity and a shutdown function, but has low insulating properties
upon heating. This is because heat shrinkage occurs due to the
strain generated during production of the porous insulator.
[0292] Numerous additional modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be
understood that, within the scope of the above teachings, the
present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. With some embodiments having thus been described,
it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such
variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the scope of
the present disclosure and appended claims, and all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
present disclosure and appended claims.
* * * * *