Description:
Reference #: 1682
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for Chemical Crosslinking of PVDF Binder for Battery Electrodes.
Background:
Various three-dimensional network structures of crosslinked polymer binders have been developed to improve the electrode structure and cell performance of batteries at high active material loading and low electrolyte usage. However, most of the crosslinked polymer binders are expensive, and stable only in a limited voltage window. Crosslinked PVDF, despite its remarkable electrochemical stability, and low cost, has not been adopted yet due to its highly complex synthesis through strength-controlled radiation.
Invention Description:
This invention is a chemical method for crosslinking PVDF as a binder for battery electrodes in order to improve the cyclability of a broad range of lithium-based batteries including but not limited to conventional lithium-ion, batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, and silicon-anode batteries. The concept involves adding a lithium salt solution to the organically dissolved PVDF binder and controlling the amount of adhesive binder that reacts with Li salt. The result is enhanced electrode integrity, thus longer battery life, allowing these cells to penetrate into new applications.
Potential Applications:
Battery market, electrode manufacturing
Advantages and Benefits:
The current innovation provides a simple and low-cost processing method for chemical crosslinking of PVDF. Potential Licensee will be able to use this method at scale and provide lithium-based batteries with superior cycle life to the battery market.