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Electrolyte production and environment (a brief discussion)

1. Electrolyte

It is an important component of lithium batteries. It conducts lithium ions inside the battery and has an important impact on the performance and life of the battery. Lithium battery electrolyte is usually composed of organic solvents, electrolytes and additives.

 

Organic solvent is the main component of electrolyte, which is usually a flammable, explosive and toxic liquid, such as dimethyl carbonate (DMC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), etc. These organic solvents can dissolve electrolytes to form ion conductors, and can also provide a certain electrochemical stability.

 

Electrolyte is an ion conductor in the electrolyte, which is usually a lithium salt, such as LiPF6, LiBF4, LiClO4, etc. These lithium salts can dissociate into lithium ions and negative ions in the electrolyte, thereby realizing the conduction of lithium ions.

 

Additives are some chemical substances added to improve the performance of the electrolyte, such as conductive agents, film formers, corrosion inhibitors, etc. These additives can improve the conductivity, stability and corrosion resistance of the electrolyte, thereby improving the performance and life of the battery.

 

The performance of lithium battery electrolyte has an important impact on the performance and life of the battery. Therefore, factors such as electrochemical performance, stability, safety and cost need to be considered when designing and preparing the electrolyte. At the same time, the preparation and use of the electrolyte also need to strictly comply with relevant safety regulations and operating procedures to ensure the safety and reliability


2. The composition of electrolyte:

It consists of three parts: electrolyte, solvent and additive, and their functions are as follows: - Electrolyte: Provide lithium ions in the electrolyte, usually lithium salts such as LiPF6, LiBF4, LiClO4, etc. are used. - Solvent: Used to dissolve electrolytes and additives to form ion conductors, usually organic solvents such as carbonates, carboxylates, ethers, etc. are used. - Additives: Used to improve the performance of the electrolyte, such as improving the conductivity, stability and corrosion resistance of the electrolyte, usually conductive agents, film formers, corrosion inhibitors, etc. are used.

The performance of the electrolyte has an important influence on the performance and life of the lithium battery. Therefore, when designing and preparing the electrolyte, factors such as its electrochemical properties, stability, safety and cost need to be considered. At the same time, the preparation and use of the electrolyte also need to strictly comply with relevant safety regulations and operating procedures to ensure the safety and reliability of the battery.

 

3.The upstream and downstream industrial chains of the electrolyte industry are as follows:
- Upstream: The upstream of the electrolyte industry is mainly composed of raw material manufacturers such as solute lithium salts, solvents, and additives. These companies provide the raw materials required for electrolyte production, and their product quality and price will affect the production cost and quality of the electrolyte. 

 

- Midstream: The midstream of the electrolyte industry is mainly composed of electrolyte manufacturers. These companies produce electrolyte products that meet downstream needs by mixing, purifying, and processing the raw materials provided by the upstream.

 

- Downstream: The downstream of the electrolyte industry is mainly composed of battery manufacturers. These companies use electrolytes to produce various types of batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and lead-acid batteries to meet different market needs.

 

In the entire industrial chain, electrolyte manufacturers are in the midstream position, and their product quality and technical level have an important impact on the performance and life of downstream batteries. At the same time, electrolyte manufacturers also need to maintain a good cooperative relationship with upstream raw material companies and downstream battery manufacturers to ensure the stability of raw material supply and smooth product sales.

 

4. The following are the commonly used lithium salts in electrolytes:
1. LiPF6 : It is one of the most commonly used lithium salts at present, with good electrochemical properties and stability.

2. LiBF4 : It has high ionic conductivity and low cost, but it is easy to decompose at high temperature.

3. LiClO4 : It has high ionic conductivity and good electrochemical properties, but it is easy to decompose at high potential.

4. LiAsF6 : It has high ionic conductivity and good electrochemical properties, but it is highly toxic and not commonly used.

5. LiTFSI : It has high ionic conductivity and good electrochemical properties, but it is expensive.

Different lithium salts have different performance and stability in electrolytes. When selecting lithium salts, factors such as battery application scenarios, performance requirements and costs need to be considered. The preparation and use of electrolytes also need to strictly comply with relevant safety regulations and operating procedures.

5. Additives added to the electrolyte:

1. Conductive agent : used to improve the conductivity of the electrolyte, such as carbon black, carbon fiber, etc.

 

2. Film-forming agent: used to form a stable protective film on the surface of the positive and negative electrodes of the battery, such as polyolefins, fluorocarbonates, etc.

 

3. Corrosion inhibitor : used to inhibit the corrosion of electrolyte to battery materials, such as benzotriazole.

 

4. Stabilizer : used to stabilize the performance of the electrolyte, such as vinylene carbonate.

 

5. Flame retardants: used to improve the safety of electrolyte, such as trimethyl phosphate.

6. Main factors affecting the cost of electrolyte:

1. Raw material cost: The main raw materials of electrolyte are organic solvents, electrolytes and additives. The prices of these raw materials will directly affect the cost of electrolyte.

 

2. Production process: The production process of the electrolyte will also affect the cost. Different production processes require different costs of equipment, manpower, energy, etc.

 

3. Production scale : The production scale of the electrolyte will also affect the cost. Large-scale production can reduce unit cost.

 

4. Technical level: The technical level of the electrolyte will also affect the cost. High-level technology can improve production efficiency and product quality, thereby reducing costs.

 

5. Market demand: Market demand will also have an impact on the cost of electrolyte. If the market demand is strong, the price of raw materials may rise, resulting in an increase in the cost of electrolyte.

 

Therefore, the cost of electrolyte is affected by many factors, and it is necessary to comprehensively consider various factors to control the cost. At the same time, the preparation and use of electrolyte need to strictly comply with relevant safety regulations and operating procedures.

7. Specific sub-industries of electrolytes include:

1. Electrolyte industry: Electrolyte is one of the main components of electrolyte. The electrolyte industry mainly produces various lithium salts, such as LiPF6, LiBF4, LiClO4, etc.

 

2. Organic solvent industry: Organic solvent is one of the main components of electrolyte. The organic solvent industry mainly produces various carbonates, carboxylates, ethers and other organic solvents.

 

3. Additive industry: Additives are an important component of electrolytes. The additive industry mainly produces various conductive agents, film-forming agents, corrosion inhibitors, stabilizers, flame retardants and other additives.

 

4. Electrolyte production equipment industry: Electrolyte production requires the use of various equipment, such as mixers, filters, dryers, etc. The electrolyte production equipment industry mainly produces these equipment.

 

5. Electrolyte testing equipment industry: The performance of the electrolyte needs to be tested. The electrolyte testing equipment industry mainly produces various testing instruments and equipment.

 

6. Electrolyte recycling industry: Electrolyte generates waste during use. The electrolyte recycling industry is mainly engaged in the recovery and reuse of electrolytes.

 

These sub-industries together constitute the electrolyte industry chain, and the development of each sub-industry will have an impact on the performance and cost of the electrolyte. At the same time, the preparation and use of the electrolyte also need to strictly comply with relevant safety regulations and operating procedures.

8. The testing methods of electrolyte mainly include:

1. Conductivity test: Conductivity is one of the important indicators of electrolyte, which reflects the conductivity of electrolyte. Conductivity test is usually measured by conductivity meter.

 

2. Viscosity test: Viscosity is another important indicator of electrolyte, which reflects the fluidity and mass transfer performance of electrolyte. Viscosity test is usually measured by rotational viscometer.

 

3. Chemical stability test : The electrolyte will be affected by various factors during use, such as temperature, light, oxidation, etc., so a chemical stability test is required. Chemical stability tests are usually measured using analytical methods such as HPLC and GC.

 

4. Electrochemical stability test : The electrochemical stability of the electrolyte refers to the ability of the electrolyte to remain stable during the operation of the battery. Electrochemical stability tests are usually measured using methods such as cyclic voltammetry and constant current charge and discharge methods.

 

5. Compatibility test : The electrolyte needs to be compatible with other components of the battery. Compatibility testing is usually measured using methods such as immersion tests and cycle tests.

 

6. Impurity test: Impurities in the electrolyte will affect the performance and life of the battery, so impurity testing is required. Impurity testing is usually measured using analytical methods such as HPLC and ICP-MS.

 

These test methods can help evaluate the performance and quality of the electrolyte, thus providing guidance for the design and manufacture of batteries. At the same time, the preparation and use of the electrolyte also need to strictly comply with relevant safety regulations and operating procedures to ensure the safety and reliability of the battery.

 

9.Standard equipment required for electrolyte testing includes:

1. Conductivity meter: used to measure the conductivity of electrolyte.

 

2. Viscometer: used to measure the viscosity of the electrolyte.

 

3. Acidity meter: used to measure the pH of the electrolyte.

 

4. Gas chromatograph: used to analyze organic matter in the electrolyte.

 

5. Liquid chromatograph: used to analyze inorganic substances in electrolyte.

 

6. Microbalance: used to measure the mass of electrolyte.

 

7. Oven: used to dry the electrolyte.

 

8. Constant temperature water bath: used to control the temperature of the electrolyte.

 

9. Battery testing system: used to test the performance of electrolyte in the battery.

 

10. Charging and discharging equipment: used to perform charging and discharging tests on batteries.

 

11. Battery simulator: used to simulate the working state of the battery.

 

12. Data acquisition system: used to collect data during the electrolyte testing process.

 

These devices can help evaluate the performance and quality of electrolytes, providing guidance for battery design and manufacturing .


10. Solute lithium salt

 

Refers to lithium ions dissolved in the electrolyte, which are an important component of the electrolyte. Common solute lithium salts include LiPF6, LiBF4, LiClO4, LiAsF6 , etc.

 

The role of the solute lithium salt in the electrolyte is to provide lithium ions so that they can move back and forth between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery, thereby realizing the battery's charge and discharge process. Different solute lithium salts have different physical and chemical properties, such as solubility, ion conductivity, chemical stability, etc. These properties will affect the performance and life of the battery.

 

When selecting the solute lithium salt, factors such as its physical and chemical properties and compatibility with other battery components need to be considered.

11. Common solute lithium salts are as follows:

1. Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6 ): This is one of the most commonly used solute lithium salts, with high ionic conductivity and good chemical stability.

 

2. Lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4) : It has high ionic conductivity and good chemical stability, but it is easily decomposed under high potential.

 

3. Lithium hexafluoroarsenate (LiAsF6) : It has high ionic conductivity and good chemical stability, but it is highly toxic and is not commonly used.

 

4. Lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) : It has high ionic conductivity and good electrochemical properties, but it is easily decomposed at high potential.

 

5. Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6 ): It has high ionic conductivity and good electrochemical properties, but it is more expensive.

 

The role of these solute lithium salts in the electrolyte is to provide lithium ions so that they can move back and forth between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery, thereby realizing the charging and discharging process of the battery. Different solute lithium salts have different physical and chemical properties, such as solubility, ionic conductivity, chemical stability, etc. These properties will affect the performance and life of the battery. When selecting solute lithium salts, it is necessary to consider factors such as their physical and chemical properties, as well as compatibility with other components of the battery. The preparation and use of solute lithium salts also need to strictly comply with relevant safety regulations and operating procedures to ensure the safety and reliability of the battery.

12. Production process and steps of solute lithium salt :

1. Raw material preparation: The production of solute lithium salts usually requires raw materials such as lithium source, fluorine source and other additives. These raw materials need to be pre-treated to remove impurities and moisture.

 

2. Reaction: The pre-treated raw materials are mixed together and reacted at appropriate temperature and pressure to produce solute lithium salt.

 

3. Separation : After the reaction is completed, the generated solute lithium salt needs to be separated from the reaction by-products and unreacted raw materials.

 

4. Purification: The separated solute lithium salt may still contain impurities and needs to be purified to improve its purity.

 

5. Drying: The purified solute lithium salt needs to be dried to remove moisture.

 

6. Packaging: The dried solute lithium salt needs to be packaged for storage and transportation.

 

The production process of lithium salts with different solutes may be different, but usually includes the above steps. During the production process, the reaction conditions and process parameters need to be strictly controlled to ensure the quality and stability of the product.

 

13.Production process and steps of electrolyte:

1. Raw material preparation : prepare raw materials such as solute lithium salt, solvent and additives. 

 

2.Mixing: Mix the solute lithium salt and solvent together to form a uniform solution. 

 

3. Filtration: Filter the mixed solution to remove impurities and suspended matter. 

 

4. Purification: Purify the filtered solution to remove residual impurities and moisture. 

 

5.Additive addition : Add various additives to the purified solution as needed to improve the performance of the electrolyte. 

 

6. Stirring : Mix the additives evenly so that they are evenly distributed in the electrolyte. 

 

7.Filling : Fill the mixed electrolyte into the battery.

The production process of the electrolyte requires strict control of factors such as temperature, humidity, and pressure to ensure the quality and stability of the electrolyte. At the same time, strict quality testing and control are also required to ensure that the electrolyte meets the performance requirements and safety standards of the battery.

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