Fernand Brochu

Additives for extruding polymer electrolytes

Preparation of an electrolyte film for lithium/polymer electrolyte batteries by extruding a powder mixture containing a polymer, a lithium salt and an additive consisting of an ultra fine powder of a metal oxide, such as silica, aluminum, or titanium oxide with a particle size between about 7 and 40 nm. The role of the additive is to prevent the formation of adhesive solid blocks in the powder mixture and to allow the introduction of this mixture in the extruder. Electrolyte compositions, electrolytes as well as electrochemical generators obtained according to the invention are also described.

Process for preparing solutions of a positive electrode for polymer electrolyte battery by pre-dispersion of solid powders

To prepare polymer dispersions containing large quantities of solid particles, with at least some of these consisting of materials with a high specific area (>50 m2 /g) or oil absorption capacity, the mixture of particles is first co-ground in a non polar solvent. The co-ground mixture is dried until obtaining a dry powder of reagglomerated particles, which is dispersed in a solution containing a polymer and possibly a salt. Large quantities of solid particles can thus be dispersed while maintaining adequate rheological properties for the dispersion, and low porosities and few surface defects in the films obtained by coating the dispersion. This process can be used to prepare thin films of positive electrode for lithium polymer batteries, as well as in the paint, coatings and magnetic tape industry.