Dispersant for Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used throughout the world as power storage for smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy power generation equipment, as well as others, with demand expected to continue to increase for protection of the global environment and realization of a carbon-free society.
Kao has achieved high levels of battery capacity and productivity by efficient dispersion of conductive carbon used in the electrodes of lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, we have developed an epoch-making dispersant that does not have negative effects even when it remains inside the battery and provides longer battery life.
Electrodes are manufactured by applying and drying a paste that is a uniform mixture of the active material, along with conductive carbon, a binder, and an organic solvent on the surface of a metal foil, though thickening caused by the conductive carbon is a difficult problem.
Kao has developed a “dispersant for lithium-ion battery” that promotes formation of a conductive network in the electrode, which features lower resistance, as well as higher capacity and output by the battery based on an original design that can selectively disperse conductive carbon. It is possible to reduce CO₂ emissions by improved battery productivity and reducing the drying load, which is accomplished by lowering the amount of organic solvent, while at the same time maintaining the same viscosity and significantly shortening drying time, features that are highly sought by customers.
Kao will continue to contribute to society with the aim of realizing a sustainable society through development of lithium-ion batteries.