Lithium-ion batteries are comprised of a positive electrode (cathode), a negative electrode (anode), a separator that divides the two electrodes and an electrolyte that fills the gap in between. The electrodes consist of a metal foil, an active material containing lithium, a binder which helps to adhere the active material to the foil, and a conductive material (carbon black or CNT*, etc.) which plays the role of conducting electricity.

Carbon black and CNT used in conductive materials have a very large specific surface area and are difficult to disperse, therefore a superior dispersant is required to form an optimal conductive network.
On the other hand, the dispersant itself is an impurity in finished lithium-ion batteries, making it extremely important to suppress the adverse effect it has on battery performance.

*CNT = Carbon nanotubes

Harnessing its unique polymer design technologies cultivated for dispersing a variety of fine particles such as pigments for inkjet , metals for electronic materials , etc., Kao has developed a highly functional dispersant suitable for lithium-ion batteries.
LUNA ACE has the following three functional groups.

● Adsorbent group: Enables selective adsorption to conductive material
● Dispersant group: Achieves superior dispersion
● Functional group: Suppresses dissolution into electrolyte, providing high voltage endurance

Kao has established a framework for the evaluation of its batteries, and after confirmation of battery performance using Kao's dispersant, we are able to provide optimum formulations to achieve superior performance.
 
[Test items]
● Coin cell/laminated cell battery production
● CV measurement
● Charge/discharge measurement
● Cycle evaluation
● AC impedance
● Environmental test