Battery Materials

Daikin has developed a vast array of fluorinated additives and co-solvents which, when mixed with conventional solvents create, electrolytes that help increase lithium ion battery energy densities, voltage tolerance, cycle life, and battery safety.

Specifically, these fluoro additives and co-solvents address performance shortcomings such as cathode and anode SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interface) dissolution, excessive gas generation, electrolyte decomposition, and other performance limitations which have prevented the development of higher voltage, longer life, and higher energy density/power density battery cells and systems. Daikin has recently been awarded a $0.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to “Develop advanced high performance electrolytes, based on fluorochemistries, which will allow lithium ion batteries to operate at higher voltages and temperatures.” This multi-year research work began in October of 2013. In addition, because of the potential for Daikin fluorinated electrolytes to offer breakthroughs in lithium ion battery performance, Daikin is working closely with the scientists at a number of the National Laboratories such as Argonne National Laboratories, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, and Sandia National Laboratories. Daikin fluorinated electrolytes can be custom mixed to suit the individual needs of battery manufacturers. Daikin energy storage specialists are available to work with the industry to solve its most pressing needs in lithium ion battery applications.

Daikin has developed a family of PVDF and VDF copolymer electrode binder resins for use in lithium ion batteries. Standard medium and high molecular weight (mW) resins, VW-410 and VW-450 are available for those in need of typical PVDF binder performance.

To address the demanding needs of the next generation lithium ion battery market, in addition to the specialty needs of the military and aerospace lithium ion battery markets, Daikin has developed VW-750 and VT-475 VDF copolymer binder resins. These new binder resins have superior performance when compared to standard PVDF binder resins. Both VW-750 and VT-475 binder resins are more flexible than PVDF resins which allow for high electrode densities and also longer life cycles due to the increased durability. VW-750 and VT-475 are also more chemically resistant which reduces electrode swelling in the presence of electrolyte at elevated temperatures.