Additive for non-aqueous electrolyte solution, electrolyte solution for non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery, and non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery

The present invention relates to an additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution that can suppress the initial gas generation amount (the amount of gas generated due to charge and discharge (such as initial charge and discharge or aging) that are performed before degassing when the battery is manufactured) when used in a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery, as well as an electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery containing the additive, and a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery using it.

In recent years, storage systems to be applied to small equipment that needs high energy density, such as information-technology-related equipment or communication equipment, specifically, personal computers, video cameras, digital still cameras, and cell phones, and storage systems to be applied to large equipment that needs high power, such as auxiliary power and energy storage for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles have received attention. A non-aqueous electrolyte battery such as a lithium ion battery, a lithium battery, a lithium ion capacitor or a sodium ion battery has been actively developed as a candidate thereof.

Although many of these non-aqueous-electrolyte solution batteries have already been put into practical use, each property is not satisfactory in various applications. In particular, in case of the use of being mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle, it is necessary to improve the manufacturing yield of the battery, in order to reduce the cost of the battery. In order to improve the yield, it is necessary to simplify the degassing process when the battery is manufactured. For this purpose, it is required to suppress the gas generation amount at the time of initial charge.

Until now, as a means of improving the properties of non-aqueous electrolyte solution batteries and reducing the gas generation amount, optimization of various battery components including positive and negative electrode active materials has been studied. Non-aqueous electrolyte solution-related technology is also no exception, and it has been proposed to suppress deterioration due to decomposition of the electrolyte solution on the surface of an active positive or negative electrode with various additives. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 propose to improve battery properties of a lithium ion battery by adding vinylene carbonate or unsaturated sultone to the electrolyte solution. In addition, for example, Patent Document 3 proposes to improve battery properties of a sodium ion battery by adding fluoroethylene carbonate to the electrolyte solution.

Patent Documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Un-examined Publication number (hereinafter referred to simply as JP-A number) JP-A-2000-123867

Patent Document 2: JP-A-2002-329528

Patent Document 3: JP-A-2013-048077

Subject to be Attained by the Invention

In non-aqueous electrolyte solution batteries using non-aqueous electrolyte solutions disclosed in the prior art documents, the effect of reducing the initial gas generation amount (the amount of gas generated due to charge and discharge (such as initial charge and discharge or aging) that are performed before degassing when the battery is manufactured) is not satisfactory, and there was room for improvement.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution that can suppress the initial gas generation amount when used in a non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery, as well as a non-aqueous electrolyte solution containing the additive and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery using the electrolyte solution.

Means for Attaining the Subject

The present inventors have intensively studied in view of the above problems, and as a result, have found that in a non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery containing a non-aqueous solvent and a solute, when an imine compound having the specific structure is used as an additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution, the non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery can suppress the initial gas generation amount, and arrived at the present invention.

That is, the present invention provides an additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution (hereinafter, may be generally referred to simply as “imine compound”) represented by any one of the following formulae [1] to [4]:

In formulae [1] to [4], the substituents have the following meanings.

X 1 and X 2 are each independently a fluorine atom or an organic group selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkoxy groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkenyl groups having 2 to carbon atoms, linear or branched alkenyloxy groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkynyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkynyloxy groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkoxy groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyloxy groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and aryloxy groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, where the organic group may contain a fluorine atom, an oxygen atom, or an unsaturated bond.

Y is a carbon atom or a sulfur atom.

Incidentally, the phrase “the organic group contains a fluorine atom” specifically means that a hydrogen atom in the group is substituted with a fluorine atom.

In addition, the phrase “the organic group contains an oxygen atom” specifically means, for example, that “—O—” (ether bond) is interposed between the carbon atoms in the group.

R 1 and R 2 are each independently an organic group selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkoxy groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkenyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkenyloxy groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkynyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkynyloxy groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkoxy groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyloxy groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and aryloxy groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, where the organic group may contain a fluorine atom, an oxygen atom, or an unsaturated bond.

Incidentally, the phrase “the organic group contains a fluorine atom” specifically means that a hydrogen atom in the group is substituted with a fluorine atom.

In addition, the phrase “the organic group contains an oxygen atom” specifically means, for example, that “—O—” (ether bond) is interposed between the carbon atoms in the group.

R 3 and R 4 are each independently an organic group selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkenyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkynyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and aryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, where the organic group may contain a fluorine atom, an oxygen atom, or an unsaturated bond.

Incidentally, the phrase “the organic group contains a fluorine atom” specifically means that a hydrogen atom in the group is substituted with a fluorine atom.

In addition, the phrase “the organic group contains an oxygen atom” specifically means, for example, that “—O—” (ether bond) is interposed between the carbon atoms in the group.

In addition, R 1 and R 2 or R 1 and R 4 may form together a cyclic structure as shown in the following formula [5] or [6]:

In addition, the imine compound represented by any one of the above formulae [1] to [4] is preferably a compound in which

X 1 and X 2 are each independently a fluorine atom or a group selected from the group consisting of a methyl group, a trifluoromethyl group, and a phenyl group;

at least one of R 1 and R 2 is a group selected from the group consisting of a methyl group, a methoxy group, an ethyl group, an ethoxy group, a propyl group, a propoxyl group, a vinyl group, an allyl group, an allyloxy group, an ethynyl group, a 2-propynyl group, a 2-propynyloxy group, a phenyl group, and a phenyloxy group; and at least one R 3 and R 4 is a group selected from the group consisting of a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a vinyl group, an allyl group, an ethynyl group, a 2-propynyl group, and a phenyl group.

In addition, the imine compound represented by any one of the above formulae [1] to [4] is also preferably a compound in which X 1 and X 2 are each independently a fluorine atom or a group selected from the group consisting of a methyl group, a trifluoromethyl group, and a phenyl group; and

R 1 and R 2 or R 1 and R 4 form together a cyclic structure represented by any one of the following formulae [7] to [11]:

[R 5 to R 9 are each independently a fluorine atom or an organic group selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkoxy groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkenyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkenyloxy groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkynyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkynyloxy groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkoxy groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyloxy groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and aryloxy groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, where the organic group may contain a fluorine atom, an oxygen atom, or an unsaturated bond.

Incidentally, the phrase “the organic group contains a fluorine atom” specifically means that a hydrogen atom in the group is substituted with a fluorine atom.

In addition, the phrase “the organic group contains an oxygen atom” specifically means, for example, that “—O—” (ether bond) is interposed between the carbon atoms in the group.

a and c are each an integer of 0 to 6; b and d are each an integer of 0 to 4; and e is an integer of 0 to 8.]

In addition, in the cyclic structure represented by any one of the above formulae [7] to [11], it is preferable that

R 3 is a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a vinyl group, an allyl group, an ethynyl group, a 2-propynyl group, or a phenyl group;

R 5 to R 9 are each independently a fluorine atom or a group selected from the group consisting of a methyl group, a vinyl group, an allyl group, an allyloxy group, an ethynyl group, a 2-propynyl group, and a phenyl group; and a to e are each an integer of 0 to 2.

In addition, the present invention relates to an electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery (hereinafter, may be sometimes referred to simply as a “non-aqueous electrolyte solution” or “electrolyte solution”) containing a non-aqueous solvent, a solute, and the above-described additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution.

The content of the additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution is preferably within a range of 0.001 to 5.0 mass % based on the total amount of the non-aqueous solvent, the solute, and the additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. If the content is higher than 5.0 mass %, the discharge capacity may be decreased due to excessive formation of a film. In contrast, if the content is less than 0.001 mass %, the formation of a film is insufficient, and the effect of improving the properties may become difficult to be realized.

The solute is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of LiPF 6 , LiBF 4 , LiPF 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 2 , LiPF 4 (C 2 O 4 ), LiP(C 2 O 4 ) 3 , LiBF 2 (C 2 O 4 ), LiB(C 2 O 4 ) 2 , LiPO 2 F 2 , LiN(POF 2 ) 2 , LiN(FSO 2 ) (POF 2 ), LiN(FSO 2 ) (POF(OCH 2 C≡CH)), LiN(FSO 2 ) 2 , LiN(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 , LiN(CF 3 SO 2 ) (FSO 2 ), LiSO 3 F, NaPF 6 , NaBF 4 , NaPF 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 2 , NaPF 4 (O 2 O 4 ), NaP(C 2 O 4 ) 3 , NaBF 2 (C 2 O 4 ), NaB(C 2 O 4 ) 2 , NaPO 2 F 2 , NaN(POF 2 ) 2 , NaN(FSO 2 ) (POF 2 ), NaN(FSO 2 ) (POF(OCH 2 C≡CH)), NaN(FSO 2 ) 2 , NaN(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 , NaN(CF 3 SO 2 ) (FSO 2 ), and NaSO 3 F.

The non-aqueous electrolyte solution may further contain at least one selected from the group consisting of vinylene carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate, ethynylethylene carbonate, trans-di fluoroethylene carbonate, (ethoxy) pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene, tetravinylsilane, and 1,3-propanesultone.

In addition, the non-aqueous solvent is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of cyclic carbonates, chain carbonates, cyclic esters, chain esters, cyclic ethers, chain ethers, sulfone compounds, sulfoxide compounds, and ionic liquids.

In addition, the present invention relates to a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery (hereinafter, may be sometimes referred to simply as a “non-aqueous battery” or “battery”) at least including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and the above-described electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery.

Effect by the Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution that can suppress the initial gas generation amount when used in a non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery, as well as a non-aqueous electrolyte solution containing the additive and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery using the electrolyte solution.

The present invention will now be described in detail below. However, the descriptions of the components described below are examples of the embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be carried out with various modifications within the range of the gist of the present invention.

1. Additive for a Non-Aqueous Electrolyte Solution

Although the mechanism of the action of improving the battery properties by the present invention is not clear, it is conceived that the imine compound represented by any one of the above formulae [1] to [4] is partially decomposed at the interface between the positive electrode and the electrolyte solution and the interface between the negative electrode and the electrolyte solution to form a film. It is conceived that this film inhibits the direct contact between the non-aqueous solvent or the solute and the active material, so as to prevent the decomposition of the non-aqueous solvent and the solute to inhibit the deterioration of the battery performance (decomposition of the solvent and generation of gas at higher temperature (about 70° C. or less)).

In the above formulae [1] to [4], the groups represented by X 1 , X 2 , R 1 , and R 2 are as follows. Examples of the alkyl group and the alkoxyl group include alkyl groups and fluorine-containing alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, a trifluoromethyl group, a 2,2-difluoroethyl group, a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, a 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl group, and a 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl group; and alkoxy groups derived therefrom.

Examples of the alkenyl group and the alkenyloxy group include alkenyl groups and fluorine-containing alkenyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, a 1-propenyl group, an isopropenyl group, a 2-butenyl group, and a 1,3-butadienyl group; and alkenyloxy groups derived therefrom.

Examples of the alkynyl group and the alkynyloxy group include alkynyl groups and fluorine-containing alkynyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as an ethynyl group, a 2-propynyl group, and a 1,1-dimethyl-2-propynyl group; and alkynyloxy groups derived therefrom. Examples of the cycloalkyl group and the cycloalkoxy group include cycloalkyl groups and fluorine-containing cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a cyclopentyl group and a cyclohexyl group; and cycloalkoxy groups derived therefrom.

Examples of the cycloalkenyl group and the cycloalkenyloxy group include cycloalkenyl groups and fluorine-containing cycloalkenyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a cyclopentenyl group and a cyclohexenyl group; and cycloalkenyloxy groups derived therefrom.

Examples of the aryl group and the aryloxy group include aryl groups and fluorine-containing aryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a phenyl group, a tolyl group, and a xylyl group; and aryloxy groups derived therefrom.

In the above formulae [1] to [4], the groups represented by R 3 and R 4 are as follows. Examples of the alkyl group include alkyl groups and fluorine-containing alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, a trifluoromethyl group, a 2,2-difluoroethyl group, a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, a 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl group, and a 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl group. Examples of the alkenyl group include alkenyl groups and fluorine-containing alkenyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, a 1-propenyl group, an isopropenyl group, a 2-butenyl group, and a 1,3-butadienyl group. Examples of the alkynyl group include alkynyl groups and fluorine-containing alkynyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as an ethynyl group, a 2-propynyl group, and a 1,1-dimethyl-2-propynyl group. Examples of the cycloalkyl group include cycloalkyl groups and fluorine-containing cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a cyclopentyl group and a cyclohexyl group. Examples of the cycloalkenyl group include cycloalkenyl groups and fluorine-containing cycloalkenyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a cyclopentenyl group and a cyclohexenyl group. Examples of the aryl group include aryl groups and fluorine-containing aryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a phenyl group, a tolyl group, and a xylyl group.

In addition, R 1 and R 2 or R 1 and R 4 may form together a cyclic structure as shown in the above formula [5] or [6], as described above, and examples of the structure include cyclic structures represented by the above formulae [7] to [11].

In the above formulae [7] to [11], the groups represented by R 5 to R 9 are as follows.

Example of the alkyl group and the alkoxyl group include alkyl groups and fluorine-containing alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, a trifluoromethyl group, a 2,2-difluoroethyl group, a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, a 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl group, and a 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl group; and alkoxy groups derived therefrom.

Examples of the alkenyl group and the alkenyloxy group include alkenyl groups and fluorine-containing alkenyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, a 1-propenyl group, an isopropenyl group, a 2-butenyl group, and a 1,3-butadienyl group; and alkenyloxy groups derived therefrom.

Examples of the alkynyl group and the alkynyloxy group include alkynyl groups and fluorine-containing alkynyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as an ethynyl group, a 2-propynyl group, and a 1,1-dimethyl-2-propynyl group; and alkynyloxy groups derived therefrom.

Examples of the cycloalkyl group and the cycloalkoxy group include cycloalkyl groups and fluorine-containing cycloalkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a cyclopentyl group and a cyclohexyl group; and cycloalkoxy groups derived therefrom.

Examples of the cycloalkenyl group and the cycloalkenyloxy group include cycloalkenyl groups and fluorine-containing cycloalkenyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a cyclopentenyl group and a cyclohexenyl group; and cycloalkenyloxy groups derived therefrom.

Examples of the aryl group and the aryloxy group include aryl groups and fluorine-containing aryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, such as a phenyl group, a tolyl group, and a xylyl group; and aryloxy groups derived therefrom.

More specifically, examples of the imine compound represented by any one of the above formulae [1] to [4] include, but not limited to, the following compounds:

An imine compound including a substituent having a fewer number of carbon atoms or an imine compound containing a larger number of fluorine atoms or oxygen atoms shows a higher reductive decomposition potential on a negative electrode and tends to form a decomposition film before decomposition of the electrolyte solution (solvent) and is therefore conceived to more easily inhibit the gas generation by decomposition of the electrolyte solution (solvent).

Among the above-mentioned imine compounds, (1C-1), (1C-4), (1C-5), (1C-6), (1C-7), (1C-9), (1C-11), (1C-13), (1S-2), (1S-4), (1S-5), (2C-1), (2C-2), (2C-4), (3C-6), (3C-9), and (3S-1) are preferred from the viewpoint of the effect of suppressing the initial gas generation amount.

In addition, among the above-mentioned imine compounds, (1C-1), (1C-4), (1C-6), (1C-7), (1C-9), (1C-11), (1C-13), (1S-2), (1S-3), (1S-9), (2C-1), (2C-2), (2C-4), and (3C-6) are preferred from the viewpoint of easily exhibiting the effect of inhibiting gas generation and the effect of improving the durability at higher temperature (about 70° C. or less) in a well-balanced manner.

The imine compound represented by any one of formulae [1] to [4] preferably has a high purity. In particular, the content of chlorine (Cl) in the imine compound as a raw material before being dissolved in the electrolyte solution is preferably 5000 mass ppm or less, more preferably 1000 mass ppm or less, and further preferably 100 mass ppm or less. The use of the imine compound containing a higher concentration of remaining chlorine (Cl) tends to corrode the battery members and is therefore not preferred. Especially, the content of chloride (Cl) of higher than 5000 mass ppm may corrode the current collector of the non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery and is not preferred.

In addition, the content of free acids contained in the imine compound represented by any one of formulae [1] to [4] as a raw material before being dissolved in the electrolyte solution is preferably 5000 mass ppm or less and further preferably 1000 mass ppm or less. The content of free acids of higher than 5000 mass ppm may corrode the current collector of the non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery and is not preferred.

The imine compounds represented by formulae [1] to [4] can be manufactured by various methods, and the manufacturing method is not particularly limited.

In one example of the method, as described in, for example, Tetrahedron Letters, 43, 3957-3959, 2002 and Chem. Ber, 101, 162-173, 1968, a corresponding isocyanate (X 1 SO 2 N═C═O or X 1 X 2 P(═O)N═C═O) and a corresponding compound having a carbonyl group (O═CR 1 R 2 or O═CR 1 (NR 3 R 4 )) or compound having a sulfoxide group (O═SR 1 R 2 or O═SR 1 (NR 3 R 4 )) are reacted in the absence of a solvent or in a solvent that does not react with them.

In addition, when X 1 and X 2 are fluorine atoms, the imine compound can also be obtained by reacting a chlorosulfonyl isocyanate or a dichlorophosphonyl isocyanate and a corresponding compound having a carbonyl group (O═CR 1 R 2 or O═CR 1 (NR 3 R 4 )) or compound having a sulfoxide group (O═SR 1 R 2 or O═SR 1 (NR 3 R 4 )) in the absence of a solvent or in a solvent that does not react with them and then replacing the chlorine atoms with fluorine atoms.

2. Non-Aqueous Electrolyte Solution

2-1. Additive for Non-Aqueous Electrolyte Solution

The non-aqueous electrolyte solution of the present invention contains a solute and a non-aqueous solvent both of which will be described below, and the additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution described above. The lower limit of the content of the additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution in the electrolyte solution is preferably 0.001 mass % or more, more preferably 0.005 mass % or more, and further preferably 0.01 mass % or more based on the total amount of the non-aqueous solvent, the solute, and the additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution, and the upper limit is preferably 5.0 mass % or less, more preferably 3.0 mass % or less, and further preferably 2.0 mass % or less.

If the content is lower than 0.001 mass %, since it is difficult to sufficiently obtain the effect of improving the battery properties, such a content is not preferred. In contrast, if the content is higher than 5.0 mass %, since a higher effect is not obtained, such a content is useless, and also since the resistance is increased due to excessive film formation to readily cause deterioration of the battery performance, such a content is not preferred. The above-described imine compounds as the additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution may be used alone or in any combination and at any ratio of two or more thereof, within a range not exceeding 5.0 mass % according to the application.

2-2. Solute

The type of the solute of the electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery of the present invention is not particularly limited, and any electrolyte salt can be used. In a non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a metal cation battery or a non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a capacitor, the solute may be a salt having a metal cation or an onium cation as the ion source. For example, in case of a lithium ion battery, the solute may be a lithium salt as the ion source. In case of a sodium ion battery, the solute may be a sodium salt as the ion source. As the counter anion thereof, in view of the degree of dissociation in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution, it is preferable to contain at least one selected from the group consisting of PF 6 − , BF 4 − , PF 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 2 − , PF 4 (C 2 O 4 ) − , P(C 2 O 4 ) 3 , BF 2 (C 2 O 4 ) − , B(C 2 O 4 ) 2 − , PO 2 F 2 − , N(POF 2 ) 2 − , N(FSO 2 ) (POF 2 ) − , N(FSO 2 ) (POF(OCH 2 C≡CH)) − , N(FSO 2 ) 2 − , N(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 − , N(CF 3 SO 2 ) − , (FSO 2 ) − , SO 3 F − , and N(FSO 2 )(FCO) − . In particular, in view of the energy density, output properties, durability performance, etc. as a battery, use of a combination of two or more thereof is preferred.

Examples of the solute in a lithium battery and a lithium ion battery include electrolyte salts, such as LiPF 6 , LiBF 4 , LiPF 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 2 , LiPF 4 (C 2 O 4 ), LiP(C 2 O 4 ) 3 , LiBF 2 (C 2 O 4 ), LiB(C 2 O 4 ) 2 , LiPO 2 F 2 , LiN(POF 2 ) 2 , LiN(FSO 2 ) (POF 2 ), LiN(FSO 2 ) (POF(OCH 2 C≡CH)), LiN(FSO 2 ) 2 , LiN(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 , LiN(C 2 F 5 SO 2 ) 2 , LiN(CF 3 SO 2 ) (FSO 2 ), LiSO 3 F, LiClO 4 , LiAsF 6 , LiSbF 6 , LiCF 3 SO 3 , LiC(CF 3 SO 2 ) 3 , LiPF 3 (C 3 F 7 ) 3 , LiB(CF 3 ) 4 , and LiBF 3 (C 2 F 5 ).

In addition, examples of the solute in a sodium ion battery include electrolyte salts, such as NaPF 6 , NaBF 4 , NaPF 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 2 , NaPF 4 (C 2 O 4 ), NaP(C 2 O 4 ) 3 , NaBF 2 (C 2 O 4 ), NaB(C 2 O 4 ) 2 , NaPO 2 F 2 , NaN(POF 2 ) 2 , NaN(FSO 2 ) (POF 2 ), NaN(FSO 2 ) (POF(OCH 2 C≡CH)), NaN(FSO 2 ) 2 , NaN(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 , NaN(C 2 F 5 SO 2 ) 2 , NaN(CF 3 SO 2 ) (FSO 2 ), NaSO 3 F, NaN(FSO 2 ) (FCO), NaClO 4 , NaAsF 6 , NaSbF 6 , NaCF 3 SO 3 , NaC(CF 3 SO 2 ) 3 , NaPF 3 (C 3 F 7 ) 3 , NaB(CF 3 ) 4 , and NaBF 3 (C 2 F 5 ).

These solutes may be used alone or in any combination and at any ratio of two or more thereof, according to the application. In particular, in view of the energy density, output properties, life duration, etc. as a battery, preferred are LiPF 6 , LiBF 4 , LiPF 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 2 , LiPF 4 (C 2 O 4 ), LiP(C 2 O 4 ) 3 , LiBF 2 (C 2 O 4 ), LiB(C 2 O 4 ) 2 , LiPO 2 F 2 , LiN(POF 2 ) 2 , LiN(FSO 2 ) (POF 2 ), LiN(FSO 2 ) (POF(OCH 2 C≡CH)), LiN(FSO 2 ) 2 , LiN(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 , LiN(CF 3 SO 2 ) (FSO 2 ), LiSO 3 F, NaPF 6 , NaBF 4 , NaPF 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 2 , NaPF 4 (C 2 O 4 ), NaP(C 2 O 4 ) 3 , NaBF 2 (C 2 O 4 ), NaB(C 2 O 4 ) 2 , NaPO 2 F 2 , NaN(POF 2 ) 2 , NaN(FSO 2 ) (POF 2 ), NaN(FSO 2 ) (POF(OCH 2 C≡CH)), NaN(FSO 2 ) 2 , NaN(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 , NaN(CF 3 SO 2 ) (FSO 2 ), and NaSO 3 F.

A suitable combination of the solutes in a lithium battery and a lithium ion battery is preferably, for example, a combination of (1) at least one selected from the group consisting of LiBF 4 , LiPF 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 2 , LiPF 4 (C 2 O 4 ), LiP(C 2 O 4 ) 3 , LiBF 2 (C 2 O 4 ), LiB(C 2 O 4 ) 2 , LiPO 2 F 2 , LiN(POF 2 ) 2 , LiN(FSO 2 ) (POF 2 ), LiN(FSO 2 ) (POF(OCH 2 C≡CH)), LiN(FSO 2 ) 2 , LiN(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 , LiN(CF 3 SO 2 ) (FSO 2 ) and LiSO 3 F, with (2) LiPF 6 . The ratio in the above combination (a molar ratio when LiPF 6 is used as one mole) is generally within a range of 1:0.001 to 1:0.5 and preferably 1:0.01 to 1:0.2. Use of a combination of the solutes at the above-mentioned ratio has an effect of further improving various battery properties. In contrast, when the ratio of LiPF 6 is lower than 1:0.5, the ionic conductance of the electrolyte solution decreases, and the resistance tends to increase.

The concentration of these solutes is not particularly limited, and the lower limit thereof is preferably 0.5 mol/L or more, more preferably 0.7 mol/L or more, and further preferably 0.9 mol/L or more, and the upper limit is preferably 2.5 mol/L or less, more preferably 2.0 mol/L or less, and further preferably 1.5 mol/L or less. When the concentration is less than 0.5 mol/L, the ionic conductance decreases, and thereby the cycle properties and output properties of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery tend to be reduced. In contrast, when the concentration is higher than 2.5 mol/L, the viscosity of the electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery increases, and thereby the ionic conductance likewise tends to be reduced, and the cycle properties and output properties of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery may be reduced.

If a large amount of the above solute is dissolved at once in a non-aqueous solvent, the temperature of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution may be increased due to the heat of dissolution of the solute. When the solution temperature is significantly increased, the decomposition of the lithium salt containing a fluorine atom is accelerated, and hydrogen fluoride may be generated. Hydrogen fluoride becomes a cause of deterioration of the battery performance and is therefore not preferred. Accordingly, the solution temperature when the solute is dissolved in a non-aqueous solvent is not particularly limited but is preferably −20° C. to 80° C. and more preferably 0° C. to 60° C.

2-3. Non-Aqueous Solvent

The type of the non-aqueous solvent used in the electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery of the present invention is not particularly limited, and any non-aqueous solvents can be used. Examples of the non-aqueous solvents include cyclic carbonates, such as propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, and butylene carbonate; chain carbonates, such as diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate; cyclic esters, such as γ-butyrolactone and γ-valerolactone; chain esters, such as methyl acetate and methyl propionate; cyclic ethers, such as tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, and dioxane; chain ethers, such as dimethoxyethane and diethyl ether; and sulfone compounds and sulfoxide compounds, such as dimethyl sulfoxide and sulfolane. In addition, for example, ionic liquids whose category differs from that of the non-aqueous solvent can be also used. In addition, the non-aqueous solvents used in the present invention may be used alone or may be used in any combination and at any ratio of two or more thereof, according to the application. Among these non-aqueous solvents, from the viewpoint of the electrochemical stability against its redox and the chemical stability related to the heat and the reaction with the solute, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate are especially preferred.

For example, it is preferable to use one or more selected from cyclic carbonates having a high dielectric constant and one or more selected from chain carbonates or chain esters having a low liquid viscosity, together as the non-aqueous solvent, because such a co-use increases the ionic conductance of the electrolyte solution.

2-4. Other Additives

The above is the description about the basic composition of the electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery of the present invention.

Any additives that have been usually used may be also added to the electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery of the present invention at any ratio within the range that does not impair the gist of the present invention. Examples of such additives include compounds that have overcharge prevention effect, negative electrode film-forming effect, and positive electrode protection effect, such as vinylene carbonate (hereinafter may be referred to as “VC”), fluoroethylene carbonate, ethynylethylene carbonate, trans-difluoroethylene carbonate, (ethoxy)pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene, tetravinylsilane, 1,3-propanesultone, methylene methanedisulfonate, 1,2-ethanedisulfonic acid anhydride, 1,6-diisocyanatohexane, succinonitrile, cyclohexylbenzene, biphenyl, t-butylbenzene, vinylethylene carbonate, difluoroanisole, dimethylvinylene carbonate, and compounds represented by the following formula [12]:

[in formula [12], Z 1 to Z 4 are each independently a fluorine atom or an organic group selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkoxy groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkenyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkenyloxy groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkynyl groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkynyloxy groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkoxy groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyl groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyloxy groups having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and aryloxy groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, where the organic group may contain a fluorine atom, an oxygen atom, or an unsaturated bond.

Incidentally, the “case of the organic group containing a fluorine atom” specifically means, for example, that a hydrogen atom in the group is substituted with a fluorine atom.

In addition, the “case of the organic group containing an oxygen atom” specifically means, for example, that “—O—” (ether bond) is interposed between the carbon atoms in the group.

M P+ is a proton, a metal cation, or an onium cation; and p is the valence of the cation.]

In addition, a metal salt other the above-mentioned solutes (lithium salts and sodium salts) may be used as an additive. Examples of the metal salt include carboxylic acid salts, such as lithium acrylate, sodium acrylate, lithium methacrylate, and sodium methacrylate; and sulfuric acid ester salts, such as lithium methyl sulfate, sodium methyl sulfate, lithium ethyl sulfate, and sodium ethyl sulfate.

In addition, the electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery can also be used in a state quasi-solidified with a gelling agent or a cross-linking polymer as in the case of a non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery called a lithium polymer battery.

3. Non-Aqueous-Electrolyte Solution Battery

The non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery of the present invention at least includes (i) the above-described electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery, (ii) a positive electrode, and (iii) a negative electrode including at least one selected from the group consisting of negative electrode materials containing lithium metal and negative electrode materials capable of occluding and releasing lithium, sodium, potassium, or magnesium. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution battery preferably further includes, for example, (iv) a separator and an outer case.

Positive Electrode (ii)

The positive electrode (ii) preferably includes at least one oxide and/or a polyanion compound as the positive electrode active material.

Positive Electrode Active Material

In a lithium ion secondary battery in which the main cation in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution is lithium, the positive electrode active material constituting the positive electrode (ii) is not particularly limited so long as it can be charged and discharged. Examples thereof include those containing at least one selected from (A) a lithium-transition metal composite oxide containing at least one metal selected from nickel, manganese, and cobalt and having a layered structure, (B) a lithium-manganese composite oxide having a spinel structure, (C) a lithium-containing olivine type phosphate, and (D) a lithium-rich layered transition metal oxide having a layered rock salt type structure.

(A) Lithium-Transition Metal Composite Oxide

Examples of the positive electrode active material (A): the lithium-transition metal composite oxide containing at least one metal selected from nickel, manganese, and cobalt and having a layered structure, include a lithium-cobalt composite oxide, a lithium-nickel composite oxide, a lithium-nickel-cobalt composite oxide, a lithium-nickel-cobalt-aluminum composite oxide, a lithium-cobalt-manganese composite oxide, a lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide, and a lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt composite oxide. In addition, those obtained by substituting a part of the transition metal atoms that are the main components of these lithium-transition metal composite oxides with other elements, such as Al, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg, Ga, Zr, Si, B, Ba, Y, and Sn, may be used.

As the lithium-cobalt composite oxide or the lithium-nickel composite oxide, specifically, for example, LiCoO 2 , LiNiO 2 , lithium cobaltate doped with different elements such as Mg, Zr, Al, or Ti (e.g., LiC 0.98 Mg 0.01 Zr 0.01 O 2 , LiCo 0.98 Mg 0.01 Al 0.01 O 2 , or LiCo 0.975 Mg 0.01 Zr 0.005 Al 0.01 O 2 ), or lithium cobaltate with a rare earth compound fixed on the surface as described in WO 2014/034043 may be used. As described in JP-A-2002-151077, LiCoO 2 particle powder having particle surfaces partially coated with aluminum oxide may be also used.

The lithium-nickel-cobalt composite oxide and the lithium-nickel-cobalt-aluminum composite oxide are represented by formula [1-1]:

Li a Ni 1-b-c CO b M 1 c O 2   [1-1]

In formula [1-1], M 1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe, Mg, Zr, Ti and B; a is 0.9≤a≤1.2; and b and c satisfy 0.1≤b≤0.3 and 0≤c≤0.1.

These composite oxides can be prepared in accordance with, for example, the manufacturing method described in JP-A-2009-137834. Specifically, examples of the composite oxides include LiNi 0.8 Co 0.2 O 2 , LiNi 0.8 Co 0.10 Al 0.05 O 2 , LiNi 0.87 Co 0.10 Al 0.03 O 2 , and LiNi 0.6 Co 0.3 Al 0.1 O 2 .

Examples of the lithium-cobalt-manganese composite oxide and the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide include LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 2 and LiCo 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 2 .

Examples of the lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt composite oxide include lithium-containing composite oxides represented by formula [1-2]:

Li d Ni e Mn f Co g M 2 h O 2   [1-2]

In formula [1-2], M 2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe, Mg, Zr, Ti, B and Sn; d is 0.9≤d≤1.2; and e, f, g, and h satisfy e+f+g+h=1, 0≤e≤0.8, 0≤f≤0.5, 0≤g≤0.5, and h≥0.

The lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt composite oxide preferably contains manganese within the range shown in formula [1-2] for increasing the structural stability and improving the safetyresultant of the lithium secondary battery at high temperature and more preferably further contains cobalt within the range shown in formula [1-2] for particularly increasing the high efficiency properties of the lithium ion secondary battery.

Specifically, examples of the lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt composite oxide include Li[Ni 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 ]O 2 , Li[Ni 0.45 Mn 0.35 Co 0.2 ]O 2 , Li[Ni 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 ]O 2 , Li[Ni 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 ]O 2 , Li[Ni 0.49 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 Zr 0.01 ]O 2 , and Li[Ni 0.49 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 Mg 0.01 ]O 2 that have a charge-discharge region of 4.3 V or more.

(B) Lithium-Manganese Composite Oxide Having Spinel Structure

Examples of the positive electrode active material (B): the lithium-manganese composite oxide having a spinel structure, include spinel lithium-manganese composite oxides represented by formula [1-3]:

Li j (Mn 2-k M 3 k )O 4   [1-3]

In formula [1-3], M 3 is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Fe, Mg, Cr, Cu, Al, and Ti; j is 1.05≤j≤1.15; and k is 0≤k≤0.20.

Specifically, examples of the lithium-manganese composite oxide include LiMn 2 O 4 , LiMn 1.95 Al 0.05 O 4 , LiMn 1.9 Al 0.1 O 4 , LiMn 1.9 Ni 0.1 O 4 , and LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 .

(C) Lithium-Containing Olivine Type Phosphate

Examples of the positive electrode active material (C): the lithium-containing olivine type phosphate, include those represented by formula [1-4]:

LiFe 1-n M 4 n PO 4   [1-4]

In formula [1-4], M 4 is at least one selected from Co, Ni, Mn, Cu, Zn, Nb, Mg, Al, Ti, W, Zr, and Cd; and n is 0≤n≤1.

Specifically, examples of the lithium-containing olivine type phosphate include LiFePO 4 , LiCoPO 4 , LiNiPO 4 , and LiMnPO 4 , and in particular, LiFePO 4 and/or LiMnPO 4 is preferred.

(D) Lithium-Rich Layered Transition Metal Oxide

Examples of the positive electrode active material (D): the lithium-rich layered transition metal oxide having a layered rock salt type structure, include those represented by formula [1-5]:

x LiM 5 O 2 .(1- x )Li 2 M 6 O 3   [1-5]

In formula [1-5], x is a number satisfying 0<x<1; M 5 is at least one metal element having an average oxidation number of +3; and M 6 is at least one metal element having an average oxidation number of +4. In formula [1-5], M 5 is preferably one trivalent metal element selected from Mn, Ni, Co, Fe, V, and Cr and may be composed of equal amounts of divalent and tetravalent metals and having an average oxidation number of +3.

In addition, in formula [1-5], M 6 is preferably at least one metal element selected from Mn, Zr, and Ti. Specifically, examples of the lithium-rich layered transition metal oxide include

0.5[LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 2 ].0.5[Li 2 MnO 3 ],

0.5[LiN 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 ].0.5[Li 2 MnO 3 ],

0.5[LiNi 0.375 C 0.25 Mn 0.375 O 2 ].0.5[Li 2 MnO 3 ],

0.5[LiNi 0.375 Co 0.125 Fe 0.125 Mn 0.375 O 2 ].0.5[Li 2 MnO 3 ], and

0.45[LiNi 0.375 C 0.25 Mn 0.375 O 2 ].0.10[Li 2 TiO 3 ].0.45[Li 2 MnO 3 ].

The positive electrode active material (D) represented by formula [1-5] is known to show a high capacity when charged at a high voltage of 4.4 V (based on Li) or more (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,135,252).

These positive electrode active materials can be prepared in accordance with the manufacturing method described in, for example, JP-A-2008-270201, WO 2013/118661, or JP-A-2013-030284.

The positive electrode active material may include at least one selected from the above compounds (A) to (D) as the main component, and examples of other components to be included include transition element chalcogenide, such as FeS 2 , TiS 2 , TiO 2 , V 2 O 5 , MoO 3 , and MoS 2 ; conductive polymers, such as polyacetylene, polyparaphenylene, polyaniline, and polypyrrole; activated carbon; polymers generating radicals; and carbon materials.

Positive Electrode Current Collector

The positive electrode (ii) includes a positive electrode current collector. As the positive electrode current collector, for example, aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, or an alloy thereof can be used.

Positive electrode active material layer In the positive electrode (ii), for example, a positive electrode active material layer is formed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode active material layer is composed of, for example, the above-mentioned positive electrode active material, a binder, and, as needed, a conductive agent.

Examples of the binder include polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, acetate phthalate cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol.

As the conductive agent, for example, carbon materials, such as acetylene black, Ketjen black, furnace black, carbon fiber, graphite (granular graphite and flaky graphite), and fluorinated graphite, can be used. In the positive electrode, acetylene black and Ketjen black having low crystallinity are preferred.

Negative Electrode (iii)

The negative electrode material is not particularly limited, and in a lithium battery and a lithium ion battery, for example, lithium metal, an alloy or an intermetallic compound of lithium metal and another metal, a variety of carbon materials (artificial graphite, natural graphite, etc.), a metal oxide, a metal nitride, tin (simple substance), a tin compound, silicon (simple substance), a silicon compound, activated carbon, and a conductive polymer are used.

The carbon materials are, for example, easily graphitizable carbon, hardly graphitizable carbon (hard carbon) having an interplanar distance between the (002) planes of 0.37 nm or more, and graphite having an interplanar distance between the (002) planes of 0.34 nm or less. More specifically, the carbon materials are, for example, pyrolytic carbons, cokes, glassy carbon fibers, organic polymer compound fired products, activated carbon, and carbon blacks. Among these materials, the cokes include pitch coke, needle coke, and petroleum coke. The organic polymer compound fired product is a product obtained by firing and carbonizing, for example, a phenolic resin or a furan resin at an appropriate temperature. Since the carbon materials hardly change the crystal structure by occlusion and release of lithium, a higher energy density and also excellent cycle properties are preferably obtained. Incidentally, the shape of the carbon material may be any of fibrous, spherical, granular, and flaky shapes. In addition, amorphous carbon and a graphite material having a surface coated with amorphous carbon are more preferable because the reactivity between the material surface and the electrolyte solution is lowered.

The negative electrode (iii) preferably includes at least one negative electrode active material.

Negative Electrode Active Material

In a lithium ion secondary battery in which the main cation in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution is lithium, the negative electrode active material constituting the negative electrode (iii) is a material that can dope and dedope lithium ions, and examples thereof include those containing at least one selected from (E) carbon materials having a lattice plane ((002) plane) d value of 0.340 nm or less determined by X-ray diffraction; (F) carbon materials having a lattice plane ((002) plane) d value of higher than 0.340 nm determined by X-ray diffraction; (G) oxides of one or more metals selected from Si, Sn, and Al; (H) one or more metals selected from Si, Sn, and Al, alloys containing these metals, or alloys of these metals or alloys with lithium; and (I) lithium titanium oxides. These negative electrode active materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

(E) Carbon Material Having a Lattice Plane ((002) Plane) d Value of 0.340 nm or Less Determined by X-Ray Diffraction

Examples of the negative electrode active material (E): the carbon material having a lattice plane ((002) plane) d value of 0.340 nm or less determined by X-ray diffraction, include pyrolytic carbons, cokes (such as pitch coke, needle coke, and petroleum coke), graphites, organic polymer compound fired products (e.g., products obtained by firing and carbonizing, for example, a phenolic resin or a furan resin at an appropriate temperature), carbon fibers, and activated carbon; and those obtained by graphitization thereof. The carbon material is one having an interplanar distance between the (002) planes (d002) of 0.340 nm or less measured by an X-ray diffraction method, and especially the carbon material is preferably graphite having a true density of 1.70 g/cm 3 or more or a highly crystalline carbon material having properties similar to those of the graphite.

(F) Carbon Material Having a Lattice Plane ((002) Plane) d Value of Higher than 0.340 Nm Determined by X-Ray Diffraction

Examples of the negative electrode active material (F): the carbon material having a lattice plane ((002) plane) d value of higher than 0.340 nm determined by X-ray diffraction, include amorphous carbon, which is a carbon material hardly changing the stacking order even when heat-treated at a high temperature of 2000° C. or more. Examples thereof include hardly graphitizable carbon (hard carbon), meso-carbon microbeads (MCMB) fired at 1500° C. or less, and meso-phase pitch carbon fibers (MCF).

(G) Oxide of One or More Metals Selected from Si, Sn, and Al

Examples of the negative electrode active material (G): the oxide of one or more metals selected from Si, Sn, and Al, include oxides that can dope and dedope lithium ions, such as silicon oxide and tin oxide.

For example, SiO x having a structure in which ultrafine particles of Si are dispersed in SiO 2 is known. If this material is used as the negative electrode active material, Si reacting with Li is in an ultrafine particle form and accordingly, charge and discharge are smoothly performed. On the other hand, the surface area of the SiO x particle itself having the above structure is small. Therefore, when it is used as a composition (paste) for forming a negative electrode active material layer, the coating properties and the adhesive properties of the negative electrode mixture layer to the current collector are satisfactory.

Incidentally, since SiO x significantly changes the volume by charge and discharge, both an increase in the capacity and good charge and discharge cycle properties can be achieved by using SiO together with the above-described graphite as the negative electrode active material (E) at a specific ratio as the negative electrode active material.

(H) One or More Metals Selected from Si, Sn, and Al, Alloys Containing these Metals, or Alloys of these Metals or Alloys with Lithium

Examples of the negative electrode active material (H): one or more metals selected from Si, Sn, and Al, alloys containing these metals, or alloys of these metals or alloys with lithium, include metals, such as silicon, tin, and aluminum, silicon alloys, tin alloys, and aluminum alloys, and materials obtained from these metals and alloys by alloying with lithium by charge and discharge can also be used.

Preferred examples include those described in, for example, WO 2004/100293 or JP-A-2008-016424, e.g., metal simple substances, such as silicon (Si) and tin (Sn), (for example, in powder form); the metal alloys; compounds containing the metals; and alloys containing the metals and tin (Sn) and cobalt (Co). The use of such a metal in the electrode can realize a high charge capacity and causes relatively small expansion and contraction of the volume associated with charge and discharge and is therefore preferred. In addition, it is known that when these metals are used in the negative electrode of a lithium ion secondary battery, the metals are alloyed with Li during charging to show a high charge capacity, and the use of such a metal is also preferred on this point.

Furthermore, for example, a negative electrode active material formed of submicron-diameter pillars of silicon or a negative electrode active material formed of fibers of silicon described in, for example, WO 2004/042851 or WO 2007/083155 may be used.

(I) Lithium Titanium Oxide

Examples of the negative electrode active material (I): the lithium titanium oxide, include lithium titanate having a spinel structure and lithium titanate having a ramsdellite structure.

Examples of the lithium titanate having a spinel structure include Li 4+α Ti 5 O 12 (α changes within a range of 0≤α≤3 according to the charge and discharge reaction). Examples of the lithium titanate having a ramsdellite structure include Li 2+β Ti 3 O 7 (β changes within a range of 0≤β≤3 according to the charge and discharge reaction). These negative electrode active materials can be prepared in accordance with the manufacturing method described in, for example, JP-A-2007-018883 or 2009-176752.

For example, in case of a sodium ion secondary battery in which the main cation in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution is sodium, as the negative electrode active material, hard carbon or an oxide, such as TiO 2 , V 2 O 5 , or MoO 3 , is used. For example, in case of a sodium ion secondary battery in which the main cation in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution is sodium, as the positive electrode active material, a sodium-containing transition metal composite oxide, such as NaFeO 2 , NaCrO 2 , NaNiO 2 , NaMnO 2 , or NaCoO 2 ; those in which the transition metals, such as Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Co, of the sodium-containing transition metal composite oxides are mixtures thereof; those in which the transition metals of the sodium-containing transition metal composite oxides are partially substituted by metals other than transition metals; a phosphate compound of a transition metal, such as Na 2 FeP 2 O 7 or NaCo 3 (PO 4 ) 2 P 2 O 7 ; a sulfide such as TiS 2 or FeS 2 ; a conductive polymer such as polyacetylene, polyparaphenylene, polyaniline, or polypyrrole; activated carbon; a polymer generating radicals; or a carbon material is used.

Negative Electrode Current Collector

The negative electrode (iii) includes a negative electrode current collector. As the negative electrode current collector, for example, copper, stainless steel, nickel, or titanium, or an alloy thereof can be used.

Negative Electrode Active Material Layer

In the negative electrode (iii), for example, a negative electrode active material layer is formed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode active material layer is composed of, for example, the above-mentioned negative electrode active material, a binder, and, as needed, a conductive agent.

Examples of the binder include polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, acetate phthalate cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol.

As the conductive agent, for example, carbon materials, such as acetylene black, Ketjen black, furnace black, carbon fiber, graphite (granular graphite and flaky graphite), and fluorinated graphite, can be used.

Method for Manufacturing Electrodes (Positive Electrode (ii) and Negative Electrode (iii))

An electrode can be obtained by, for example, dispersing and kneading an active material, a binder, and, as needed, a conductive agent at predetermined amounts in a solvent such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) or water, applying the resultant paste to a current collector, and drying it to form an active material layer. The resultant electrode is preferably compressed by a method such as roll pressing to adjust the density of the electrode to an appropriate level.

Separator (iv)

The above non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery can include a separator (iv). As a separator for preventing contact between the positive electrode (ii) and the negative electrode (iii), a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, cellulose, paper, a non-woven fabric made of, for example, glass fibers, or a porous sheet is used. These films are preferably microporous so that the electrolyte solution can permeate, and ions can easily pass therethrough.

An example of the polyolefin separator is a microporous polymer film, such as a porous polyolefin film, that electrically insulates the positive electrode and the negative electrode from each other and allows lithium ions to pass therethrough. Specifically, as the porous polyolefin film, for example, a porous polyethylene film may be used alone, or a multilayer film in which a porous polyethylene film and a porous polypropylene film are stacked may be used. In addition, a composite film of porous polyethylene film and polypropylene film is can be also exemplified.

Outer Case

In constructing a non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery, as the outer case of the non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery, for example, a metal can in, for example, a coin, cylinder, or square shape or a laminated outer case can be used. Examples of the material of the metal can include nickel-plated steel, stainless steel, nickel-plated stainless steel, aluminum or an alloy thereof, nickel, and titanium.

As the laminated outer case, for example, an aluminum laminate film, an SUS-made laminate film, or a laminate film of a silica-coated, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene can be used.

The structure of the non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the structure can be such that an electrode element in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are disposed opposite to each other and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution are contained in an outer case. The shape of the non-aqueous-electrolyte solution battery is not particularly limited. An electrochemical device having a coin, cylinder, or square shape or a shape such as an aluminum laminate sheet is assembled from the above-mentioned elements.

The present invention will now be specifically described below by way of examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited by the examples.

Lithium Ion Battery