Development of thinner and stronger polypropylene porous film – For Li batteries and separation membranes
~ Contributing to energy saving and resource conservation with batteries, separation membranes, etc.
September 4, 2018
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Science and Technology Promotion Organization (JST)
Cabinet Office policy control office (in charge of science, technology and innovation)
We reduced the thickness of the film to 5 micrometers and increased the puncture strength by 2 to 3 times in terms of the unit thickness, succeeded in achieving both thinning and high strength, which could not be achieved by the conventional technique.
· By analyzing the structural factors (pore size, porosity, pore distribution, etc.) of the polypropylene (PP) porous film and precisely controlling the pore structure, the permeability of lithium ions is maintained
· When PP-based porous film is applied to separator of lithium ion battery, 20% higher capacity of cell is maintained while maintaining short circuit resistance against mechanical deformation
· When applied to various porous films such as separation membranes, it can be downsized, contributing to energy saving and resource saving
We will apply this analysis method and material design to various polymer porous films other than PP system for the first half of the 2020s to improve performance.