Application of Tungsten Carbide Coatings in the Lithium-Ion Battery Industry

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New Energy (Lithium Battery) Industry

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Product Description

Tungsten carbide is a compound composed of tungsten and carbon. It appears as black hexagonal crystals with a metallic luster, and its hardness is comparable to that of diamond. It is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. Tungsten carbide is insoluble in water, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid, but readily dissolves in a mixed acid consisting of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid. Pure tungsten carbide is brittle; however, by adding small amounts of metals such as titanium and cobalt, its brittleness can be reduced. Tungsten carbide used in steel-cutting tools is often alloyed with titanium carbide, tantalum carbide, or mixtures thereof to enhance its resistance to impact. Tungsten carbide exhibits stable chemical properties. Tungsten carbide powder is used as a raw material in the production of cemented carbides.

Tungsten carbide powder (WC) is the primary raw material used in the production of cemented carbides. Its chemical formula is WC. Known fully as Wolfram Carbide, it is also referred to as tungsten carbide. It appears as black hexagonal crystals with a metallic luster. Its hardness is comparable to that of diamond, and it is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. Its melting point is 2870°C, its boiling point is 6000°C, and its relative density is 15.63 (at 18°C).

After years of practical experience in the battery industry, our company has developed comprehensive solutions for isolating iron ions and enhancing wear resistance in cathode materials and battery production equipment, thereby significantly reducing impurity introduction. Moreover, these solutions have greatly improved the self-discharge performance of finished batteries once the cathode materials are processed into complete battery cells.

During the production of battery materials, contact with iron-containing components must be strictly avoided. Many companies use stainless steel screws in both conical and cylindrical mixers; however, as battery powders are continuously rubbed against the mixer’s inner walls during mixing, both the mixer walls and the screws will suffer significant wear over time. The worn-off stainless steel particles then become mixed into the battery powder. Since stainless steel contains up to 70% iron, this contamination poses a serious threat to the quality of the battery powder.

Our company employs an integral tungsten carbide treatment on all parts of the high-speed mixer—such as the impellers and tank—that come into direct contact with the cathode material. This treatment ensures that the tungsten carbide layer will never flake off, providing long-lasting performance. By applying this comprehensive treatment to the high-speed mixer (including both the impellers and the tank), we have effectively eliminated the introduction of elemental impurities—such as boron, silicon, and sodium—from the fiberglass coating previously used in cathode materials. Furthermore, after treating the stirring blades of battery slurry preparation equipment, we’ve significantly reduced impurity contamination caused by stainless steel wear, thereby greatly lowering the self-discharge rate of batteries.