Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 4/30/2026 has been entered.
Response to Amendment
This Office Action is responsive to the amendment filed on 4/30/2026. Claims 1-10, 20, 21 are withdrawn from further consideration as being drawn to a non-elected invention, in accordance with 37 CFR 1.142(b). Claims 18 and 19 are canceled. Claims 11 and 17 have been amended. Applicant’s arguments have been considered. Claims 11-14, 17, 22, 23 are non-finally rejected for reasons below.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 11-14, 17, 22-23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bomkamp (US 2016/0118690) in view of Chiga (US 2007/0148540) as applied to claim 1, in view of Kim (US 2016/0329601).
Regarding claim 11, a nonaqueous electrolytic solution for a battery, for use in a battery including an aluminum-containing positive electrode current collector [0008; 0078], the nonaqueous electrolytic solution comprising: an electrolyte that includes a compound represented by the following Formula (1); and a nonaqueous solvent including at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing carbonate compound and a fluorine-containing ether compound [0013], a concentration of the compound represented by Formula (1) being from 0.1 mol/L to 2.0 mol/L [0032]:
wherein, in Formula (1), each of R1 and R2 independently represents a fluorine atom, a trifluoromethyl group, or a pentafluoroethyl group [0017],
the nonaqueous solvent further includes a fluorine-free cyclic carbonate in an amount of from 10% by mass to lower than 80% by mass with respect to the nonaqueous solvent and a fluorine-free chain carbonate in an amount of from 10% by mass to lower than 80% by mass with respect to the nonaqueous solvent [0047]. For example, Bomkamp discloses a mixture of ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate in a ratio of 1:1, and a fluoro diethyl carbonate in an amount of 25 wt% [0047]. This equals 37.5 wt% a fluorine-free cyclic carbonate and 37.5 wt% a fluorine-free chain carbonate.
Regarding claim 11, the fluorine-free chain carbonate is selected from the group consisting of methyl ethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, methyl propyl carbonate, methyl isopropyl carbonate, ethyl propyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, methyl butyl carbonate, ethyl butyl carbonate, dibutyl carbonate, methyl pentyl carbonate, ethyl pentyl carbonate, dipentyl carbonate, methyl heptyl carbonate, ethyl heptyl carbonate, diheptyl carbonate, methyl hexyl carbonate, ethyl hexyl carbonate, dihexyl carbonate, methyl octyl carbonate, ethyl octyl carbonate, dioctyl carbonate, and methyl trifluoroethyl carbonate, Bomkamp discloses the electrolyte solution comprises a non-fluorinated organic carbonate selected from the groups consisting of ethylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and mixtures thereof, and gives an example of a mixture of ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate in a ratio of 1:1 [0047]. Given a list of five carbonates, the Examiner notes that the small list of carbonate species would allow an ordinary skilled artisan to once envisage ratio of 1:1 of a mixture of ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate, or propylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate.
Regarding claim 12, in Formula (1), each of R' and R2 independently represents a fluorine atom or a trifluoromethyl group [0021].
Regarding claim 14, the fluorine-containing compound includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following Formula (F1) [0053].
Regarding claim 11, Bomkamp discloses an electrolyte that includes a compound represented by the following Formula (1); and a concentration of the compound represented by Formula (1) being from 0.1 mol/L to 2.0 mol/L [0032], but does not disclose the electrolyte includes LiPF6, and a ratio of a number of moles of the compound represented by Formula (1) with respect to a total of the number of moles of the compound represented by Formula (1) and a number of moles of LiPF6 is from more than 0.1 to 0.9, and regarding claim 13, Bomkamp does not disclose the ratio of the number of moles of the compound represented by Formula (1) with respect to a total of the number of moles of the compound represented by Formula (1) and a number of moles of LiPF6 is from more than 0.15 to 0.8. Bomkamp discloses it is an objective of the present invention to provide a means usable for the suppression or prevention of aluminum current collector corrosion resulting from the use of an alkali or an alkaline earth metal sulfonimide or sulfonmethide salt such as LiTMSI as electrolyte salt in a lithium ion battery [0008]. Chiga teaches a lithium secondary battery having an electrolyte mixture of LiPF6 and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) [0011]. In the case where an aluminum current collector is used as the positive current collector, the A electrolyte salt if contained acts to form a protective film on the aluminum current collector and prevent dissolution of aluminum. The inclusion of the B electrolyte salt increases an electrical conductivity of the electrolyte [0013].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to add LiPF6 to the electrolyte of Bomkamp, as taught by Chiga, for the benefit of preventing corrosion on the aluminum positive electrode current collector.
Regarding claim 11, Bomkamp discloses the fluorine-containing compound includes a compound represented by Formula (F2) [0022], wherein the at least one flouring-containing compound is in an amount of 25% by mass to 40% by mass with respect to the non-aqueous solvent [0032], but does not disclose a compound represented by Formula (F3). Bomkap discloses an amount of 25 wt% or 30 wt% of linear carbonate (ethyl (1-fluoroethyl) carbonate [0032] (Applicant’s Formula (F2)). Kim teaches a lithium-ion battery comprising a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) and a fluorinated ether compound as electrolyte additives [0009]. The lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide is added in the non-aqueous liquid electrolyte as a lithium salt to form a rigid and thin SEI layer on a negative electrode and to improve output properties at a low temperature. Further, the decomposition of the surface of a positive electrode, which may be possibly generated during performing cycle operation at a high temperature, may be restrained, and the oxidation reaction of the electrolyte may be prevented. In addition, since the SEI coated layer formed on the negative electrode has a thin thickness, the movement of lithium ions at the negative electrode may be performed smoothly, and the output of a secondary battery may be improved [0016].
In a lithium secondary battery, oxygen released from a positive electrode in high temperature environment may promote the exothermic decomposition reaction of an electrolyte solvent and induce the expansion of a battery, so called, swelling phenomenon, to rapidly deteriorate the lifespan and the efficiency of charging and discharging of the battery. In some cases, the battery may be exploded and the stability thereof may be largely deteriorated. Since a fluorine substituent in the fluorinated ether compound added in the electrolyte is a flame retardant component, the generation of a gas due to the decomposition of the electrolyte at a high temperature through the reaction of the electrolyte with the surface of the negative electrode and the positive electrode in the battery may be restrained. In addition, the resistance in a voltage range of the secondary battery may be decreased by using an ether compound that has low viscosity and may increase ionic conductivity. Thus, the lifespan properties of the secondary battery may be improved [0029].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to add a fluorinated ether compound, to the battery of Bomkap modified by Chiga, as taught by Kim, for the benefit of obtaining good low temperature and high temperature properties.
Bomkap discloses an amount of 25 wt% or 30 wt% of linear carbonate (ethyl (1-fluoroethyl) carbonate [0032] (Applicant’s Formula (F2)) [0032]. Kim teaches the amount of the fluorinated ether compound of 5 wt% [0040]. The amount of the fluorine-containing compound of Bomkamp modified by Kim is 30 wt% or 35 wt%.
Regarding claim 17, a proportion of the fluorine-containing compound to the nonaqueous solvent is 35% by mass or lower, Bomkap discloses an amount of 25 wt% or 30 wt% of linear carbonate (ethyl (1-fluoroethyl) carbonate [0032]. Kim teaches the amount of the fluorinated ether compound of 5 wt% [0040]. The amount of the fluorine-containing compound of Bomkamp modified by Kim is 30 wt% or 35 wt%.
Bomkamp modified by Chiga and Kim teaches:
Regarding claim 22, a lithium secondary battery, comprising:
a positive electrode that includes an aluminum-containing positive electrode current collector [0078],
a negative electrode that includes, as a negative electrode active material, at least one selected from the group consisting of metallic lithium, a lithium-containing alloy, a metal or alloy capable of being alloyed with lithium, an oxide capable of doping and dedoping of lithium ions, a transition metal nitride capable of doping and dedoping of lithium ions, and a carbon material capable of doping and dedoping of lithium ions [0081]; and
the nonaqueous electrolytic solution for a battery according to claim 11.
Regarding claim 23, a lithium secondary battery obtained by charging and discharging the lithium secondary battery according to claim 22, it is noted that the battery of Bomkamp is capable of being charged and discharged, and hence meets the limitation of claim 23. It has been held by the courts that a recitation with respect to the manner in which a claimed apparatus is intended to be employed does not differentiate the claimed apparatus from a prior art apparatus if the prior art apparatus teaches all the structural limitations of the claim. Ex parte Masham, 2 USPQ2d 1647 (BdPatApp & Inter 1987). See MPEP 2115.
Response to Arguments
Arguments filed 4/30/2026 are addressed below:
Regarding claim 11, Bomkamp discloses the fluorine-containing compound includes a compound represented by Formula (F2) [0022], wherein the at least one flouring-containing compound is in an amount of 25% by mass to 40% by mass with respect to the non-aqueous solvent [0032], but does not disclose a compound represented by Formula (F3). Bomkap discloses an amount of 25 wt% or 30 wt% of linear carbonate (ethyl (1-fluoroethyl) carbonate [0032] (Applicant’s Formula (F2)). Kim teaches a lithium-ion battery comprising a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) and a fluorinated ether compound as electrolyte additives [0009]. The lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide is added in the non-aqueous liquid electrolyte as a lithium salt to form a rigid and thin SEI layer on a negative electrode and to improve output properties at a low temperature. Further, the decomposition of the surface of a positive electrode, which may be possibly generated during performing cycle operation at a high temperature, may be restrained, and the oxidation reaction of the electrolyte may be prevented. In addition, since the SEI coated layer formed on the negative electrode has a thin thickness, the movement of lithium ions at the negative electrode may be performed smoothly, and the output of a secondary battery may be improved [0016].
In a lithium secondary battery, oxygen released from a positive electrode in high temperature environment may promote the exothermic decomposition reaction of an electrolyte solvent and induce the expansion of a battery, so called, swelling phenomenon, to rapidly deteriorate the lifespan and the efficiency of charging and discharging of the battery. In some cases, the battery may be exploded and the stability thereof may be largely deteriorated. Since a fluorine substituent in the fluorinated ether compound added in the electrolyte is a flame retardant component, the generation of a gas due to the decomposition of the electrolyte at a high temperature through the reaction of the electrolyte with the surface of the negative electrode and the positive electrode in the battery may be restrained. In addition, the resistance in a voltage range of the secondary battery may be decreased by using an ether compound that has low viscosity and may increase ionic conductivity. Thus, the lifespan properties of the secondary battery may be improved [0029].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to add a fluorinated ether compound, to the battery of Bomkap modified by Chiga, as taught by Kim, for the benefit of obtaining good low temperature and high temperature properties.
Bomkap discloses an amount of 25 wt% or 30 wt% of linear carbonate (ethyl (1-fluoroethyl) carbonate [0032] (Applicant’s Formula (F2)) [0032]. Kim teaches the amount of the fluorinated ether compound of 5 wt% [0040]. The amount of the fluorine-containing compound of Bomkamp modified by Kim is 30 wt% or 35 wt%.
Hence, Bomkamp modified by Kim reads on Applicant’s "a nonaqueous solvent consisting of (i) at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing carbonate compound and a fluorine-containing ether compound, wherein the at least one fluorine-containing compound is in an amount of 25% by mass to 40% by mass with respect to the nonaqueous solvent, (ii) a fluorine-free cyclic carbonate and (iii) a fluorine-free chain carbonate," as recited in claim 11.
Regarding Applicant’s superior results in Table 3, the Examiner notes that the decrease in battery resistance in high-temperature storage is not unexpected. Kim teaches in a lithium secondary battery, oxygen released from a positive electrode in high temperature environment may promote the exothermic decomposition reaction of an electrolyte solvent and induce the expansion of a battery, so called, swelling phenomenon, to rapidly deteriorate the lifespan and the efficiency of charging and discharging of the battery. In some cases, the battery may be exploded and the stability thereof may be largely deteriorated. Since a fluorine substituent in the fluorinated ether compound added in the electrolyte is a flame retardant component, the generation of a gas due to the decomposition of the electrolyte at a high temperature through the reaction of the electrolyte with the surface of the negative electrode and the positive electrode in the battery may be restrained. In addition, the resistance in a voltage range of the secondary battery may be decreased by using an ether compound that has low viscosity and may increase ionic conductivity. Thus, the lifespan properties of the secondary battery may be improved [0029].
Hence, the superior results would have been expected, as taught by Kim.
Further, Bomkap discloses an amount of 25 wt% or 30 wt% of linear carbonate (ethyl (1-fluoroethyl) carbonate [0032] (Applicant’s Formula (F2)) [0032]. Kim teaches the amount of the fluorinated ether compound of 5 wt% [0040]. The amount of the fluorine-containing compound of Bomkamp modified by Kim is 30 wt% or 35 wt%.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to CYNTHIA KYUNG SOO WALLS whose telephone number is (571)272-8699. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F until 5pm.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Jonathan Leong can be reached at 571-270-1292. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/CYNTHIA K WALLS/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1751
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