Abstract
As the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) markets expand, electrolytic copper foil has become a key anode current collector influencing battery energy density and safety. However, its development is constrained by complex trade-offs among multiple performance criteria. Conventional patent analysis, such as the OS matrix, often fails to differentiate viable innovation opportunities from technically infeasible gaps. To address this limitation, this study proposes a Contradiction-based Objective-Solution (C-OS) matrix by integrating the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) into patent landscape analysis. While the conventional OS matrix identified the “Hydroxyl–Thermal Stability” region as a primary white space, the C-OS matrix, incorporating weighted technical contradictions, revealed it as a false white space with prohibitive trade-offs. Instead, the C-OS framework identified the sulfonic acid-based group as a viable white space with high potential for simultaneous improvements in thermal stability and durability. These results show that sulfonic acid groups may effectively reduce pinhole defects and suppress thermal deformation. This study provides a strategic framework for R&D portfolio management, enabling the identification of high-probability innovation pathways and more efficient resource allocation through sustainable technological competitiveness in the next-generation materials development.
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Acknowledgements
The authors thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments that helped improve this manuscript. We also acknowledge the technical support from the Patent Information Service Center at Chungbuk National University for assistance with patent database access. This work was supported by the Regional Innovation System & Education (RISE) Project, funded by the Ministry of Education and Chungcheongbuk-do through the Chungbuk RISE Center (Grant No. 2026-RISE-11-014-01).
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Kim, D., Park, K., Kim, D. et al. Contradictive-objective-solution (C-OS) matrix research for technology gap analysis of electrolytic copper foil. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-52093-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-52093-7
