(Invited) Powder-Based Solvent-Free Manufacturing and Advanced Thermal Processing of Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Powder-based solvent-free manufacturing of electrodes for Li-ion batteries represents an emerging and promising technology in electrode fabrication. In this presentation, recent progress on scalable roll-to-roll solvent-free manufacturing of electrodes, advanced thermal processing and powder calendering characteristics will be discussed. A roll-to-roll manufacturing process for solvent-free manufacturing of anode and cathode will be described. The dry manufactured electrodes are compared with its counterparts manufactured by conventional slurry casting in terms of bonding strength, electrical properties, and electrochemical performances. Advanced thermal processing and its effects on the electrode performance will be discussed. A powder-on-current collector calendering model developed based on rolling theory of granular solids and validated experimentally will be presented. This model enables us to infer the underlying calendering parameters essential for the solvent-free manufacturing of Li-ion batteries, which offers a comprehensive understanding of the effects of roll geometries, particularly roll diameter, and various equipment design parameters on final electrode properties. Such insights have not been thoroughly explored in the emerging field of solvent-free battery electrode manufacturing, thereby contributing to advancements in this area.