Research unveils solvent-free dry electrodes that enhance lithium-ion battery efficiency – Uplaza

A staff of researchers, affiliated with UNIST has made a major breakthrough in growing an eco-friendly dry electrode manufacturing course of for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The brand new course of, which doesn’t require using dangerous solvents, enhances battery efficiency whereas selling sustainability.

The findings of this analysis have been revealed within the July 2024 subject of Chemical Engineering Journal.

Led by Professor Kyeong-Min Jeong within the Faculty of Power and Chemical Engineering at UNIST, the analysis staff has launched a novel solvent-free dry electrode course of utilizing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a binder. This progressive strategy addresses the challenges related to conventional wet-electrode manufacturing strategies, which frequently end in non-uniform distribution of binders and conductive supplies, resulting in efficiency degradation.

The dry electrode course of is split into 4 phases: granule formation, movie formation, rolling, and lamination. The staff optimized the method circumstances by evaluating the bodily, electrical, and electrochemical properties of semi-finished merchandise at every stage. The outcomes present {that a} high-extrusion-ratio PTFE binder can produce an electrode movie with excessive energy even with low vitality consumption, resulting in improved microstructure and energy traits.

In LIBs, binders play a vital position in connecting lively supplies and electrons. The examine revealed that the sort and content material of PTFE binders considerably impression the output traits of dry electrodes. The researchers recognized an optimum formulation of NCM811/PTFE/carbon black (CB)/carbon nanotube (CNT) = 96/2.0/1.8/0.2, which demonstrated distinctive discharge price functionality of 80% at a 0.5 C-rate (5 mA/cm²) beneath demanding circumstances.

“This breakthrough will contribute to commercialization by providing a scalable and practical solution for mass production,” emphasised Professor Jeong. “We believe that our study will pave the way for environmentally friendly and efficient electrode manufacturing for future energy storage applications.”

The Korea Institute of Power Analysis (KIER) and Hanwha Co., Ltd. have additionally partnered with UNIST to develop dry electrode-specific manufacturing gear and reveal its industrial viability from the second half of 2024.

The staff is planning to additional enhance the output traits of thick electrodes by exploring numerous supplies by follow-up analysis. With this progressive know-how, electrical autos and digital gadgets are anticipated to develop into extra sustainable sooner or later.