Li-ion Electrode Microstructure Evolution during Drying and Calendering

The drying process of electrodes might seem to be a simple operation, but it has profound effects on the microstructure. Some unexpected changes can happen depending conditions. In prior work, we developed multiphase-smoothed-particle (MPSP) model, which predicted relative increase in carbon additive and binder adjacent current collector during drying. This motivated us undertake present experimental investigation relationship between rate microstructure transport properties for typical anode cathode. Specifically, was controlled by means temperature both an NMC532 cathode graphite anode. material distribution analyzed using combination cross-section SEM images energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental maps. concentration gradients were in- through-plane directions. gradient is evident at higher than 150 °C, whereas in-plane variations resulted all temperatures. measurements identified optimum (80 °C) that results high electronic conductivity low ionic resistivity due more uniform distribution. Trends are not significantly altered calendering, highlights importance itself assembled cell properties.