Spherical Graphite Anodes: Influence of Particle Size Distribution and Multilayer Structuring in Lithium-Ion Battery Cells

Abstract

Current research focuses on lithium-ion battery cells with a high energy density and efficient fast-charging capabilities. However, transport limitations, and, therefore, the uniform diffusion of lithium-ions across the electrode layers, remain a challenge and could lead to reduced cell performance. One approach to overcome these transport challenges is the use of subsequently produced two-layer anodes with the particle size variation of spherical graphite (x50 = 18 µm; x50 = 11 µm). Thereby, a defined pore network is created, which reduces the ionic resistance and ensuring improved fast charging capabilities. The analysis focuses on the evaluation of electrode properties and the electrochemical performance. By examining the pore size distribution of the anodes, it has been found that during the manufacturing of the two-layer anodes, carbon black and binder particles are transported into the existing microstructure of the lower layer, resulting in localized densification between the anode layers. This could also be supported by color measurements. This effect also extends to electrochemical investigations, with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showing significantly lower ionic resistances in all two-layer anodes. Reduced ionic resistance and tortuosity near the separator due to absorption effects enhance the ion diffusion and have a direct impact on anode performance. Cell ageing analysis showed a significant capacity decrease of almost 15 mAh g −1 in the single-layer references only, in contrast to the stability of the two-layer anodes. This could also be attributed to the reduced ionic resistance and active counteraction of binder migration. In conclusion, this study highlights how subsequently produced two-layer anodes significantly shape the electrode properties and cell performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Optimizing Structural Patterns for 3D Electrodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries for Enhanced Fast-Charging Capability and Reduced Lithium Plating

“…On the material level, implementing active materials with high-rate capability, like hard carbons is the subject of current research [15][16][17]. On the electrode level, the controlled adjustment of electrode parameters like porosity, particle size distribution, as well as the implementation of an active material gradient by multilayer coating are studied [18][19][20][21]. A further possibility at electrode level is the reduction in the effective tortuosity by electrode structuring, either by laser ablation, mechanical embossing, 3D printing, or freeze casting [22][23][24][25][26].…”