Aerosol Jet-Printed LFP Cathodes with Bimodal Pore Distribution Improve the Rate Capability of LIB Cells

Abstract

The electrochemical performance of an aerosol jet (AJ)-printed lithium iron phosphate cathode versus an equivalent tape-cast (TC) cathode was evaluated. Rate capability and long-term cell testing demonstrated that at similar mass loadings and thicknesses, the AJ-printed cathodes achieved higher discharge capacities than the TC cathodes. Electron microscopy and X-ray tomography showed a bimodal pore network for the AJ-printed cathode; larger Li-ion-conducting channels were visible at the electrode surface, while a denser cathode structure (akin to a TC cathode) was present near the current collector. Electrochemical impedance calculations revealed that this bimodal pore distribution endowed AJ-printed cathodes with approximately 30% more electrochemically active surface area than their TC cathode counterparts.

3D Printing Enables Customizable Batteries

“…[24] AJP is capable of printing a variety of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, et al More importantly, AJP has a flexible working distance of 1-5 mm between the deposition nozzle and the substrate, making it applicable for the material deposition on non-planar substrates with multiscale surface topologies. [25,26] Therefore, AJP is ideal for conformal printing of the current collectors, electrodes, and electrolytes on any object surface.…”

Self-Sacrificing Template of the POMs-Based Composite for the High-Performance Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Cathode of Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…3 However, the major obstacle of the progress is the unsatisfactory performance of cathode materials. 4 Generally speaking, the rapid capacity fading and inferior rate capability depend largely on the intrinsic properties of electrodes. 5 The sustainable progress of next-generation LIBs depends on the intensive research efforts for sustainable redox stability, environmental friendliness, and structural diversity of cathode materials.…”

“…The primer electric energy storage devices of next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are important approaches to meet the energy needs and environmental issues. , Especially, the larger-scale applications of electrified vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and smart electronic devices have spurred the burgeon of LIBs with a long cycling life span, high energy density, and good elastic rate capability . However, the major obstacle of the progress is the unsatisfactory performance of cathode materials . Generally speaking, the rapid capacity fading and inferior rate capability depend largely on the intrinsic properties of electrodes .…”

Fabrication of modern lithium ion batteries by 3D inkjet printing: opportunities and challenges

“…3D printed batteries are a part of futuristic technology in emerging electronic applications. Various additive manufacturing (AM) processes can be used to create 3D battery architectures: stereolithography (SLA) [7] , [8] , fused filament fabrication (FFF) [9] , [10] , direct ink writing (DIW) [11] , [12] , aerosol jet printing [13] , [14] , and inkjet printing [15] . Among them, inkjet printing (IJP), as a prospective additive manufacturing technique that enables the rapid and precise deposition of thin films [16] , [17] or 3D patterns [18] , [19] , is considered a promising technology for the fabrication of LIBs.…”