Improved swelling behavior of Li ion batteries by microstructural engineering of anode

Advanced parametrization for the production of high-energy solid-state lithium pouch cells containing polymer electrolytes

Lithium batteries with solid-state electrolytes are an appealing alternative to state-of-the-art non-aqueous lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes because of safety and energy aspects. However, engineering development at the cell level for lithium batteries with solid-state electrolytes is limited. Here, to advance this aspect and produce high-energy lithium cells, we introduce a cell design based on advanced parametrization of microstructural and architectural parameters of electrode and electrolyte components. To validate the cell design proposed, we assemble and test (applying a stack pressure of 3.74 MPa at 45 °C) 10-layer and 4-layer solid-state lithium pouch cells with a solid polymer electrolyte, resulting in an initial specific energy of 280 Wh kg-1 (corresponding to an energy density of 600 Wh L-1) and 310 Wh kg-1 (corresponding to an energy density of 650 Wh L-1) respectively.

Spheres of Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes Embedding Silicon as Mechanically Resilient Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Novel anode materials for lithium-ion batteries were synthesized by in situ growth of spheres of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) around silicon particles. These composites possess high electrical conductivity and mechanical resiliency, which can sustain the high-pressure calendering process in industrial electrode fabrication, as well as the stress induced during charging and discharging of the electrodes. The resultant electrodes exhibit outstanding cycling durability (∼90% capacity retention at 2 A g^-1 after 700 cycles or a capacity fading rate of 0.014% per cycle), calendering compatibility (sustain pressure over 100 MPa), and adequate volumetric capacity (1006 mAh cm^-3), providing a novel design strategy toward better silicon anode materials.

Current and future lithium-ion battery manufacturing

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become one of the main energy storage solutions in modern society. The application fields and market share of LIBs have increased rapidly and continue to show a steady rising trend. The research on LIB materials has scored tremendous achievements. Many innovative materials have been adopted and commercialized by the industry. However, the research on LIB manufacturing falls behind. Many battery researchers may not know exactly how LIBs are being manufactured and how different steps impact the cost, energy consumption, and throughput, which prevents innovations in battery manufacturing. Here in this perspective paper, we introduce state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and analyze the cost, throughput, and energy consumption based on the production processes. We then review the research progress focusing on the high-cost, energy, and time-demand steps of LIB manufacturing. Finally, we share our views of challenges in LIB manufacturing and propose future development directions for manufacturing research in LIBs.