Microstructure-Controlled 3D Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

A new battery electrode fabrication process in which the micro/macroscale structures are simultaneously controlled is proposed. In the processing, an electric field controls the microscale particle network in an electrode, while an additive manufacturing controls the macroscale three-dimensional geometry of the electrode. This synergistic control of micro/macro-structures is a novel concept in energy material processing, and has considerable potential for providing unprecedented control of electrode structures with enhancing performance. Electrochemical tests have shown that these new electrodes exhibit superior performance in their specific capacity, areal capacity, and life cycle.