A Model for Investigating Sources of Li-Ion Battery Electrode Heterogeneity: Part I. Electrode Drying and Calendering Processes

Heterogeneity of porous electrodes can cause battery failure and performance deficiencies. On the other hand, some types heterogeneity improve performance. This study uses a multi-phase smoothed particle (MPSP) model, derived from hydrodynamics (SPH) which is parameterized validated by comparison with experimental viscosity, density, electronic conductivity, MacMullin number, Young’s modulus electrode films. The MPSP model simulates all major aspects production: mixing, coating, drying, calendering, though focus in this paper (Part 1) on drying calendering. Four are included study: graphite anode three traditional metal oxide cathodes. suggests how form during cathode fabrication. more susceptible to mesoscale heterogeneities than due differences active shape stiffness. experiments show that regardless material type, calendering increases variability ionic conductivity carbon binder redistribution. be explained means proposed packing theory. mechanical uniformity as also shown experiment.