Adaptive Laser Ablation for Uniform Battery Electrode Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion battery electrodes face challenges in achieving uniform thickness due to cracking and delamination when bent around small radii, and the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte limits lithium ion travel, making it difficult to manufacture thick electrodes with good rate capability.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a profilometer to determine an adjusted focal depth for laser ablation, allowing for precise removal of material to achieve uniform electrode thickness and improve ionic conductivity. This process can be integrated into a system that includes a pulsed laser system, a control system, and a debris collection device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrode thickness is increased to improve energy density, then more lithium can be stored, but heterogeneity increases and ionic conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing laser ablation before the electrode causes performance degradation. The system proactively removes material to correct thickness heterogeneity in advance, preventing issues with ionic conductivity and lithium distribution that would occur during battery cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting laser ablation parameters (such as pulse duration, power, and scanning speed) based on real-time thickness measurements. This allows precise control of material removal to achieve uniform thickness while maintaining the ability to store large amounts of lithium.
2Quantity of substance
If electrode thickness is increased to improve energy density, then more lithium can be stored, but rate capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively removing material from specific regions where thickness heterogeneity exists. The laser ablation is targeted at areas with excessive thickness or poor lithium distribution, creating locally optimized zones that facilitate faster ion transport while maintaining high overall capacity.
3Volume of moving object
If electrode is bent around small radius to achieve compact design, then battery size is reduced, but cracking and delamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing laser ablation to create stress-relief features or modify the electrode structure before bending. This preliminary treatment prevents cracking and delamination that would occur during subsequent bending around small radii, ensuring structural integrity in compact battery designs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The approach enables the reduction of electrode thickness variability to less than 10% of its original value, enhancing the uniformity and performance of lithium-ion battery electrodes by improving ionic transport and rate capability.
Implementation Method 1
using a measurement device, such as but not limited to a profilometer, to determine an adjusted focal depth
Implementation Method 2
performing laser ablation with a focal point at the adjusted focal depth on the lithium-ion battery
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for processing battery electrodes are disclosed. A system for processing battery electrodes includes a first measurement device for measuring one or more parameters of a target region of a battery electrode; a pulsed laser system for removing a portion of the target region of a sample of material comprising battery electrodes based one or more measured parameters as measured by the first measurement device; a control system for controlling the removing that is in communication with the first measurement device and the laser system; and a debris collection device for removing debris from the target region.