Those current methods used for electrode cutting contribute to the rise in battery cost. Therefore, it is mandatory to introduce an advanced manufacturing technology to overcome these kinds of challenges.
2.2. Laser cutting in lithium ion battery production Remote Laser cutting of conventional lithium-ion battery foil (NMC, NCA, LFP cathodes or graphite anodes) is a method widely discussed in the scientific landscape for separation of electrodes [Lee et al., 2013],[Luetke et al., 2011 // 2014],[Reincke et al., 2015].
For laser cutting of electrodes a high degree of process readiness level is achieved, and commercial ns-laser cutter systems adapted to battery manufacturing are available and can be introduced in cell manufacturing. Nevertheless, laser cutting will be further developed regarding next generation of batteries using the thick-film concept.
Why is laser cutting electrode a good choice for lithium ion batteries?
Furthermore, the excellent structural uniformity reduces the generation of electrode lithium dendrites and ensures the battery's safety. On the other hand, the enhancement of LIBs performance with the laser cutting electrode can also be attributed to the interaction between the laser and the electrode material.
Laser structuring can turn electrodes into superwicking. This has a positive impact regarding an increased battery lifetime and a reliable battery production. Finally, laser processes can be up-scaled in order to transfer the 3D battery concept to high-energy and high-power lithium-ion cells.
It is obvious that the laser process will have also an impact on the battery manufacturing cost. A rough estimation of the laser throughput taking into account the conventional electrode coating speed (30 m/min) leads to the assumption that a single production line will consist of about three laser machines.
How can laser processing technology improve battery manufacturing?
Integration of laser processing technology into battery manufacturing will provide new impacts to process reliability, processing cost reduction, improved battery performance, and battery safety. Especially for HE batteries, wetting of the electrodes with liquid electrolyte is a critical issue.