Multi-scale simulation to describe the carbon black decomposition in the dispersion process for process- and performance-optimized process control (MultiDis)
Project duration:
01.08.2016 – 31.07.2019
Institutes:
- Institute of Mechanical Process Engineering and Mechanics (MVM)
- Institute for Applied Materials – Materials in Electrical Engineering (IAM-WET)
- Institute of Particle Technology (iPAT)
The increasing development of renewable energy sources and the progressive expansion of electromobility require the availability of efficient and at the same time cost-effective energy storage systems. The further development and improvement of lithium-ion batteries plays a key role here. In addition to the development and use of innovative battery materials, the requirements for this storage technology can be met in particular by cost- and performance-optimized process control in the manufacture of battery electrodes.
The project “MultiDis” deals with the production of the coating of the battery electrodes, which has a significant influence on their structure and quality and thus on the final performance of the battery cell. Especially with the cathode, the positive electrode, an additive is necessary to increase the electrical conductivity. Soot (better known as carbon black) in the form of very small nanoscale particles which form sintered aggregates is often used here. The carbon black distribution and the structuring of the electrodes can be decisively influenced by the manufacturing process.
With the help of process modeling and simulation as well as new analytical methods, it is possible to make a statement about the manufacturing process of the coating and the influence of the carbon black component on the performance of the battery cells produced. In this way, the project can make a significant contribution to the time-, resource- and target-optimized production of lithium-ion batteries.