3D-printed self-standing electrodes for flexible Li-ion batteries

• Published in: Applied materials today 2022-03, Vol.26, p.100980, Article 100980
• Main Authors: Praveen, Sekar, Sim, Gyu Sang, Shaji, Nitheesha, Nanthagopal, Murugan, Lee, Chang Woo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D-printing; Flexible; Li-ion battery; Rheological properties; Self-standing electrode
• ISSN: 2352-9407; 2352-9415
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apmt.2021.100980

•The self-standing electrodes are fabricated using 3D-printing technology.•The printed self-standing electrodes possess adequate electrical conductivities and mechanical properties.•The self-standing electrodes deliver a consistent electrochemical performance.•The real time application of these self-standing 3D-printed electrodes is successfully demonstrated. Sizable demand for flexible electronics has resulted in the need for a flexible energy storage device with high performance and unique architectures. Currently, Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are the most desired choice for achieving higher capacity. However, obtaining a high capacity without sacrificing flexibility at the same time is quite tricky using the conventional electrode preparation process, which employs rigid metal current collectors. Herein, we adopt a 3D-printing technology to fabricate flexible self-standing electrodes by incorporating vapour grown carbon fibers (VGCFs) in electrode inks to functionalize a current collector integrated electrode. A fine balance between the electrochemical performance and flexibility has been achieved by varying the ink component ratios. The influences of each component on the mechanical property, conductive nature, and electrochemical performance have been thoroughly investigated. The battery performance is evaluated in coin-type of half and full-cell assemblies. Further, a prototype pouch cell is fabricated using self-standing electrodes to show its flexibility crucial for real time applications. [Display omitted]