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.
With this in mind, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen have developed innovative laser-based technologies for producing lithium-ion batteries — which, in comparison with those produced conventionally, can be charged more quickly and have a longer service lifetime.
Laser 3D manufacturing techniques offer excellent 3D microstructure controllability, good design flexibility, process simplicity, and high energy and cost efficiencies, which are beneficial for rechargeable battery cell manufacturing.
Scien-tists at Fraunhofer ILT in Aachen have recently developed two laser-based manufactur-ing technologies that save energy in production while also making it possible to create battery cells with higher power density and a longer service life.
The research conducted at Fraunhofer ILT demonstrates that laser technology can be used as a digital production process to improve the quality of battery cells and significantly increase sustainability during manufacturing. “The next step is to scale up the technology from the prototype to an industrial production line,” says Matthias Trenn.
Laser structuring of composite electrodes is one of the most promising approaches regarding battery performance improvement by the 3D battery concept and an increase of battery safety and production reliability.