A novel mixing approach to fabricate high solid content battery ink for printed batteries

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Background

Screen-printed batteries have rapidly emerged due to their vast potential in flexible electronic applications. However, achieving a high solid content in screen inks, crucial for effective mass printing and reducing solvent use, has been a challenge. Maintaining a balance between solid content and printability is vital for industrial production.

Technology Overview

Northeastern researchers have invented a solution to tackle a crucial dilemma in the industrial manufacturing of screen-printed batteries - incorporating high ink solid content without damaging the rheological properties and screen printability of the inks. Many existing Li-ion cathode inks have a solid content under 40 wt.%, a notable contrast to traditional electrode slurries used in bar-coating processes, having solid content greater than 55 wt.%. This technology involves a novel ink preparation process to dramatically improve the ink screen printability with a solid content of 60 wt. %. The improved solid content also reduces the amount of organic solvent required, which reduces the amount of energy required during the drying process.

Benefits

Higher solid content inks with outstanding screen printability
Printed electrodes display improved electrochemical properties
Reduction of solvent provides environmental and energy saving benefits
Potential to outperform traditional bar-coating manufacturing processes in terms of efficiency