Multi-length scale cross-sectional coherent imaging of the dying process of slurry coated Li-ion battery electrodes with a focus on mud crac

Mud cracking during the drying process of slurry-casting Li-ion battery electrodes is an important, but poorly understood phenomenon where cracks in the bulk electrode open during drying. It can be problematic due to the mechanical instability of cracked electrodes and is a particular hindrance to thicker electrodes and those based on aqueous slurries. Alternatively, controlled cracking may facilitate ion diffusion and improve battery performance and durability for fast charging of thick electrodes. This proposed experiment will elucidate the mechanisms of crack formation using phase and absorption contrast imaging at ID19 over a range of scales to directly observe crack nucleation and evolution for the first time. This improved understanding will enable control of the cracking process, allowing more advanced electrodes to be slurry cast industrially.