Battery and Energy

Throughout human history, efficiently converting and storing energy have remained significant challenges. From the well-established lithium-ion battery technology to emerging advancements like sodium-ion, and graphene-based batteries, these energy storage solutions are proving increasingly reliable for a growing range of applications. Electric vehicles, peak and valley management of power grids – all these applications necessitate continuous progress in battery research, development, and production.

Bettersize is committed to supporting our customers in developing efficient, high-performing, and recyclable battery technologies. This commitment extends to assisting consumers in their smooth transition towards renewable energy storage solutions that utilize batteries. We offer a comprehensive range of analytical solutions, applicable across the entire battery development spectrum – from the widely used lithium-ion technology to emerging advancements like sodium-ion, lithium-sulfur, zinc-air, and graphene-based batteries. These solutions can be employed throughout the process, from initial research and development stages to real-world production applications.

By leveraging Bettersize's analytical tools, you can significantly expedite and simplify the analysis of granular materials, a critical component in battery performance. These tools empower you to gain a deeper understanding of key factors influencing battery performance, such as electrode materials and slurries. This knowledge enables you to optimize various aspects of battery development, readily identify the impact of these adjustments, and ultimately achieve optimal battery performance. 

Particle Size Solutions

The particle size of electrode materials significantly impacts battery performance, influencing key metrics like output power, internal resistance, cycle life, and energy density. Battery electrodes, particularly lithium-based ones, are formed by coating a slurry containing these particles onto a conductive collector. As particle size affects the specific surface area, which in turn influences electrode reaction efficiency, it directly impacts output power. Additionally, particle size influences the efficiency of ion movement near the electrode, affecting internal resistance. Furthermore, changes in particle size during battery cycling contribute to capacity reduction and aging.

Therefore, measuring particle size is crucial for new battery development, performance optimization, and production. Ideally, frequent testing of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods throughout the production cycle ensures consistent product quality and adherence to design goals. Bettersizer series particle size analyzer, leveraging laser diffraction technology, offers a simple and accurate method for measuring particle size in both cathode and anode materials. It's noteworthy that some industry standards for lithium battery materials specify a maximum particle size (D100). Bettersizer S3 Plus, utilizing Bettersize's innovative laser diffraction-image combined particle size testing method, delivers accurate and reliable results for even large particles. This high sensitivity helps prevent quality issues arising from a small number of oversized particles.

Particle Shape Solutions

Particle shape in battery electrode materials also plays a critical role in performance, impacting safety, lifespan, energy density, and output power. Shape influences the flow behavior (rheology) of the electrode slurry. At equal material type and concentration, slurries with irregular particles exhibit higher viscosity compared to those with rounded particles. This can lead to uneven coating of the electrode, resulting in high localized charge density that compromises battery safety and lifespan. Additionally, particle shape affects the packing density and porosity of the electrode coating, both of which influence the battery's energy density and charge-discharge efficiency.

Therefore, analyzing and optimizing particle morphology is crucial for achieving high battery performance. BeVision Image Particle Size and Shape Analyzers offer rapid analysis of the size and shape of statistically significant particle populations, providing the critical information needed to optimize battery materials and processing.

Particle Density Solutions

Both the true density and powder density of electrode materials impact a battery's energy density. While a lighter battery is desirable, insufficient electrode material reduces the available cations (charged ions) and limits energy storage capacity. Therefore, maximizing the density of lithium battery materials through controlled synthesis and material selection is crucial for achieving high volumetric energy density. Additionally, batteries with higher electrode material density can maintain better capacity and power during high-rate charging and discharging, leading to slower capacity decay. The BetterPyc 380 pycnometer measures the true density of electrode materials, whether in powder or slurry form. Additionally, the PowderPro A1 automated powder characteristics tester and BeDensi T Pro series tap density tester can analyze the tap density of these materials.

Slurry Stability Solutions

The stability of electrode slurry is paramount in battery production. Stable slurries directly translate to easier processing and production of electrode plates, ultimately leading to higher and more consistent battery quality.

Composed of various components – electrode materials, conductive additives like carbon or graphene, binders, and solvents – the slurry's stability significantly impacts the quality of the electrode coating and the choice of production methods.

A critical factor is zeta potential. This property determines particle aggregation within the slurry. Particles with high zeta potential repel each other, forming stable dispersions. Conversely, particles with low zeta potential aggregate, leading to uneven coatings and ultimately, reduced battery performance. Zeta potential also affects the interaction between electrode materials and the slurry.

BeNano nanoparticle size and zeta potential analyzer address this challenge. It allows you to monitor and optimize the zeta potential of electrode materials, ensuring high-quality electrode coatings with excellent accuracy, repeatability, and consistency.