Master's thesis: Semi dry extrusion based electrode processing for Li-ion battery electrode

Background
Electrode production in Li-ion battery is a critical area for improvement, as it accounts for about 10% of the greenhouse gas emissions in battery manufacturing. The conventional electrode production process significant amount of solvent including the use of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), a reproductive toxin. The subsequent drying and solvent recovery consume significant energy, accounting for approximately 45% of the total energy used in lithium-ion battery production, and require large, space-intensive drying ovens. This project focuses on a more sustainable and energy-efficient semi-dry or low-solvent electrode manufacturing process by increasing the solid content in the slurry up to 80-85 wt%, with maintaining the high dispersion quality while drastically reducing the need for energy-intensive drying processes.

Project goal
The goal of this thesis project is to evaluate semi dry electrode fabrication process for Li-ion battery cathode and anode using extrusion based mixing technology.

The project will include the following tasks

1. Design and development of electrode formulation for extrusion based mixing
2. Physical and electrochemical evaluation of fabricated electrode in coin cell

Scope
The thesis project starts on 2024-02-01 and ends on 2024-06-28 (20 weeks). Last day to submit your application is 20th of November.

Location
RISE, Stockholm. Option to have part of the work performed remotely.

Credits
30 ECTS (academic credits).

Questions
Please contact researcher Dhrubajyoti Bhattacharjya (dhrubajyoti.bhattacharjya@ri.se) or Unit manager Juhanes Aydin (juhanes.aydin@ri.se)