Optimizing Electrode Coatings: Techniques for Adhesion and Hardness Measurement

The Battery Experts video series with Anthony Chalou from Anton Paar explores the crucial techniques for assessing electrode coatings' adhesion and mechanical properties in lithium-ion batteries.

This video focuses on scratch testing and nanoindentation, both of which are critical methods for ensuring high-quality electrode layers that contribute to batteries' overall performance and safety.

Scratch testing is highlighted as an essential method for verifying electrode coating adhesion and scratch resistance. Using a sharp diamond tip, the test measures the critical load at which the coating starts to delaminate, with higher loads indicating better adhesion.

The process involves an 85-micrometer-thick LFP cathode scratched with a wedge blade diamond tip. The test's results are visually analyzed using a microscope, providing a clear panorama image of the scratch and its corresponding data.

At the same time, nanoindentation testing measures the hardness, elastic modulus, and creep of small volumes of electrode layers. This technique helps characterize the coating's homogeneity and quickly assesses the effects of production changes.

Anthony demonstrates using a benchtop nanoindenter on an LFP cathode sample, applying an indentation force of 200 mN. The process involves defining the loading rate, pause time at maximum load, and the number of indentations, which are performed automatically.

Both techniques provide valuable data for comparing electrode coatings and optimizing production parameters. Scratch testing and nanoindentation are presented as quick and efficient methods for evaluating the quality of electrode coatings, ensuring the production of high-capacity, reliable, and safe lithium-ion batteries.

Video Credit: Anton Paar GmbH

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Anton Paar GmbH.

For more information on this source, please visit Anton Paar GmbH.