According to foreign media reports, researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Missouri University of Science and Technology have developed a new method to create a 3D-printed battery electrode using aerosoljet (AJ) printing. This electrode has a 3-D microlattice structure, enabling controlled porosity.
The researchers stated in their paper that this microlattice structure can significantly improve the capacity and charge/discharge rate of lithium batteries. This additive manufacturing method utilizes 3D printing equipment to create complex 3D battery architectures, which helps optimize the configuration of electrochemical energy storage. The researchers predict that this technology can be applied to industry within the next 2-3 years.
The microlattice structure used in lithium batteries can improve battery performance in the following ways: compared to solid electrodes, its specific capacity is increased by 4 times and its actual capacity is increased by 2 times.
Furthermore, after 40 electrochemical cycles (charge-discharge), the complex 3D microlattice structure remained intact, demonstrating its excellent mechanical properties. This type of battery can achieve a significantly higher capacity while maintaining the same weight. Similarly, if the capacity remains at its current value, the amount of material used in this battery can be greatly reduced, contributing to the lightweighting of automotive batteries, the benefits of which for transportation applications are self-evident.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University independently developed this 3D printing method, creating a microlattice porous structure, and also combined it with current airflow jet 3D printing technology.
The research team is working to create more complex 3D structures that can be used as both structural and functional materials.
