Battery materials particle size analysis

Reducing the particle size of the electrode material increases the surface area, but also reduces overall electrolyte volume.

Batteries play a crucial role as we move towards increased generation and use of energy from renewable sources and are also key to enabling advances in electronic devices. A battery’s power or current handling capacity is linked to the reaction rate between the electrodes and electrolyte. The particle size distribution of the electrode material plays a huge role as this is what determines the available surface area.

Energy density

For a given chemistry and cell capacity, the particle size distribution of the electrode material can be adjusted to optimize energy density and power density. It is, however, necessary to achieve a balance between the space occupied by the electrode and the electrolyte. The surface area of the electrode material can be increased by reducing the particle size but this also reduces the overall electrolyte volume. Often a mixture of both coarse and fine particles is used to overcome this. Through this approach the introduction of fines serves to increase the surface area while the overall packing fraction of the electrode material remains under control.

Power density

Particle size measurement of cathode materials is important: • In research and development to optimize battery energy density and power density • During production to ensure particle size and size distribution remain within specification Laser diffraction is well suited to this application. Its wide measurement range allows the clear and straightforward characterization of mixtures of coarse and fine particles while its sensitivity to volume enables the detection of oversized or agglomerated material that might be problematic during production.

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OMEC’s efficient business model means we keep instrument purchase and ownership costs low, overcoming one of the major barriers for many who wish to upgrade to laser diffraction particle sizing. Within this, our commitment to excellence in sales, service and support is absolute. We aim to be responsive, achieve a rapid turnaround and make it easy for you to do business with us.

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