By providing a quantitative assessment using these indicators, the software streamlines R&D and ensures consistent quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
Electrode sludge and sheets
Background to Development
• Electrode Paste and Sheets
As the world moves toward a carbon-neutral society, electric vehicles (EVs) powered by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and stationary energy storage systems (ESSs) harnessing renewable energy are experiencing widespread adoption globally. With this market expansion, the demand for higher performance and greater safety in LIBs continues to grow. Hioki has long been recognized as a leader in battery internal impedance measurement technology, earning it significant industry recognition. In 2019, the RM2610 electrode resistance measurement system was launched, enabling the evaluation of electrode sheets, critical components of battery cells, and adding unique value to the development process.
Electrode sheets are manufactured by coating a metal sheet with an electrode paste, then drying and calendering it. Variations in the electronic conductivity of the paste coated on the electrode sheet can lead to performance degradation and heat generation, directly impacting the performance of the finished battery. A critical factor in reducing variability is the electronic conductivity of the liquid paste before coating. However, until now, no practical indicator readily represented the paste's conductivity in this state.
In response, Hioki has developed new evaluation indicators that quantify the paste's electronic conductivity and enable objective assessment. The newly released software derives three indicators (DCR, Rratio, and Uniformity) from parameters obtained through equivalent circuit analysis of impedance values. In internal validation tests (using pastes of identical composition with varying mixing processes), we confirmed that electrode sheets manufactured from pastes performing well on these three indicators tended to exhibit lower and more stable resistive characteristics.
By providing quantitative indicators for evaluating suspensions, this method allows researchers and manufacturers to identify optimization opportunities in complex material formulations and mixing conditions. These indicators can be applied in LIB research and development, for quality reproducibility during scale-up, and for quality control on mass production lines.
The SA2634 analytical software offers an integrated workflow from measurement to analysis, improving efficiency and ensuring data security, while providing three key indicators for electrode paste R&D. By supporting more efficient development of electrode sheets for lithium-ion batteries, Hioki's SA2634 analytical software contributes to the advancement of a low-carbon society and the building of a sustainable future.
Key Features
1. Small-Quantity, Real-World Evaluation
Evaluate cathode/anode suspensions, conductive pastes, or CNT dispersions with as little as 1 ml, requiring no pretreatment. This efficiency accelerates your research by enabling rapid hypothesis testing and verification, minimizing waste, and delivering reliable results on dispersions and conductive networks.
2. Impedance Measurement
The dedicated electrode cell and test device minimize measurement noise for highly reproducible impedance data. Controlled sweeps by the SA2634 last approximately one minute and capture the suspension state with minimal changes during analysis, making it ideal for dynamic materials in battery research.
3. Equivalent Circuit Analysis
The SA2634 automates the creation of complex equivalent circuits and initialization, and can handle up to 1000 files simultaneously. This streamlines batch processing for efficient comparisons, transforming raw impedance data into meaningful assessments without requiring in-depth knowledge of analytical techniques.
4. Quantitative Indexing
The three indicators, “DCR,” “Ratio,” and “Uniformity,” are derived from the analysis results. These indicators enable quantitative evaluation and also serve as a common language between departments and partner companies.
Main applications
• Evaluation of LIB cathodic and anodic electrode suspensions
• Evaluation of conductive additive dispersion
• Evaluation of quality reproducibility during production line upgrades and expansions
• Quality control through sampling inspections
Sludge analysis system: product configuration
• SA2634 analysis software
• IM3536 LCR meter
• SA9002 test device
• SA9001 electrode cell (box of 50, for sludge with NMP solvent)
• SA9001-01 electrode cell (box of 50, for sludge with aqueous solvent)
About HIOKI:
Founded in 1935, HIOKI EE CORPORATION (TSE: 6866) has grown to become a global leader in the consistent supply of test and measurement instruments through advanced design, manufacturing, sales, and service. Offering over 200 core products characterized by their safety and quality, while meeting a wide range of applications, we aim to contribute to the efficiency and value of our customers' work in electrical research and development, production, and maintenance. Hioki products and services are available worldwide through our extensive network of subsidiaries and distributors.
