Emerging application of 3D-printing techniques in lithium batteries: From liquid to solid

Abstract

There is rapid progress in the field of 3D printing technology for the production of electrodes, electrolytes, and packages of batteries due to the technique’s low cost, a wide range of geometries printable, and rapid prototyping speed by combining computer-aided design with advanced manufacturing procedures. The most important part of 3D printing applied in batteries is the printing of electrodes, electrolytes, and packages. These will affect the battery energy/power density. However, there are still several challenges that need to be overcome to print active and stable electrodes/electrolytes for energy storage systems that can rival that of the state-of-the-art. In this review, the printing materials, and methods for batteries from liquid to solid-state batteries are discussed and recent examples of this technique applied in high power/energy batteries are highlighted. This review for batteries will cover 3D printing technologies, printed cathode, and anode in conventional batteries, and printed solid-state electrolytes in solid-state batteries. The working principles, advantages, and limitations for solid-state batteries via the 3D printing method will be discussed before highlighting the printing materials for electrodes and electrolytes. We will then discuss how to modify the electrode and solid-state electrolyte to raise the electrochemical performance of solid-state batteries using 3D printing. Finally, we will give our insights into the future perspectives of this printing technique for fabricating batteries.

See full text for more information.