29 March 2024 
 
22 August 2022

Inline Element analysis

Defects often occur in the production of electrode foils for lithium-ion batteries due to nonhomogeneous coatings. Fraunhofer IPM and Fraunhofer ISIT, together with partners from the fields of industry and research, have developed an optical inline measurement system that determines the material composition of electrode foils quantitatively and with depth resolution – directly in the production line. The goal here is to manufacture electrodes for Li-ion batteries more cost-effectively and with a higher level of quality.

Foto: Fraunhofer IPMFoto: Fraunhofer IPM
The measurement system was integrated into the laboratory plant of an electrode manufacturing facility at Fraunhofer ISIT
Electrode foils for Li-ion batteries consist of an active material (nickel-manganese-cobalt powder plus lithium), conductive additives and binders. These materials are applied to an aluminum foil as a suspension and then dried into a thin layer with a thickness of about 100 µm. It is not uncommon for the components of the suspension to separate during the drying process, with the result that the binder content is too low in some places. This impairs the adhesion of the entire layer. Fraunhofer IPM and Fraunhofer ISIT together with the companies VARTA and OWIS have developed an optical inline measurement system as part of the “Q-LIB” project. This system has made it possible to actively control the coating process with regard to the mixture. This in turn reduces waste in production and the start-up time for the production of new recipes.

Inline measurement system with LIBS technology

The inline measurement system is based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS is a laser spectroscopy technique that can be used to determine the composition of a sample with regard to the specific elements it contains. The system records the material distribution in the electrode foil point by point as a 3D map. This makes it possible to detect whether the mixing ratio of the components is correct and whether the components are homogeneously distributed across the entire electrode volume. This in turn enables real-time quality control and quality regulation. The challenge here was measuring the distribution not only on the surface, but also with depth resolution within the entire coating – at production speeds of around 20 m/min.

The measurement system was recently integrated into the laboratory plant of an electrode manufacturing facility at Fraunhofer ISIT. There, electrode foils from VARTA Microbattery GmbH were successfully measured under real production conditions.

 


More news about "ACHEMA":


17 June 2022

ACHEMA 2022 addresses the industry’s key issues digitalisation and sustainability

In addition to the transformation towards a climate-neutral chemical industry and the perennial topic of digitalisation, the current global political situation also poses massive challenges for the process industry. Which technologies can be used to achieve defossilisation? How to secure and enhance regional and global supply chain networks? And what hurdles must be overcome in the digitalisation of the industry? ACHEMA 2022 offers answers and solutions to these and many more questions. (more…)


14 June 2021

ACHEMA Innovation Challenge: These are the finalists

For a long time now, data has been accumulating in large quantities in the process industry - but how can it be used? The ACHEMA Innovation Challenge called on innovative teams to develop solutions for the use of digital methods and artificial intelligence (AI) in the process industry. Eight teams have impressed with their concepts and will present them as part of the ACHEMA Pulses on June 15 from 3 to 5 pm. ACHEMA Pulse participants will be able to vote for the finalists in a live poll. (more…)



2 June 2021

ACHEMA Pulse: More than 900 exhibitors present their innovations

From 31 May 2021, 940 exhibitors from 37 countries are taking the opportunity to present their products and solutions for the process industry to interested parties worldwide. At the virtual ACHEMA Pulse, they showcase everything from gas detectors to packaging lines, from materials to IT solutions that the chemical, pharmaceutical or food industries need - including numerous innovations and new products. Until June 30, 2021, participants can find out more and talk directly to the experts. (more…)


19 November 2020

ACHEMA postponed to 2022 – ACHEMA Pulse in June 2021

ACHEMA 2021 will be postponed to April 4-8, 2022. This decision was taken after intensive discussions with the community and in the ACHEMA Committee in view of the continuing uncertainty caused by the Corona pandemic. From June 15-16, 2021, ACHEMA Pulse will offer the worldwide ACHEMA community the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and make new contacts with highlight sessions, top-class discussions and lectures as well as interactive formats. (more…)


11 June 2018

ACHEMA: New camera system monitors distillation

In order to separate chemical mixtures into their single components, industry operators commonly carry out energy-intensive distillation, such as in crude oil refineries. Researchers at the Technische Universität Kaiserslautern (TUK) are developing a camera system that monitors this process. (more…)



1 April 2016

Achema to stay in Frankfurt

Achema, the world forum and leading show for the process industries, will be staying for at least the next three events in Frankfurt. The contract has been extended until 2024. (more…)


 

FAIR NAVIGATOR
PHARMA / MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
MORE EVENTS

E-PAPER ACHEMA

NEWSLETTER
Stay up-to-date: Subscribe to our exclusive newsletter "Pharma / Medical Technology" and keep an eye on international trade fair business - free of charge, once per month.
Your email address:
 
© 2018 by Connex AG