Characterization of porous structure of graphite electrode with different packing densities

Rechargeable lithium (Li)-ion batteries technology is found in numerous applications and is the leading contender for transportation applications. In these applications, high-power performance and low cost solutions are required. The most straightforward way to increase energy density is to raise the ratio of active material over the total battery weight by making the electrode thicker or denser. However, by packing more material in thick electrodes, the effect of the porous electrode morphology on power is very large, as it gives rise to the lithium-ion diffusion limitations across the porosity of the electrode. In order to optimize the electrode microstructure the deeper understanding on the effect of the porous electrode structure on electrochemical performance is required. Therefore, in this research the influence of the negative electrode morphology on its electrochemical performance with regard to Li insertion/de-insertion is discussed and analyzed. The aim of the present study is to investigate the performance of graphite electrodes of various packing densities.