The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transition from thermal to electric propulsion, revolutionizing both the global automotive and battery industries. By 2023, the demand for batteries is projected to increase dramatically from 500 GWh/year to over 4000 GWh/year by 2035. Laser machined structures show promise in facilitating higher charge-discharge rates (C-rate) in thick-film electrodes, enhancing lithium-ion diffusion kinetics. The implementation of laser electrode structuring is being intensively studied for integration into existing manufacturing lines, with production speeds being a decisive factor. Understanding the laser ablation mechanism of composite battery materials is crucial for process optimization. Various technical approaches, including temporal or spatial shaping of laser pulses, are being explored to improve laser structuring processes. Our work focuses on providing new insights into femtosecond (fs) ablation of battery materials. Notably, specific ablation rates for graphite of up to 14 mm3/min/W have been achieved, surpassing typical rates for any materials (around 0.2 mm3/min/W for metals). Leveraging new high-power ultrafast lasers holds promise for achieving high throughput in industrial processes. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on electrode cutting processes for implementation in production lines. Demonstrating increased efficiency and speed in ultrafast laser battery structuring and cutting processes will facilitate their integration into production lines, as it directly impacts the final cost of battery manufacturing.
Keywords
- Battery Performances
- Electrode Cutting
- Electrode Structuring
- Laser Structuring
- Ultrafast Laser