Structural Characterization of Carbon Black Paste for Li-ion Battery Electrodes

This technical report investigates the rheological and electrochemical properties of carbon black pastes used in lithium-ion battery electrodes. The study employs simultaneous rheological and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements to assess how shear affects the inner carbon structure of typical cathode pastes. The report outlines the preparation of various paste compositions and the testing methodologies utilized, including the use of a TA Instruments Discovery Hybrid Rheometer. The results indicate that large shear deformations can lead to the collapse of the network-like structure formed by carbon black particles, which significantly impacts both the rheological and conductive properties of the pastes. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the behavior of conductive structures in the manufacturing process of electrodes, as this knowledge can inform process condition design and quality control measures. The report includes detailed experimental data and analysis of the rheological parameters and impedance characteristics of the pastes.