Improving Electron Transport in 3D-Printed Li-Ion Battery Electrodes through Conductive Additive Optimization

Li-ion battery electrodes require good electronic and ionic conductivity to enable high power and energy densities for their use in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale storage systems. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of battery electrodes offers a promising route to fabricate electrodes with controlled architectures that can improve ion transport. However, optimizing electron transport in these 3D-printed structures remains a challenge due to the need to balance conductive additive loading with printability and structural integrity. This project investigates the effect of conductive additive type and concentration on the electronic conductivity of 3D-printed lithium-ion battery electrodes. Electrodes are fabricated using a direct ink writing (DIW) approach with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as the active material and various carbon-based conductive additives. The rheological properties of the inks are characterized to ensure printability, and the printed electrodes are evaluated for their electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance.