Slurry electrode making

The industry standard for high-throughput battery production, using precise chemical mixing and roll-to-roll coating to build energy-dense electrodes.

Slurry electrode making is the backbone of modern lithium-ion manufacturing. The process begins by dispersing active materials (like NMC or graphite), conductive additives (Carbon Black), and polymer binders (PVDF) into a solvent to create a non-Newtonian fluid. This mixture is applied to metal foil current collectors via slot-die coating at speeds often exceeding 50 meters per minute. Precise control over viscosity and solids content (typically 50% to 70%) ensures uniform thickness and prevents cracking during the subsequent drying and calendering stages. While dry-electrode alternatives are emerging, slurry casting remains the most reliable method for achieving the sub-micron consistency required for EVs and grid-scale storage.

https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/battery-manufacturing-slurry-casting