Lithium-ion battery electrode inspection using flash thermography

Abstract

Pulse thermography was used to experimentally evaluate lithium-ion battery electrode quality. Lab manufactured electrodes with gross defects, thickness variation, and composition variation all were detectable with this method. Thickness variation was shown to have a one to one ratio percent change in thickness to percent change in thermal response. A thickness difference of 4 μm (4% of total) was detectable with the method. Lab electrodes were compared with commercial electrodes with comparable results. Both types of electrodes showed a significant thickness oscillation that has not previously been reported regarding lithium-ion battery electrodes. © The Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc. 2014.