Effect of laser-induced groove morphology on the wettability and performance of Lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used for their high energy density, high power density, long lifetime, and safety which are crucial for the environmentally friendly future energy system. Electrodes are the key component of LIBs that determines battery performance. LiFePO ₄ is a common electrode used in battery technology due to its long cycle life and good safety. Laser structuring of electrodes has recently been considered a promising approach to increase energy density. In this work, LiFePO ₄ electrodes were structured into a grid-type pattern by varying the laser power, resulting in different aspect ratios. To evaluate the effects of the structuring, wettability and electrochemical performance were tested. The wetting property was investigated using spread area, wetting time, and contact angle measurements. Besides, the wetting rate was measured using the wetting balance test and capillary rise test. Lucas Washburn model and Zhmud extended model were used to quantitatively express the wetting rate. The influence of gravity on the wetting performance was also investigated by comparing those models. Furthermore, an electrochemical test was performed to see the cyclic stability, rate capability, and charge–discharge profile with a C rate up to 1C.