In the lithium-ion battery manufacturing chain, the dispersion quality of the electrode slurry directly determines the core performance of the battery. As the core carrier of energy storage, the uniformity of dispersion of the cathode material, along with conductive agents and binders, in the solvent profoundly affects the battery's energy density and cycle life. Ultrasonic dispersion machines, with their unique technological advantages, are becoming key equipment for solving slurry dispersion problems and driving breakthroughs in battery performance.
The core advantage of ultrasonic dispersion machines stems from their working principle based on the cavitation effect. The equipment generates a 20-40kHz high-frequency electrical signal through an ultrasonic generator, which is converted into mechanical vibration by a transducer and transmitted to the slurry system, triggering the rapid generation and collapse of numerous microbubbles. The powerful impact force and microjets released during this collapse process can efficiently break down the agglomeration structure between cathode material particles, achieving nanoscale uniform dispersion while avoiding particle breakage problems caused by traditional mechanical stirring. The generated shear force can also enhance the contact area between the conductive agent and the active material, constructing a more complete conductive network and creating efficient channels for ion transport.
In terms of improving battery energy density, ultrasonic dispersion technology achieves breakthroughs through a dual-pathway approach. On the one hand, uniformly dispersed slurry allows for the filling of more active materials in the electrode coating, reducing the amount of binder and conductive agent required, thus increasing energy storage capacity within the same volume. On the other hand, nanoscale dispersed cathode material particles fully expose reactive active sites, improving lithium-ion insertion and extraction efficiency, allowing for more complete release of battery capacity. Taking lithium iron phosphate cathode material as an example, after ultrasonic treatment, the uniformity error of the electrode coating can be controlled within 5%, laying the foundation for improved energy density.
The extended cycle life benefits from the optimized structural stability brought about by the dispersion quality. Ultrasonic dispersion forms a stable slurry system, extending the settling and layering time by more than 30%, ensuring uniform coating. This uniformity not only reduces the battery's internal resistance but also avoids electrode structure collapse caused by localized current concentration during charging and discharging. Simultaneously, the smooth and uniformly dispersed grain morphology reduces structural losses during lithium-ion shuttle transport, significantly improving battery cycle stability and, as tested, substantially extending cycle life.
In large-scale production, ultrasonic dispersion machines also demonstrate energy efficiency advantages, reducing energy consumption by more than 30% compared to traditional equipment while achieving the same dispersion effect. Furthermore, they are compatible with slurry systems with varying solid contents ranging from 30% to 70%. With the continuous increase in demand for high-performance batteries from the new energy industry, ultrasonic dispersion technology, with its high efficiency and precision, is becoming a crucial support for the upgrading of the lithium battery manufacturing industry, injecting strong momentum into the development of green energy.
