In the lithium-ion battery manufacturing chain, the uniformity of dispersion of the positive and negative electrode conductive slurries directly determines the battery's energy density, cycle life, and safety performance. Traditional dispersion methods easily lead to the agglomeration of nanoscale conductive agents and uneven distribution of active materials, becoming a bottleneck restricting breakthroughs in battery performance. Ultrasonic slurry dispersion equipment, with its unique technical principles, provides an efficient solution for the dispersion of positive and negative electrode materials, becoming a key support for the upgrading of the lithium-ion battery industry.
The core advantage of ultrasonic slurry dispersion equipment stems from its working mechanism based on the cavitation effect. The equipment converts high-frequency oscillation signals into mechanical vibrations, forming a large number of microbubbles in the slurry. The strong impact force and microjets generated by the instantaneous collapse of these bubbles effectively break the agglomeration structure of conductive agents such as carbon nanotubes and acetylene black, allowing them to be uniformly embedded in the gaps between active material particles. This dispersion method combines mechanical and conductive effects, penetrating high-viscosity slurry systems to achieve uniform distribution at the micron or even nanometer scale, laying the foundation for building a continuous conductive network.
In the preparation of positive electrode conductive slurries, this equipment exhibits a significant performance improvement effect. Taking lithium iron phosphate (LFP) systems as an example, traditional processes require prolonged stirring for initial dispersion, while ultrasonic equipment can prepare 300 liters of slurry in just 3-4 hours, reducing the amount of conductive agents and binders needed. The dispersed slurry results in a more uniform coating, effectively reducing electrode internal resistance, facilitating smoother lithium-ion migration channels, and significantly improving battery charge/discharge efficiency and cycle stability. Experiments show that batteries made with ultrasonically treated cathode slurry exhibit significantly extended cycle life.
For anode materials, the value of ultrasonic dispersion is even more pronounced. During the coating process of anode materials such as natural graphite, ultrasound promotes uniform and deep coating of pyrolytic carbon, improves material interface properties, and prevents structural delamination caused by lithium-ion intercalation. For anode materials prone to agglomeration, such as graphene and carbon nanofibers, the deagglomeration effect of ultrasonic equipment avoids impurity contamination and structural damage caused by traditional grinding, ensuring uniform grain size and smooth edges, and improving electrochemical performance. Adding ultrasonic treatment before coating can also effectively prevent secondary agglomeration of the slurry, further ensuring electrode quality.
Modern ultrasonic dispersion equipment has developed into a multi-stage processing system. Through the synergy of mixing tanks, circulation pipelines, and multiple ultrasonic components, combined with precise temperature control by a refrigeration mechanism, it can both prevent the breakage of binder molecular chains and achieve efficient dispersion. In the current context of the new energy industry's pursuit of high energy density and long cycle life, ultrasonic slurry dispersion equipment is driving innovation in lithium battery manufacturing processes, injecting continuous momentum into the development of green energy.
