Electrode-preparation systems
Methods, stacks and electrochemical cells are provided, in which the cell separator is surface-treated prior to attachment to the electrode(s) to form binding sites on the cell separator and enhance binding thereof to the electrode(s), e.g., electrostatically. The cell separator(s) may be attached to the electrode(s) by cold press lamination, wherein the created binding sites are configured to stabilize the cold press lamination electrostatically—forming flexible and durable electrode stacks. Electrode slurry may be deposited on a sacrificial film and then attached to current collector films, avoiding unwanted interactions between materials and in particular solvents involved in the respective slurries. Dried electrode slurry layers may be pressed or calendared against each other to yield thinner, smother and more controllably porous electrodes, as well as higher throughput. The produced stacks may be used in electrochemical cells and in any other type of energy storage device.
1. An electrode production system comprising:
two pressure-applying apparatuses facing each other and configured to receive and press, against each other, at least two double-sided coated current collector foils between external coated foils,
and wherein the two pressure-applying apparatuses are configured to apply pressure on the external coated foils thereby (a) press against each other, some coatings on the double-sided coated current collector foils that face each other, and (b) press coatings of the external foils against some other coatings on the double sided coated current collector foils, each one of the some other coatings on the double sided coated current collector foils faces a respective coating of the coatings of the external coated foils.
2. The electrode production system of claim 1 , wherein the pressure-applying apparatuses are calendars.
3. The electrode production system of claim 1 , wherein the pressure-applying apparatuses are linear presses and the external coated foils are disposable.
4. The electrode production system of claim 1 , further comprising a heat source configured to apply heat to at least one of the double-sided coated current collector foils or the external coated foils during the pressing.
5. The electrode production system of claim 1 , further configured to cause mass transfer between protrusions and cavities of the some coatings on the respective double-sided coated current collector foils that face each other, to even out surfaces thereof.
6. The electrode production system of claim 1 , wherein the some coatings on the some double-sided coated current collector foils and the some other coatings on the double-sided coated current collector foils comprise dried electrode slurry.
7. The electrode production system of claim 6 , wherein the dried electrode slurry comprises anode material slurry.
8. The electrode production system of claim 7 , wherein the anode material slurry comprises at least one of Si, Ge and Sn.
9. The electrode production system of claim 6 , wherein the dried electrode slurry comprises cathode material slurry.