Functional Ceramic Inks for 3D Printing of Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Dr. Antonio Eduardo Martinelli
UFRN

Abstract

The search for new battery materials aims at improving efficiency, storage capacity, and compactness. Among potential candidates, TiNb?O? (NTO) is a promising anode material which depicts high capacity (~400 mAh g?¹) and excellent cycling stability, which results in improved battery durability. Manufacturing techniques also play an important role and 3D printing, particularly Direct Ink Writing (DIW), presents an innovative approach to battery fabrication, allowing for optimized electrode designs with improved electrochemical performance. In this sense, functional ink formulation remains a challenge. The present study focuses on developing an electrically active nanometric ink for DIW-based lithium-ion battery electrodes, ensuring good printability and structural integrity post-sintering. Two synthesis routes, hydrothermal and Pechini, were used to produce NTO, followed by calcination and ink formulation. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of NTO and the feasibility of producing functional inks with nanometric particles.