Nextrode – electrode manufacturing

Substantial benefits in battery performance can be realised by smarter assembly of the different materials that comprise the electrodes used in rechargeable ion batteries. Further, these benefits will apply equally to mature material systems already used in electrodes and to new systems. Launched in autumn of 2019, this project is focused on researching, understanding and quantifying the potential for smart electrodes to improve energy storage devices, and developing new practical manufacturing innovations that can scale smart electrode benefits to the industrial scale.

Nextrode focuses principally on manufacturing research into how to engineer a new generation of battery electrode structures. Novel developments in electrode structuring will be drawn from basic science understanding of the current slurry casting manufacture of Li-ion electrodes along with predictive modelling to suggest how control of electrode microstructure can deliver improved energy storage characteristics. Nextrode will support UK manufacturers and supply chain companies, draw on cutting edge scientific and technological knowledge to produce increased cell performance, add value in electrode processing, and improve safety and sustainability.