Influence of surfactants and viscosity in the preparation process of battery electrodes containing nanoparticles

The influence of surfactant types and viscosity of suspensions on the preparation process of electrodes for lithium-ion batteries containing nanoparticles was investigated. As a model electro-active material, nano-sized anatase TiO2 was used and suspended with carbon black within an organic solution. Contact angle and viscosity measurements were used for characterization of the surfactants and their influence on the morphology and the electrochemical properties of the prepared electrodes. Optical light microscopy was used for the morphological analysis of the electrode surface and the agglomeration behavior of the particles. A proof is given that the use of surfactants during the preparation process has a beneficial effect on the electrochemical performance of the electrodes.