Slurry Mixing

Slurry mixing refers to the process of mixing solids (e.g. powders, particles or granules) with liquids to create a homogeneous suspension. This process is used in various industries such as the food, chemical and construction industries.

Slurry mixing in battery production

Slurry mixing is an important step in the production of lithium-ion batteries and a demanding area of mixing technology..LI-ion batteries are used in electric cars, for example, but the rechargeable batteries also impress with their performance in smartphones.

The manufacturing process for lithium-ion batteries begins with the production of the suspension - the electrode slurry. This process is known as slurry mixing.

In slurry mixing, electrode materials are first mixed with an organic solvent and a polymer binder. The electrode slurry is then applied to a copper or aluminum foil, dried and calibrated. This foil then serves as the anode or cathode in the battery cell.

The challenges of slurry mixing

Handling highly viscous mixtures and avoiding clumping.
Ensuring purity and avoiding impurities.
Controlling the mixing temperature and time to achieve the desired properties.

Key technologies

High-performance mixers: Devices that ensure a fine and even distribution of the components through intensive mechanical action.
Planetary mixers: Mixers that achieve uniform distribution through planetary movement of the mixing tools.
Ultrasonic mixers: Devices that use ultrasonic waves to break up agglomerates and produce a homogeneous mixture.

The use of precise mixing technologies and processes in slurry mixing significantly improves the quality and performance of battery cells, which is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of modern energy storage systems.

Slurry mixing is crucial in the production of lithium-ion batteries

Slurry mixing is critical to disperse materials evenly. The proper process will directly affect the performance of the subsequent battery. Find out more about our battery technology services here.