1. Anode Formulation Validation: Screen and validate high Si content formulations to maximize capacity, incorporating literature studies on Si-Gr composites for optimal active material ratios.
2. Mixing Protocol Optimization: Develop and record consistent mixing protocols for reliable dispersion of active materials, binders, and conductors, minimizing batch-to-batch variability through benchmarking against commercial Si anode standards.
3. Coating & Calendaring Optimization: Design experiments to ensure slurry formulations withstand high-speed coating and calendaring without defects like cracking or delamination, verified via adhesion and structural integrity tests.
4. Drying Process Verification: Validate drying profiles for complete solvent removal, uniform binder distribution, and minimal porosity defects, benchmarked against industry drying benchmarks.
Electrochemical Testing & Data Verification
1. Cell Assembly & Testing (Coin/Pouch): Assemble coin and pouch cells for half/full-cell testing, evaluating capacity, coulombic efficiency, and rate performance.
2. Performance Benchmarking: Compare electrochemical data against commercial Si/Gr anodes and literature-reported metrics for energy density, cycle life, and SEI stability.
3. Data Management & Analytics: Organize test data in structured formats (e.g., Excel dashboards), perform analysis, and generate reports highlighting trends and outliers.
4. Literature Search on Si Anode Materials: Conduct in-depth reviews of recent publications on silicon anode challenges (e.g., volume expansion, SEI formation) to inform formulation iterations.