3D printing of multi-layered Li-ion batteries by inkjet drop-on-demand method

Abstract 3D printing is being progressively applied in the fabrication of high-energy–density and high-specific-power batteries of various geometries and sizes. Inkjet drop-on-demand (DoD) is a technology that utilizes a printing head that dispenses small droplets by an electronically activated pressurized piston. This allows 3D printing of very thin layers and at a high resolution, while also reducing the usually strict dependency on ink viscosity, meaning a wide array of formulations can be 3D printed with ease. In this work, we present for the first time a 3D-printed Li-ion battery produced exclusively by the DoD method in a layer-by-layer sequence. We used SEM and EDS to demonstrate that each component in the stack (the cathode, the separator, and the anode) possesses its functional bulk and interfacial properties, thus avoiding short circuits and enabling standard cycling operation.