Investigation of Laser Intensity Profiles in the Laser Drying of Anodes for Lithium-Ion Battery Production

The growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, along with the imperative for sustainable and cost-efficient production, necessitates the exploration of innovative technological approaches. Among the most energy-intensive steps in battery manufacturing is the electrode drying process. This study examined the impact of rapid laser-based drying on critical quality parameters of anode electrodes. A vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) was employed, enabling precise and independent control of the power distribution. By applying various intensity profiles, the influence of laser power modulation on electrode drying behaviour and resulting quality was systematically investigated. The outcomes were compared to both conventional convection drying and laser drying at constant power. The objective was to assess the viability of profile-controlled laser drying as a stand-alone alternative and to identify its benefits and limitations with regard to electrode quality and process efficiency.