Comparative Analysis of Lithium Metal Anode Production Methods: Evaluating Liquid-Based Manufacturing Technology for Mass Production

Abstract

Lithium metal anodes (LMA) have gained significant attention for their potential to revolutionize rechargeable battery technology, offering high theoretical capacity and low electrode potential. Their implementation in various applications, such as electric vehicles and portable electronics, holds the promise of significantly improving energy density and battery performance. Additionally, the successful integration of lithium metal anodes remains a crucial and yet-to-be-resolved challenge in the development of All-Solid-State Batteries (ASSBs), which aim to provide safer and more efficient energy storage systems. Overcoming the production challenges associated with lithium metal anodes is essential for realizing their full potential. This paper presents a comprehensive technology analysis and evaluation of production methods for lithium metal anodes. The analysis explores various techniques and their potential for mass production. Furthermore, this analysis evaluates the viability of each approach by considering factors such as the potential for performance improvement, cost savings, quality enhancement, and the technology readiness level. The paper outlines future directions for the development of these techniques while focusing on the liquid-based processing approach, aiming to address quality issues and enhance its scalability for large-scale production. In conclusion, this technology analysis and evaluation underscores the potential of liquid-based manufacturing technology for the mass production of high-quality lithium metal anodes and highlights the need to overcome production challenges. An approach is presented that offers a way to work through the challenge of LMA production, paving the way to next-generation battery cells.