The Carbon Black Dispersion Index DICB: A Novel Approach Describing the Dispersion Progress of Carbon Black Containing Battery Slurries

Abstract

The targeted adjustment of carbon black (CB) particle size in electrode slurries is a key step in battery production. Based on the energy input and dispersion device, the resulting particle structure of CB differs significantly. Most frequently, especially in more recent publications, the median particle size was used to describe changes during dispersion. However, this value does not contain enough information to describe the dispersion progress of bimodally distributed particles sufficiently. In this short communication, a novel approach describing the dispersion progress of CB containing slurries is introduced. This method was developed utilizing the hierarchical structure and fragmentation behavior of CB. The Carbon Black Dispersion Index DICB allows quick and easy assessment of the dispersion progress by isolating the CB aggregates of the bimodal distribution. This value offers major benefits with regards to quality control and production monitoring.