The BMF has capabilities in materials characterization (particle size, zeta potential, surface energy, rheological property, morphology), materials processing (electrode formulation, slurry preparation), electrode coating (tape casting, slot die coating, UV curing, electron beam curing), electrode calendering, cell assembly, and cell testing. The capability allows for the development of novel material processing methods from very small, laboratory-scale quantities up to pilot scale quantities.

The BMF is the nation’s largest open access battery fabrication R&D facility, which can also be used for fuel cell fabrication, and has a unique capacity for roll-to-roll manufacturing. The facility has been used to develop novel processing methods for manufacturing, including water-based formulation chemistries, UV and electron-beam curing processes, and in-line non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of coatings. It is open to industry with the capability to scale from small development quantities to hundreds of feet. Material processing techniques and electrode coatings developed at the BMF are applicable to other technologies such as fuel cells. The BMF maintains expert research staff with experience in material processing and manufacturing to complement the state-of-the-art facility and equipment.

D. Mohanty, J. Li, C. Daniel, and D.L. Wood III, J. Power Sources 312, 70 (2016).

J. Li, B.L. Armstrong, J. Kiggans, C. Daniel, and D.L. Wood, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 405 118 (2013).

J. Li, B.L. Armstrong, J. Kiggans, C. Daniel, and D.L. Wood, Langmuir 28 3783 (2012).