X-ray micro tomography of three-dimensional embroidered current collectors for lithium-ion batteries

X-ray micro computed tomography (μCT) is used for the morphological characterization of three-dimensional (3D) embroidered current collectors for LiFePO4 batteries. A conventional 2D planar configuration (aluminium foil as current collector) and two types of 3D embroidered configurations were compared. The μCT images were used to identify the different components in each configuration as well as to evaluate the corresponding volume fractions, porosities, mass fractions and apparent densities. Microtomographic scans complement analysis of typical galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles and confirm the suitability of 3D embroidered current collectors for their use in lithium-ion batteries.