FABRICATION OF 3D MICROELECTRODES FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERIES BY ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION

An integrated array of thick Li(4)Ti(5)O(12) electrodes was fabricated by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). A precisely controlled electric field distribution by the three-electrode EPD system enabled the formation of Li(4)Ti(5)O(12) electrodes on the lines selected in the interdigitated microarray Au current collectors. The array of Li(4)Ti(5)O(12) electrodes exhibited good rate capability with larger discharge capacities than those of the electrode prepared by the sol-gel method, due to the increment of electrode thickness (0.6 mu m -> 4.2 mu m) and the simultaneous deposition of conducting and binding materials with Li(4)Ti(5)O(12) particles. A cell consisting of the microarray Li(4)Ti(5)O(12), lithium metal anode, and poly(methyl methacrylate) gel electrolyte was successfully operated at 1.55V and had the discharge capacity of 105.4 mu Ah cm(-2).