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Controlling Electrode Performance — Particle Size Analysis of Ni-Based Battery Powder with Tescan CLARA

Automated ultra-high-resolution SEM imaging enables fast, quantitative insights into particle size, shape, and surface morphology — all critical to optimizing lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

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Why Particle Size Distribution Matters for Lithium-Ion Battery Quality

In lithium-ion battery manufacturing, the size and morphology of active powder particles significantly impact the electrode's packing density, electrical conductivity, and electrochemical performance. Even small variations in size can influence calendaring, coating uniformity, and overall battery stability.

This app note demonstrates how Tescan CLARA UHR SEM, combined with automated Essence™ Image Snapper software, provides fast, reliable particle size analysis in Ni-based battery powders. With high-resolution SEM imaging and automated image analysis, researchers can optimize the trade-off between energy performance and long-term battery stability — accelerating quality assurance and design cycles.

Why Study Electrode Performance

with Tescan

01
Root of the Problem

Why Battery Powder Particle Size is a Critical Performance Factor

In battery electrode production, active materials are used in powder form and blended with carbon additives and binders. The size of these particles plays a decisive role — affecting not only how the powder flows during coating but also how densely and evenly it packs after calendering.

Too large, and voids reduce performance; too small, and particles agglomerate or pack too tightly, limiting mechanical flexibility. These variations can cause downstream defects, limit energy capacity, or reduce cycle life. Fast, high-resolution assessment of particle size and morphology is essential to meet today’s performance and consistency targets. 

02
Materials and Methods

SEM-Based Workflow for Powder Characterization

A Ni-based lithium-ion battery powder was imaged using Tescan CLARA UHR SEM under 1 keV accelerating voltage and low beam current. Imaging was fully automated using Essence™ Image Snapper, which aligned and optimized each frame without user input. Three fields of view — 10 µm, 50 µm, and 250 µm — were captured across different regions of interest.

The images were analyzed using MIPAR Software, enabling precise measurements of size, roundness, and texture. This automated workflow drastically reduces operator time while increasing reproducibility across multiple samples.

03
Results and Discussion

From Morphology to Manufacturing Insight

The automated SEM workflow delivered high-quality images within two minutes per sample. Particle size ranged from 1.2 µm to 10.9 µm, with an average of 4.2 µm and an absolute deviation of 1.2 µm. UHR imaging revealed not only overall size but also detailed surface morphology — crucial for understanding electrochemical behavior. Smaller particles offer greater surface area, improving capacity, but also risk increased side reactions.

The SEM data supports a fine-tuned approach to powder selection, helping balance high performance with long-term battery stability. This insight is especially valuable for optimizing calendering pressure and electrode porosity in production. 

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Tescan Instruments & Technology

Used in This Workflow

Tescan CLARA

Tescan CLARA provides high-resolution imaging without magnetic interference, making it ideal for sensitive battery materials. Its automated workflows and contrast flexibility allow precise analysis of powder morphology, particle distribution, and surface texture. 

CLARA GM Mat. Science

Tescan Essence™ – Modular Software Platform for Automated Imaging

Tescan Essence™ simplifies complex SEM workflows with its intuitive interface and automation modules. In this application, Essence™ Image Snapper was used to acquire aligned, contrast-optimized SEM images from multiple regions of interest in a fully automated process — without requiring operator input.

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Where can you find us:

Tescan Brno
Libušina třída 21
623 00 Brno
Czech Republic

info@Tescan.com