Abstract: A method of mechanical imprinting on semi-solid electrodes is proposed to prepare a imprinted flexible thick electrode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This method balances the conflict between high energy storage performance and high flexibility without significantly altering the traditional wet preparation process of LIB electrodes. By introducing an imprinting step during the electrode drying stage, a network channel structure can be constructed in the electrode with hundreds of microns thickness. Consequently, the prepared electrode can bend in any direction. Further, based on finite element analysis, the critical bending radius of the imprinted thick electrode in different bending directions is determined. Additionally, the network channel structure introduced by imprinting enhances ion transport efficiency in the electrode, significantly improving its electrochemical performance at high C-rates. Meanwhile, the battery containing the flexible thick electrode maintains good and stable electrochemical performance in the bending state. The results of this paper provide a new path for the development of high-performance multi-functional energy storage batteries.

Key words: imprinting, thick electrode, flexibility, ion path, lithium-ion battery