Perspectives on strategies and techniques for building robust thick electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

Thick electrode is a valid and practical strategy for achieving lithium-ion batteries with high energy density. However, before widespread practical application, the electron-ion transfer dynamics and structural stability of thick electrode must be optimized. Herein, the correlation between electrode structure design and electrochemical performances is discussed with consideration to electron-ion transfer processes and main attenuation mechanisms. The factors that affect electron-ion transfer and mechanical stability are analyzed systematically. The main design strategies for producing thick electrodes with excellent electrochemo-mechanical properties are summarized. Furthermore, state-of-the-art fabrication techniques for thick electrodes with special microstructures are reviewed, and their potential development directions are discussed. Finally, the challenges and feasible tendencies associated with developing thick electrodes are analyzed and proposed. This review aims to clarify the influence mechanism and key optimization strategies for the electrochemo-mechanical performances of thick electrodes and to illustrate the direction for the future development of fabrication technologies. This is critical for exploring robust thick electrodes with high energy/power densities and mechanical stability from a multi-scale and multi-field standpoint. [Display omitted] •Clarifying the importance of structural design of thick electrodes.•Analyzing the effect factors and strategies for thick electrode design.•Outlining state-of-the-art fabrication techniques for thick electrodes.•Pointing out critical issues and development directions for fabrication techniques.•Prospecting the future tendencies for the industrialization of thick electrodes.