Estimating the Manufacturing Advantage of Dry-Coating of Cathodes in a Lithium-Ion Cell Plant

This contract involves conducting a detailed study to compare the design and cost implications of dry coating versus traditional wet coating processes for lithium-ion battery cathodes, specifically focusing on NMC811 materials. The analysis aims to generate quantitative data on the potential manufacturing advantages, challenges, and overall feasibility of adopting dry coating techniques in commercial-scale production. The study will evaluate three plant sizes with capacities of 5 GWh, 25 GWh, and 50 GWh per year, providing insights into how dry coating could impact plant design, operational efficiency, and costs across different production scales. The work is commissioned by Argonne National Laboratory, a DOE contractor, with a project posting date of May 8, 2025, and a response deadline of May 13, 2025. The contract falls under NAICS code 541330, indicating a focus on engineering and scientific consulting services. Key points of contact include Jackie Arriaga and Parker Hawk, who can be reached via email or phone for further details. The findings from this study are intended to inform the laboratory’s understanding of dry coating technology’s potential benefits and challenges, supporting future advancements in lithium-ion battery manufacturing.