Meaning
Graph-theory algorithms in multi-dimensional arrays identify discrete regions by grouping neighboring voxels that share the same phase identifier. Utilizing connected component labeling allows analysts to isolate individual particles or pore pockets within a segmented three-dimensional scan of a battery electrode. This identification process assigns a unique numerical integer to each disjoint cluster of connected voxels.
Sourcing teams analyze these clusters to evaluate the active surface area of the electrode.
Adjacency Scan
Scanning the image dataset requires an algorithm that checks neighboring voxels. During connected component labeling, the method records connections in an equivalence table. This resolves temporary labels at region mergers.
Percolation Evaluation
Battery performance depends on whether the pore and solid phases form continuous pathways from the current collector to the separator. Running connected component labeling along the thickness axis identifies which paths are active and which are isolated. Isolated active particles cannot contribute to cell capacity because they lack electrical contact.
Finding these dead zones helps to explain why some electrodes show low specific capacity.
Quality Verification
Manufacturing audits use this algorithm to detect structural defects like large binder agglomerates or macro-cracks in the electrode coating. By analyzing the size distribution of the labeled components, quality control software highlights anomalies that deviate from the design standard. This automated screening ensures that only electrodes with uniform pore distribution are selected for cell assembly.
When a scan reveals a large isolated agglomerate of binder, the batch is flagged for potential slurry mixing adjustments.
