(Invited) Composite Electroforming from Ionic Liquids for Energy Applications

This paper will present recent results from the authors’ labs on electroformed aluminum based composite films from room temperature chloroaluminate melts. Although the research field of aluminum electrodeposition has been very active, there are still numerous scientific and technical challenges to be addressed, such as minimization of the incorporation of impurities in the films. This contribution will discuss the new process of composite electroplating [1,2] for the production of ultra power dense cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. Electrode foils consisting of an aluminum matrix with particles of different active materials have been prepared by composite electroforming. The aim is to reduce the number while improving the properties of electrode components for lithium ion batteries, that will finally promise very high-power densities and cell efficiencies for these batteries, e.g. by reducing internal resistances. Here we will discuss the design of the electroforming process, as well as the characterization of the battery cathodes. [1] C. Erhardt, Ș. Sörgel, S. Meinhard, T. Sörgel, J. Power Sources 2015, 296 , 70-77 [2] T. Sörgel, S. Meinhard, Ş. Sörgel, Film Composite Material, EP 3114721 B1, 2015