Development of a 3d current collector for the positive electrode in lithium-ion batteries

So far, expanded metals or metal foils have been used as current collectors for the positive electrode in state of the art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, a new 3D current collector for the positive electrode of LIBs was investigated. Non-woven polymer was metallized with Al by physical vapour deposition (PVD). To prove its feasible application as a current collector in LIBs, LiCoO2 (LCO) composite electrodes were fabricated and compared to common LCO composite electrodes coated on state of the art aluminium foil. All cathodes were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, as well as electrochemical methods, and the results were compared. In combination with the main advantages of 3D current collectors such as improved mechanical stability and possibility of higher mass loadings, the 3D structure of the non-woven polymer increases the contact surface by five times compared to conventional current collector foils, reducing the assignment of Al significantly.