Expanded Metal Foil for Battery Supporting & Current Collecting
Battery is the device that converts the chemical energy of electrode material into electrical energy through electrochemical reaction. Batteries can be divided into primary and secondary batteries according to whether the electrochemical reaction is reversible or not.
In modern battery design, the electrically active material used in the electrodes are powders, which require a mechanical support structure to hold them in place during manufacturing process. Expanded metal foil (micro expanded metal) is used as battery mesh to be widely used in the battery production as support structure, current collector and provide electrical connection point for the external circuit.
Functions
- Provide support structure.
- Use as anode & cathode current collector
- Provide electrical connection point for the external circuit
- Extend secondary battery’s life.
Primary battery will be discarded after single use. It contains zinc manganese battery, alkaline battery, silver zinc batteries and so on.
Micromesh expanded metal foils are effective electrode materials for advanced battery chemistries
Anode and Cathode Battery Electrode Materials
The electrically active material used in the electrodes of most modern battery designs are powders and require a mechanical support structure to hold them in place during the manufacturing process. This support structure also functions as a current collector and provides the electrical connection point for the external circuit.
PEMPL has provided expanded metal foil used in anode and cathode production for many decades. While most designs are proprietary, the battery chemistry generally determines the alloy used, while the active material composition determines the optimum mesh geometry.
Extensive range of materials
PEMPL Corporation can expand any ductile metal. Our engineers can assist you in selecting the most appropriate metal to meet conductivity requirements for your battery.
Specific Conductivity
Each material contains numerous specifications that allow for specific resistivity requirements. Our sales and engineering staff can help tailor these parameters to meet the requirements set forth in your specific battery.
Increased Surface Area
The unique 3D geometry of expanded mesh provides surface area when seeking optimal adhesion and active material packing.
Advance Secondary Battery Technologies
When used as electrode material, ultra-thin Micromesh expanded metal foils improve rechargeable battery and super capacitor performance.
Secondary battery can be recycled for multiple use. It contains nickel–cadmium battery, nickel-hydrogen battery, lithium-ion battery, lead-acid battery.
How Expanded Electrode Materials Enhance Advanced Batteries
Expanded metal mesh used in place of the solid foils provides greater surface area per unit weight of metal in the battery. This results in better adhesion of the electrode layers and higher ion transport rate, thus greater energy density capability.
PEMPL has developed machines that can expand aluminum and copper foils down to 25 microns (.001″) providing an opportunity for secondary battery developers to utilize expanded products in their battery designs and realize the performance enhancements an open area product can provide.
By incorporating Micromesh materials, battery developers can enhance battery performance:
- Increase cycle life
- Decrease internal resistance associated with cycling and age
- Improve battery capacity
The Advantages of Micromesh
Utilizing an open area product will enhance the performance of the secondary battery cell. PEMPL Micromesh can offer a number of performance advantages over solid foils.
Increased Capacity at Higher C-Rates
The open area of the Micromesh allows for more active material per thickness of the anode layer.
Reduced Capacity Fade
The porous foil allows lithium ions and electrolyte to completely saturate the multiple layer within a cell
Increased Battery Life
Better chemical bonding to the electrode using an open area product extending battery cycle life
Coating Open Area Expanded Mesh
PEMPL expanded metal foil can be applied special coatings to the material after it has been expanded. Adding a graphite or other special coating can further improve the adhesion of mesh, lower impedance in the cell, and improve your battery’s performance.
Capacity Performance
Increase in capacity with Micromesh material compared to solid foils
Features
- Various of material options. Silver, Copper, Titanium, Nickel and other ductile metal are available to meet conductivity requirements for battery.
- Flexible specifications allow more possibilities to improve battery performance and satisfy specific requirements.
- 3D structure increases surface area and help to storage more active material and increase capacity at higher C-rates.
- One piece structure for superior electrical conductivity.
- Advanced equipment guarantees precious weight, thickness, open area and conductivity.
- Provides better adhesion properties and higher ion transport rates, resulting in greater energy density.
Pure Silver Micro Expanded Metal (for Zinc-Silver Battery)
Nickel Coated Copper Micro Expanded Metal (for Ni-Zn battery)
Titanium Expanded Metal Foil (for IEM Fuel Cell)
Typical Expanded Materials For Battery Chemistry
The charts below provide the typical expanded materials parameters based on battery chemistry
