Germany-based Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (Fraunhofer IPA), headquartered in Stuttgart, has developed a new aluminium anode technology for lithium-ion batteries in collaboration with the University of Stuttgart, addressing a key challenge that has limited the material’s practical use.
The patented cell and electrode design manages the volume changes that occur during charging and discharging, helping prevent electrode damage and maintain electrical contact over repeated cycles. The technology also eliminates graphite and silicon from the anode, replaces conventional copper foil with aluminium foil and removes a separate electrode coating process.
Aluminium has long attracted interest as an alternative to graphite and silicon in lithium-ion batteries because it is relatively inexpensive, widely available and offers high capacities. However, repeated charging and discharging cause aluminium to change in volume, placing mechanical stress on the electrode. Over time, this can lead to cracks, pores and eventually pulverisation of the electrode material, resulting in capacity loss and a shorter battery lifespan.
Fraunhofer IPA, in collaboration with the Institute for Photovoltaics at the University of Stuttgart, has developed and patented a cell and electrode technology to address these ageing processes. The approach is designed to stabilise the materials during operation and preserve electrical contact within the electrode over many charge and discharge cycles.
“We are making a battery technology that has been known for a long time but has been difficult to control practically usable,” said Kai Peter Birke, Scientific Director for Battery and Hydrogen Systems and Storage at Fraunhofer IPA, in a German-language press release.