Combining corrosion resistance with catalytic activity in multicomponent coatings for maintenance free batteries

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to conduct a feasibility study on the design of catalytically active, corrosion resistant multicomponent coatings to reduce the maintenance needs of batteries. Studies on growth of multicomponent coatings with complex composition have been performed. The formation of catalytically active elements electrochemically and the corroision resistance of the active film have been studied in detail. However, steps remain to achieve the project goal of corrosion resistant, catalytically active multicomponent coatings.

Expected results and effects

The results show that it is possible to grow single and multicomponent coatings that that are cataliticalli active. The project´s objective was partially met, but further studies are required to evaluate the catalytic activity and corrosion resistance of the multicomponent films in detail. The project has given an understanding of the catalytic activity of individual elements and how they are converted from metal to oxide when exposed to an electrolyte which is of utmost importance for further studies.

Planned approach and implementation

The project initiated a collaboration between Linköping University (LiU) and RISE KIMAB. Within the project, both single and multicomponent coatings have been fabricated. The films were grown and their structure characterized at LiU, and the corrosion resistance and catalytic activity have been analyzed at RISE. The arrangement has worked very well.