The surface roughness and surface chemistry of the battery foil, the key to better batteries
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 800 000 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - April 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Net Zero industry - Program-specific efforts |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Increased resource efficiency and resilience, stage 1 |
Important results from the project
Knowledge has been built up of surface modification on aluminum battery foil. Laser surface structuring can enhance the surface energy and impact mechanical properties. Surface activation with atmospheric plasma, both with and without the removal of rolling oil, increased surface energy, had minor effects on mechanical properties, and formed functional groups. Impedance measurements on test cells with water-based LFP electrodes showed promising results for reducing charge transfer resistance.
Expected long term effects
Batteries are starting to be manufactured with battery foils where surface roughness is created with laser technology and the surface is plasma treated, which provides increased performance and lifespan. Batteries with functionalized rolling oil are on the market. They have a longer lifespan and less risk of corrosion problems. New cathode materials become possible to use on aluminum foils. This enables new manufacturing processes and substances in batteries with reduced cost and CO2 footprint.
Approach and implementation
The project started quickly due to comprehensive planning and scheduling, enabling all parties to understand activity timelines. Regular follow-up ensured that results were achieved in terms of manufacturing, surface modification, testing and analysis. The parties were familiar from past projects and are therefore well versed in the area. The project has strengthened cooperation with the parties involved but also within RISE where three units representing different technology areas participated.