Inserting a lithiation potential gap as a factor for degradation control in aluminum-foil anodes by utilizing roll-bonding processes

Abstract

During cycles, Al-foil anodes for lithium batteries are degraded by the progressive structure fracture of the Al matrix and the surface passivation by the electrolyte decomposition products. In this work, focusing on the structural design to regulate the degradation of the Al-foil anodes, we compare the lithiation potential of four types of Al foils, including high purity 99.99%Al, Al-1%Si, Mn-based A3003 and Mg-based A5052 foils, and prepare clad Al foils by roll-bonding processes to utilize the potential difference between the foils as a control factor. The alloy additions (Si, Mn, and Mg) in the Al foils produce distinct strain effects during lithiation, resulting in variation in the reaction potential. Incorporating different Al foils into a single clad Al foil creates a lithiation potential gap within the anodes, providing an intelligent method for limiting the reaction depth of the Al-foil anodes.