Al Current Collectors for Li-Ion Batteries Made via a Template-Free Electrodeposition Process in Ionic Liquids

Efficient electrical wiring of electrode is becoming a key issue in the design of Li-ion batteries utilizing insulating compounds. Presently, approaches acting at the material level are being pursued by combining techniques in decreasing the size of the particles and the use of carbon nanopainting. Here, we report the texturation of the Al current collector as an additional means to improve electrode kinetics. Aluminum electrodeposits were grown on aluminum and stainless steel substrates from ionic liquid electrolytic baths using pulse currents. The Al deposits, having a hilly morphology, nicely adhere to the substrate. Electrodes using these electrodeposits with host LiFePO4 powders were shown to display excellent capacity retention and high rate capabilities. (C) 2010 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3368667] All rights reserved.