Graphene Coated Aluminum Anode Enhancing Aluminum Battery Performance

Purpose and goal:

In this project, Mid Sweden University and 2D Fab aim to modify the surface of the aluminium anode by applying a thin coating of graphene on the Al-surface. The graphene film will protect the fresh Al-surface from corrosion products that are produced on the Al-side in contact with the electrolyte during electrochemical activity in a battery cell.

Expected results and effects:

Graphene coated on Al surface using spin coater. symmetric cells of Al coated with graphene have been constructed. Plating /stripping tests showed that electrochemical performance of aluminum electrodes have been improved in presence of graphene coat, compared to non-coated Al surface. SEM analysis has shown that graphene coat could to some extent protect the Al surface from corrosion products, and thus improve the cycling behavior.

Approach and implementation:

Various formulations of coating slurries of graphene and binder were made and coated on Al surface with regular casting and bar coating method. Optical and scanning electron microscopes were used to examine the coating morphology. Specifically, spin coating technique is used to achieve a very thin coat of garphene on Al surface.

Symmetric cells of Al anode coated with graphene and original Al anode are constructed. Electrochemical performance of coated Al with graphene with pristine Al have been evaluate using cycling voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, plating/stripping tests.