Aluminum battery and coating technology for energy storage application

Currently, lithium-ion batteries dominate the global battery market. However, safety concerns and the limited availability of lithium pose challenges to long-term sustainability. This drives the need for research into next-generation batteries with more sustainable properties. Among the candidates, aluminum-based batteries are of particular interest due to the abundance of aluminum on the earth’s surface, their high safety, established recycling processes, and low cost. We are developing dual ion batteries, utilizing both anions and cations in the charging and discharging processes. These batteries typically consist of a graphitic cathode, an anode made of highly purified aluminum, and an ionic electrolyte. The research questions that we address concern various ways of achieving high and stable storage capacity using cost-efficient and environmentally friendly materials.

We are furthermore conducting research on functionalization of aluminum foil by coating or other methods to modify adhesion, electrical conductivity and corrosion properties at the aluminum interface.