In conventional Li-ion batteries, aluminum or copper foils are used as current collectors. The foil serves both as a carrier foil for the coating with the active material suspension and to conduct the electrons generated in the cell. For this purpose, the current collectors are contacted with a tab, which then conducts the electrons out of the cell.
Recently, intensive research efforts have been made to use metallized polymer foils instead of metal foils. These increase the intrinsic safety of the cell and reduce the mass. At the same time, the contacting process has to be redeveloped, as the polymer is electrically insulating and also has fundamentally different material properties. This primarily affects contacting in or for cylindrical cells. Up to now, laser beam, ultrasonic and resistance spot welding processes have been used here. None of these are applicable to the new composite current collector. The aim of the study is therefore to develop and test new concepts for contacting the composite current collectors in round cells. This means that the joining areas and accessibility are limited, while at the same time low electrical resistances must be achieved. This poses a particular challenge.
Scope of the work
The student work can be carried out as part of a student research project, Bachelor's or Master's thesis.
By arrangement, gladly immediately.