Aluminum negative electrode in lithium ion batteries

In search of new non-carbonaceous anode materials for lithium ion batteries, aluminum has been tested as a possible candidate. In order to examine the intrinsic properties of this metal versus a lithium electrode at 293 K, aluminum thin films have been deposited by thermal evaporation and characterized. Capacities of 1000 mAh/g have been measured in films with thickness ranging from 0.1 to 1 μm. These capacities are probably due to the formation of amorphous Li–Al alloys as indicated by X-ray diffraction analysis and electrochemical measurements. The huge stress induced by volume changes upon cycling has been evidenced by scanning electron microscopy observations. The thinnest samples are the less damaged after the electrochemical tests. Despite a huge loss in capacity due to volume changes in the electrode upon cycling, aluminum appears as a good material as a negative electrode for lithium ion batteries.