AC6753 LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM111) Single Side Coated Aluminum Foil

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM111) One-Sided Coated Aluminium Foil Description

The one-sided coated LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM111) aluminium foil is a composite material designed for lithium-ion battery electrodes, combining the structural and functional advantages of aluminium foil with a precisely applied NCM111 (LiNiCoMnO2) cathode layer. The aluminium foil substrate provides exceptional electrical conductivity (resistance ~2.65×10^-8 Ω-m) and mechanical robustness, ensuring efficient current collection and structural integrity during electrode manufacturing and battery operation. The NCM111 coating, typically 50-150 μm thick, is deposited uniformly on one side using techniques such as slot die coating or doctor blade application, followed by calendaring to achieve optimal density(≥3,2 g/cm3) and adhesion.

The NCM111 layer exhibits a well-defined layered α-NaFeO2 crystal structure (space group *R-3m*), characterised by alternating lithium and transition metal (Ni, Co, Mn) oxide layers. This configuration facilitates reversible intercalation/deintercalation of lithium ions with minimal lattice strain (~1-2%) and contributes to stable cycling performance. The balanced transition metal ratio of the material (Ni: Co: Mn = 1:1:1) ensures a moderate energy density (~160 mAh/g at 0.1C) while maintaining thermal stability with oxygen release temperatures above 200°C under inert atmospheres. The one-sided coating minimises interfacial reactions by isolating the active material on the uncoated side from the electrolyte, thereby reducing parasitic lithium plating and electrolyte degradation at high voltages (>4.3 V).

Surface modifications such as conductive carbon additives (e.g., Super P) and polymer binders (e.g., PVDF) are integrated into the coating to enhance electronic percolation and mechanical cohesion. The smooth surface of the aluminium foil (Ra <0.2 μm) ensures uniform coating distribution, while its high tensile strength (>150 MPa) prevents deformation during rolling or stacking. The composite structure also demonstrates excellent electrochemical compatibility, with interfacial charge transfer resistances below 30 Ω-cm2, allowing efficient ion transport even at high current densities (e.g., 2C). Moreover, the inherent corrosion resistance of the aluminium substrate reduces oxidative degradation in organic electrolytes, thus ensuring a long service life.

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM111) One-Sided Coated Aluminium Foil Applications

The one-sided coated LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM111) aluminium foil is a critical component in advanced lithium-ion battery systems. It utilises its unique structural and electrochemical properties to enhance performance across various applications. The design integrates a uniform NCM111 cathode layer on one side of an aluminium foil substrate, optimising energy density, mechanical stability, and interfacial efficiency.

In electric vehicles, this material is essential for high energy density battery packs, where the one-sided coating reduces the weight and thickness of the electrode while ensuring robust current collection. The high conductivity of the aluminium foil facilitates efficient electron transport and supports rapid charge and discharge rates, which are critical for acceleration and regenerative braking in electric vehicles. Moreover, the minimal interfacial resistance of the isolated active layer diminishes parasitic reactions and thereby extends cycle life during high-voltage operation(≥4,3 V), a key requirement for long-range electric vehicles.

For consumer electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, the compact and lightweight design of the foil enables slimmer devices without compromising battery capacity. The balanced Ni-Co-Mn ratio of the NCM111 coating ensures stable thermal behaviour, reducing the risk of overheating during fast charging. Surface modifications, such as conductive carbon additives, further enhance performance, enabling these devices to meet high energy demands during intensive tasks such as gaming or video streaming.

In energy storage systems (ESS), the material supports large lithium-ion batteries used for grid stabilization and renewable energy integration. The corrosion resistance and mechanical strength of the aluminium substrate ensure a long life under varying environmental conditions, while the moderate energy density (~160 mAh/g) and thermal stability (oxygen release >200°C) of the NCM111 layer meet the safety and reliability requirements for stationary storage.

New applications include flexible and portable electronic devices, where the mechanical flexibility and thin profile of the foil enable bendable battery designs. The one-sided coating allows integration into unconventional form factors, such as curved surfaces or stretchable devices, without compromising electrochemical performance.

Additionally, this foil serves as a standardised electrode platform for battery prototypes and research purposes, allowing the testing of novel electrolytes, coatings, or doping strategies, as it exhibits reproducible morphology and well-defined interfacial properties. Its compatibility with recycling processes aligns with circular economy initiatives, as the aluminium substrate can be efficiently reclaimed and reused in closed loops.

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM111) One-Sided Coated Aluminium Foil Packaging

Our products are packaged in custom boxes of various sizes based on material dimensions. Small items are securely packaged in PP cartons, while larger items are placed in custom-made wooden crates. We ensure strict compliance with packaging adaptation and the use of appropriate cushioning materials to provide optimal protection during transportation.

Packaging: Carton, Wooden crate, or custom-made.

Please refer to the packaging details for your information.

Manufacturing Process

1 Brief Overview of the Manufacturing Process

2) Testing Procedures

(1) Chemical composition analysis - Verified using techniques such as GDMS or XRF to ensure compliance with purity requirements.

(2) Mechanical property testing - Includes tests for tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation to assess material performance.

(3) Dimensional measurement - Assesses thickness, width, and length to ensure compliance with specified tolerances.

(4) Surface quality inspection - Checks for defects such as scratches, cracks, or inclusions through visual and ultrasonic inspection.

(5) Hardness testing - Determines material hardness to confirm uniformity and mechanical reliability.

For detailed information, please refer to the SAM Testing Procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions about LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM111) One-Sided Coated Aluminium Foil

Q1. Why is one-sided coating used instead of double-sided?

The one-sided coating reduces the weight and thickness of the electrode, which is crucial for applications requiring lightweight or flexible designs (e.g., portable electronics). Additionally, material costs decrease and manufacturing is simplified, while the uncoated side prevents direct contact of the electrolyte with the aluminium, thus reducing corrosion and parasitic reactions at high voltages (>4.3 V).

Q2. How is the coating applied?

The NCM111 slurry (active material, conductive carbon, PVDF binder) is evenly coated using slot die or doctor blade techniques, followed by drying and calendaring to achieve optimal density(≥3,2 g/cm³). Precision control ensures coating uniformity (Ra <0.2 μm) and adhesion.

Q3. What are the main advantages of this material?

High conductivity: The low specific resistance of aluminium (~2.65×10^-8 Ω-m) ensures efficient current collection.

Mechanical resilience: The tensile strength of the foil (>150 MPa) withstands the calendaring of electrodes and cell assembly.

Electrochemical stability: The balanced transition metal ratio of the NCM111 layer (1:1:1) offers moderate energy density (~160 mAh/g at 0.1 C) with thermal stability (oxygen release >200 °C).

Interfacial effectiveness: The isolated coating minimises lithium plating and electrolyte degradation, increasing cycle life.

Related Information

1. Common Preparation Methods

The production of one-sided coated LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM111) aluminium foils involves a multi-stage process that includes material synthesis, slurry formulation, and precision coating techniques. Initially, NCM111 cathode powder (LiNiCoMnO2) is synthesised through co-precipitation: aqueous solutions of Nickel Sulphate (NiSO4-6H2O), Cobalt Sulphate (CoSO4-7H2O), and Manganese Sulphate (MnSO4-H2O) are mixed in a mole ratio of 1:1:1 under controlled pH (10-12) and temperature (50-60°C) to precipitate a hydroxide precursor (NiCoMn(OH)2). This precursor is then mixed with Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH-H2O) in a mole ratio of 1:1.05 and calcined at 900-950°C for 12-15 hours under oxygen flow to form the layered NCM111 structure.

For electrode manufacturing, the NCM111 powder is mixed with conductive carbon (e.g., Super P, 3-5 wt%) and Polymer Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF, 2-3 wt%) dissolved in N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) to form a homogeneous slurry. The slurry is uniformly coated on one side of a pre-treated aluminium foil (thickness 10-20 μm, Ra <0.2 μm) using slot die or doctor blade techniques, achieving a coating thickness of 50-150 μm. The coated foil is dried at 80-120°C to evaporate solvents and then calendared under a pressure of 5-10 MPa to enhance electrode density(≥3,2 g/cm3) and adhesion.

Key innovations include surface pre-treatment of the aluminium foil through plasma cleaning or chemical etching to improve slurry wettability and interfacial adhesion. Further stabilization of the NCM111 layer and reduction of residual stresses may involve thermal post-treatment (200-300°C). Quality control measures such as laser thickness measurement and peel strength testing ensure uniformity (coating thickness tolerance ±2 μm) and mechanical integrity (>1.5 N/cm adhesion strength). The one-sided design minimises material waste and simplifies integration into cell assembly lines, while leaving the uncoated aluminium side intact for current collection and tab welding. This method provides a balanced approach to scalability, cost, and performance, facilitating mass production of highly efficient electrodes for modern lithium-ion batteries.