AC6756 LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single Side Coated Aluminum Foil

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single Side Coated Aluminum Foil Description

The LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single-Side Coated Aluminum Foil is a composite electrode material engineered for lithium-ion batteries, combining the structural and electrochemical advantages of a layered oxide cathode with the mechanical and conductive properties of aluminum foil. The NCM523 cathode layer, with a stoichiometry of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2, crystallizes in a hexagonal α-NaFeO2 structure (space group *R-3m*), characterized by alternating layers of lithium and transition metal oxides. This layered arrangement facilitates efficient lithium-ion intercalation and deintercalation during charge-discharge cycles, achieving a reversible specific capacity of ~160-180 mAh/g at 0.1C rates. The aluminum foil substrate, typically 10-20 μm thick, serves as a highly conductive current collector with low electrical resistivity (~2.65×10^-8 Ω·m) and robust tensile strength (>150 MPa), ensuring structural integrity during electrode processing and cell assembly.

The single-side coating, applied via precision methods such as slot-die coating or doctor-blading, forms a uniform NCM523 layer (50-120 μm thick) composed of active material, conductive carbon additives (e.g., 3-5 wt% carbon black), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder. Calendaring under controlled pressure (5-10 MPa) optimizes electrode density (≥3.3 g/cm³) and adhesion strength (>1.5 N/cm), minimizing delamination risks. The NCM523 composition balances nickel’s high capacity contribution with cobalt’s structural stability and manganese’s thermal resilience, achieving a decomposition onset temperature above 220°C in inert atmospheres. Surface modifications, such as trace aluminum doping or ultrathin ceramic coatings (e.g., Al2O3 via atomic layer deposition), further enhance interfacial stability by suppressing oxygen release and reducing charge-transfer resistance, even at elevated voltages (up to 4.4V).

The material exhibits moderate volume changes (~2-3% lattice strain) during cycling, mitigated by its balanced transition metal ratio, which reduces Li/Ni cation mixing (<4%) and phase transitions. Advanced manufacturing techniques, including laser thickness monitoring and plasma surface activation, ensure coating uniformity (thickness tolerance ±2 μm) and optimized porosity, critical for consistent ion transport and electrolyte infiltration. The single-side design minimizes parasitic side reactions on the uncoated aluminum surface, preventing corrosion and lithium plating under high-voltage operation. This configuration also simplifies recycling, as the aluminum foil and NCM523 layer can be efficiently separated in closed-loop processes. The combination of electrochemical efficiency, thermal resilience, and mechanical durability positions this material as a robust platform for high-performance energy storage systems.

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single Side Coated Aluminum Foil Applications

1. Electric Vehicles (EVs): NCM523 is a core component in EV batteries, offering moderate energy density (~160-180 mAh/g at 0.1C) and structural stability. High-nickel variants like NCM811 are stabilized through surface coatings (e.g., sodium phytate) and elemental doping (e.g., Ti, Mg), delaying thermal runaway onset temperatures from 125.9°C to 184.8°C and achieving 95% capacity retention after 500 cycles. Recycled NCM523 materials further enhance sustainability, retaining 70% capacity over 11,600 cycles in 1 Ah pouch cells, outperforming commercial counterparts.

2. Energy Storage Systems (ESS): NCM523 is critical for grid-scale storage, particularly lithium-rich manganese-based variants (e.g., Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2), which deliver capacities exceeding 250 mAh/g and energy densities of 400 Wh/kg. Optimized compaction density (≥3.0 g/cm3) and coatings (e.g., LiYO2) improve structural integrity for long-duration cycling.

3. High-Power Devices: Nanostructured NCM523, such as walnut-shaped nanosheets with exposed {010} active facets, enhances lithium-ion diffusion kinetics, achieving 131.23 mAh/g at 10C rates. This makes it suitable for power tools, drones, and hybrid vehicles.

4. Consumer Electronics: High-voltage NCM523 variants (up to 4.9V) with cerium oxide (CeO2) coatings suppress oxygen release and electrolyte decomposition, extending battery lifespan in smartphones, laptops, and wearables. Modified NCM523 retains over 80% capacity after 200 cycles under extreme voltages.

5. Battery Recycling and Upcycling: Closed-loop recycling regenerates NCM523 from spent batteries, often outperforming virgin materials. Recycled NCM523 achieves 91.55% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.5C, with a profit margin ~10x higher than traditional methods. Upcycled LiCoO2 converts to single-crystal NCM523, delivering 159 mAh/g (0.1C) and 82.1% retention after 200 cycles.

6. High-Temperature and Industrial Applications: NCM523’s thermal resilience (oxygen release >220°C) and surface modifications (e.g., Al2O3 coatings) enable stable operation in high-ambient-temperature environments, such as industrial machinery and backup power systems.

7. Hybrid Energy Systems and Supercapacitors: NCM-derived heterostructures (e.g., NiCo-MOF@MnO2/AC electrodes) enable asymmetric supercapacitors with high specific capacitance (15.2 F/cm2) and energy density (1.191 mWh/cm2), bridging rapid energy delivery in hybrid systems.

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single Side Coated Aluminum Foil Packaging

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

Packaging: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customized.

Kindly review the packaging details provided for your reference.

Manufacturing Process

1.       Testing Method

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

(2)    Mechanical Properties Testing - Includes tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation tests to assess material performance.

(3)    Dimensional Inspection - Measures thickness, width, and length to ensure adherence to specified tolerances.

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

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

Please refer to the SAM testing procedures for detailed information.

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single Side Coated Aluminum Foil FAQs

Q1. Why use a single-side coating instead of double-side?

Single-side coating reduces electrode weight and thickness, critical for applications requiring lightweight or flexible designs (e.g., wearable electronics). It also lowers material costs and simplifies manufacturing, while the uncoated side prevents direct electrolyte contact with aluminum, reducing corrosion and parasitic reactions at high voltages (>4.3V).

Q2. How is the coating applied?

The NCM111 slurry (active material, conductive carbon, PVDF binder) is uniformly coated via 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 key advantages of this material?

High Conductivity: Aluminum’s low resistivity (~2.65×10^-8 Ω·m) ensures efficient current collection.

Mechanical Durability: The foil’s tensile strength (>150 MPa) withstands electrode calendaring and cell assembly.

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

Interfacial Efficiency: Isolated coating minimizes lithium plating and electrolyte decomposition, enhancing cycle life.

Related Information

1.       Common Preparation Methods

The preparation of a LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) single-side coated aluminum foil for lithium-ion battery cathodes involves synthesizing the NCM523 active material—typically via solid-state or hydrothermal methods—then mixing it with a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder and conductive carbon black (e.g., Super P) to form a slurry; this slurry is uniformly applied to one side of a 15 μm thick aluminum foil current collector using a wet coating process, followed by drying to remove solvents and calendering to achieve a compaction density of approximately 3.0 g/cm3, resulting in a cathode electrode sheet optimized for lithium-ion battery applications.