Aluminum Foil (CATHODE FOIL)

Description

1. Product Overview

This high-purity Aluminum Foil (CATHODE FOIL) is a precision-engineered current collector specifically designed for lithium-ion battery cathode manufacturing. Its primary industrial use lies in enabling efficient electron transport and mechanical support for cathode active materials in electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage systems (ESS). The key value proposition is exceptional electrical conductivity, surface uniformity, and tensile strength—directly translating into higher battery energy density and cycle life. As global demand for high-performance batteries accelerates, this cathode foil represents a strategically critical input for manufacturers aiming to reduce internal resistance and improve cell reliability.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: Al 99.45% min; Fe ≤ 0.20%; Si ≤ 0.15%; Cu ≤ 0.01%; Zn ≤ 0.05%

• Purity Grade: Industrial Grade 1 (Battery-grade compliant)

• Physical Form: Rolled solid foil

• Color: Bright silver metallic (both sides mill-finish or as-specified)

• Thickness Range: 10μm – 30μm (±2μm tolerance, ISO 2168)

• Width Range: 200mm – 1,600mm (slit-to-order)

• Tensile Strength: 180 – 220 MPa (soft temper O) / 230 – 280 MPa (semi-hard H14)

• Elongation: ≥ 2.5% (per ASTM E8)

• Surface Roughness (Ra): 0.10 – 0.30 μm (uncoated side)

• Wettability: ≥ 32 dyne/cm (surface energy for coating adhesion)

• Packaging Options: Anti-static moisture-barrier inner wrap + industrial cardboard core (3″ or 6″ ID) + reinforced export cartons or wooden crates

• Shelf Life: 18 months in original packaging (stored at 15–30°C, <70% RH, no corrosive atmosphere)

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Primary Industries: Electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing, consumer electronics lithium-ion cells, grid-scale energy storage systems (ESS)

• Specific Use Cases:

  • As cathode current collector for LFP (lithium iron phosphate), NMC (nickel manganese cobalt), and LCO (lithium cobalt oxide) battery chemistries

  • High-speed coating lines for carbon-coated cathode foil

• Why It Performs Better than Alternatives:

  • Lower surface oxide layer → reduced contact resistance → improved rate capability

  • Higher tensile strength and uniform thickness → prevents breakage during coating/drying → less downtime and scrap

  • Controlled surface roughness → superior slurry adhesion → fewer delamination defects

• Efficiency/Cost Advantages: Enables thinner gauges (down to 10μm) without sacrificing mechanical integrity, reducing overall cell weight and material cost per kWh.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality Consistency: 100% pin-hole inspection via automated optical systems; thickness variation <2% across entire coil length. Each batch validated by ICP-OES for trace metal impurities (<50 ppm total transition metals).

• Supply Reliability: Dedicated rolling and slitting lines for battery-grade foil with 12,000 MT annual capacity. Safety stock held in three regional hubs (Asia, Europe, Americas).

• Logistics Capability: Export-worthy palletization with real-time tracking. Average lead time: 21 days FOB.

• Price Competitiveness: Direct from integrated smelter-to-foil mill → no intermediate markups. Price indexed to LME Aluminum + fixed conversion fee with quarterly pricing options.

• Sustainability & Compliance: Fully RoHS, REACH, and Conflict Minerals compliant. 85% hydro-powered smelting reduces carbon footprint by 40% vs. industry average. Recyclable packaging and offcut buy-back program available.

• Technical Support: Full material datasheets, certificate of analysis per batch, application engineering support for coating line optimization, and weldability testing.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): BULK 20 metric tons (mixed thicknesses/widths allowed within same container)

• Loading Capacity per 20FT Container: 20 MT (net) – standard palletized coils

• Trade Terms: FOB, CIF, CFR (major global ports)

• Lead Time: 21 days after deposit or L/C confirmation

• Pricing: Available upon RFQ (valid for 30 days)