Evaluation of aluminum alloy casing for cylindrical li-ion batteries
This research focuses on assessing the performance and durability of cylindrical Li-ion batteries using aluminum alloy casings. The study employs thermal imaging, charge/discharge cycling, and corrosion analysis to determine the alloy's suitability compared to traditional steel.
Overview
This research initiative aims to evaluate the performance and durability of cylindrical Li-ion batteries using aluminum alloy casings, as opposed to traditional steel. The use of aluminum is hypothesized to improve thermal performance and potentially extend battery life by forming a protective passivation layer or, conversely, degrading due to pitting corrosion. This study will provide a comprehensive understanding of the thermal, electrochemical, and corrosion behaviors of the aluminum alloy casing under real-world conditions.
Technical specifications
The evaluation will be conducted through several testing methodologies:
- Open-Circuit Potential (OCP) and Charge/Discharge Cycling: To assess the battery's electrochemical performance.
- Impedance Measurements: To track changes in internal resistance over time.
- Thermal Performance: Using infrared imaging to monitor surface temperature evolution during cycling, which is critical for detecting heat-induced stress.
- Corrosion Analysis: Conducted via potentiostat to understand the corrosion behavior, supported by pre- and post-test surface analysis using SEM and XPS.
The research will involve retrofitting commercial 21700/4680 cells with aluminum alloy cases, assembling full cells from raw materials, or testing coin cells, depending on funding.
Technology readiness level
The project is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it is in the validation stage with testing underway in a laboratory environment. Future plans include scaling up the testing based on funding availability, with experiments planned at NIT Warangal, IIT Dharwad, and LSU.
About Indian Institute of Technology
IIT Jammu is a growing public technical institute within India's IIT system, operating on a modern residential campus in Jammu & Kashmir. Industry partners engage through a dedicated corporate relations office that coordinates sponsored research, consultancy and testing services, internships, and access to shared labs. Co-located maker spaces, prototyping workshops, and shared instrumentation enable rapid design, fabrication, and validation alongside faculty and student teams. Research is supported by competitive national funding from agencies such as DST, SERB, DBT, and CSIR, as well as mission-focused programs. A technology transfer and incubation unit assists with IP strategy, licensing, startup formation, and flexible collaboration agreements.
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