Materials (May 2021)

Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Performance of Cu Nanofoams Processed by Dealloying

  • Jenő Gubicza,
  • Péter Jenei,
  • Gigap Han,
  • Pham-Tran Hung,
  • Youngseok Song,
  • Dahye Park,
  • Ábel Szabó,
  • Csilla Kádár,
  • Jae-Hun Kim,
  • Heeman Choe

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14102691
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 10
p. 2691

Abstract

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Cu nanofoams are promising materials for a variety of applications, including anodes in high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The high specific surface area of these materials supports a high capacity and porous structure that helps accommodate volume expansion which occurs as batteries are charged. One of the most efficient methods to produce Cu nanofoams is the dealloying of Cu alloy precursors. This process often yields nanofoams that have low strength, thus requiring additional heat treatment to improve the mechanical properties of Cu foams. This paper provides the effects of heat treatment on the microstructures, mechanical properties, and electrochemical performance of Cu nanofoams. Annealing was conducted under both inert and oxidizing atmospheres. These studies ultimately reveal the underlying mechanisms of ligament coarsening during heat treatment.

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