Effects of particle size on the electrochemical properties of aluminum powders as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Aluminum powders with different sizes ranging between 59 μm and nano-scale are chosen as anode materials for lithium ion battery. All the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), particle size analysis, electrical resistivity, ac impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic cycling. The effects of particle size on the electrochemical properties are investigated. Aluminum powder with the particle size of 37 μm delivers the highest initial charge capacity (Li deintercalation process) of 779.0 mAh/g but cycle life is poor. Powder with 15 μm delivers initial charge capacities of 608.0 mAh/g and possesses relatively good cycleability. Big particle size (59 μm) results in low capacity as well fast capacity fading, and small particle size (under 3 μm) cannot be activated for the compact protective layer.