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Advances in electrolytic copper foils: fabrication, microstructure, and mechanical properties

Long-Long Lu, Hai-Tao Liu, Zhao-Dong Wang, Qiong-Qiong Lu, Yan-Jun Zhou, Fei Zhou, Yan-Min Zhang, Wei-Wei Lu, Bin Yang, Qian-Qian Zhu & Ke-Xing Song

[Reference link]     

Lu, LL., Liu, HT., Wang, ZD. et al. Advances in electrolytic copper foils: fabrication, microstructure, and mechanical properties. Rare Met. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-024-02965-6

[Background Introduction] 
Electrolytic copper foil, as a key component in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), and chip packaging substrates (CPSs), has attracted much attention. With the development of LIBs towards higher energy density and the high density of electronic circuits, copper foil is required to have extremely thin thickness and high tensile strength, among other demanding properties. This review first summarizes the latest research progress in the manufacturing technology of electrolytic copper foil, and discusses in detail the effects of process parameters, cathode substrates, and additives on the electrodeposition behavior, microstructure, and properties of copper foil. Subsequently, the control strategies for the mechanical properties of electrolytic copper foil were summarized, including the formation mechanisms of nano twinning and texture. In addition, this article provides an overview of the latest developments in new electrolytic copper foils, such as ultra-thin copper foils and copper based composite foils. Finally, the future challenges and prospects of copper foil electrodeposition manufacturing were presented.
[Article Highlights] 1 The system discussed the key factors affecting the deposition behavior, microstructure, and properties of electrolytic copper foil. 2. Summarized the research progress in the control of nano twinning, texture, and mechanical properties of electrolytic copper foil in recent years. 3. Explored the future development and research directions of copper foil electrodeposition manufacturing, and proposed control strategies for microstructure and properties
Recently, Professor Song Kexing's research group from the Materials Research Institute of Henan Academy of Sciences published a review article titled "A comprehensive review on advances in electrochemical copper foil: fabrication, microstructure, and mechanical properties" on Rare Metals, which systematically reviewed the development and research status of electrolytic copper foil electrodeposition behavior, microstructure, and properties. In order for copper foil researchers to gain a deeper understanding of electrolytic copper foil from a scientific perspective, this article reviews the research progress in the preparation of electrolytic copper foil. Firstly, the key factors affecting the electrodeposition behavior, microstructure, and properties of copper foil were discussed. Summarized the research progress on the regulation of mechanical properties of copper foil, and discussed the formation mechanism of nano twinning and texture during copper foil electrodeposition process. In addition, the research progress of new electrolytic copper foils was summarized. Finally, the challenges and prospects of electrolytic copper foil manufacturing were proposed from the perspectives of industrial production and basic theoretical research. 

 

Figure 1 Industrial application of electrolytic copper foil

Copper foil is a key basic material for lithium-ion battery current collectors, printed circuit boards, and packaging substrates, widely used in the fields of new energy and electronic information. With the gradual increase in density, multilayering, and thinning of integrated circuits, lithium batteries are also developing towards high energy density and lightweight. This requires thinner copper foils and higher performance indicators. The article discusses the research progress of process parameters, cathode substrate, additives, and electrification methods on the electro deposition behavior, microstructure, and properties of copper foil. Discussed the mechanism of nano twinning and texture formation, as well as the influence mechanism on the mechanical properties of electrolytic copper foil. Finally, in order to address the severe challenges posed by the rapid development of new energy and electronic information technology to electrolytic copper foil, key research directions and strategies in copper foil electrodeposition manufacturing, microstructure, and performance have been proposed.
【 Summary 】

1 The influence of process parameters, cathode rollers, additives, and electrification methods on the manufacturing, microstructure, and properties of electrolytic copper foil was discussed.

2. Summarized the research progress of new electrolytic copper foils.

3. Explored the development direction and strategy of copper foil electrodeposition manufacturing from two aspects: industrial production and basic research.

[Author Introduction]

Ke-Xing Song,Chief Scientist and Doctoral Supervisor of the Materials Research Institute of Henan Academy of Sciences, Leading Talent in Science and Technology Innovation under the National "Special Support Program for High level Talents", Leader of the Innovation Team in Key Fields of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Chief Scientist of the National Key Research and Development Program during the 14th Five Year Plan period. Currently serving as the Secretary of the Party Committee and Executive Director of the Henan Academy of Sciences, with a long-term focus on the control of the microstructure and properties of high-performance copper alloys. He has presided over two National Science and Technology Progress Second Prizes and published over 300 SCI papers in well-known journals such as Acta Materialia and Journal of Materials Science&Technology.