Lithium‑ion batteries underpin modern electromobility thanks to their high energy and power density. As demand grows for longer driving ranges and shorter charging times, the pressure to enhance both performance parameters—without compromising safety or lifetime—continues to rise. This is driving the development of next‑generation battery cells.
Achieving these improvements requires new electrode materials, advanced functional components, and optimized interfaces within the cell. Thin films produced by vacuum deposition provide an effective pathway to address these challenges in next‑generation lithium‑ion technologies.
VON ARDENNE concentrates on innovations for current collectors and anodes in these advanced cell concepts. Working closely with research partners, we have developed specialized coatings for current collector foils that protect solid‑state battery electrolytes from corrosion. With tailored layer stacks, these coatings can also function as lithophilic interfaces for anode‑free cell designs.
We are additionally exploring the replacement of conventional aluminum and copper foils with polymer films metallized via vacuum coating. These metal‑polymer composite foils help prevent thermal runaway in the event of cell damage, enhancing safety while reducing both material use and overall weight.
To support the scale‑up of this rapidly growing market, we provide high‑throughput roll‑to‑roll vacuum coating systems with coating widths of up to 2.8 meters.
