What is Copper Foam for Battery and Supercapacitor Research?
Copper Foam is a highly porous, lightweight, and conductive metal material used in energy storage applications, including lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), supercapacitors, and fuel cells. Its 3D open-cell structure provides a large surface area, making it ideal for electrode materials, catalyst supports, and heat dissipation applications.
Chemical Properties and CAS Number
- Material: Copper (Cu) Foam
- CAS Number: 7440-50-8
- Purity: ≥ 99.9%
- Density: Low-density, ~0.3 – 1.5 g/cm³ (depends on porosity)
- Melting Point: 1,085°C
- Thermal Conductivity: 401 W/(m·K)
- Electrical Conductivity: ~5.8 × 10⁷ S/m
- Porosity: 70% – 98% (customizable)
- Appearance: Reddish-brown, highly porous metallic structure
Applications of Copper Foam
1. Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) & Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIBs)
- Used as current collectors and anode materials.
- Enhances electron transport efficiency.
- Reduces internal resistance for faster charge/discharge cycles.
2. Supercapacitors & Energy Storage Devices
- Works as a high-surface-area electrode material.
- Supports pseudocapacitive and EDLC-type supercapacitors.
- Improves long-term cycling stability.
3. Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) & Fuel Cells
- Functions as an electrocatalyst support for hydrogen production.
- Enhances oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and HER efficiency.
- Applied in proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells.
4. Thermal Management & Heat Dissipation
- Used in heat exchangers, electronic cooling systems, and LED heat sinks.
- Provides excellent thermal conductivity.
5. Catalysis & Gas Diffusion Electrodes
- Utilized as a catalyst support for electrochemical reactions.
- Applied in CO₂ reduction, methanol oxidation, and air cathodes.
6. Biomedical & Antimicrobial Coatings
- Antimicrobial properties make it suitable for medical implants.
- Used in biocompatible coatings and tissue engineering scaffolds.
Pricing of Copper Foam
Prices depend on thickness, porosity, purity, and order quantity:
- Lab-Scale Orders: $100 – $500 per piece
- Industrial-Scale Orders: $2,000 – $10,000 per batch
- Customized Copper Foam (special porosity/thickness): Price varies based on specifications
Factors Influencing Pricing
- Porosity Level (70% – 98%)
- Thickness & Sheet Size
- Surface Treatment & Coatings (Ni-coated, graphene-coated, etc.)
- Bulk Order Discounts
- Customization for Research Applications
Conclusion
Copper Foam is an essential material for battery research, supercapacitors, catalysis, and thermal management due to its high electrical conductivity, porosity, and chemical stability. It is widely used in advanced energy storage systems, hydrogen evolution reactions, and electronic cooling applications, making it a high-demand material in cutting-edge industries.