Graphite Grid systems

Many concepts were developed to overcome one of the main drawbacks of the lead-acid system the heavy supporting lead structures (grids, connectors, etc.). Lead foam [89], lead-plated carbon rods [90], electroplated vitreous carbon [91], flexible-graphite grids [92], or graphite foams [93] were tested, also lead-plated materials like titanium [94], Ebonex [95], copper mesh [96], polymeric structures [97], polymer foam [98], or glass fiber mesh [99]. Warlimont and Hofmann [100] describe the development of multilayer composite grids. 

There is no question that the development and commercialization of lithium ion batteries in recent years is one of the most important successes of modem electrochemistiy. Recent commercial systems for power sources show high energy density, improved rate capabilities and extended cycle life. The major components in most of the commercial Li-ion batteries are graphite electrodes, LiCo02 cathodes and electrolyte solutions based on mixtures of alkyl carbonate solvents, and LiPF6 as the salt.1 The electrodes for these batteries always have a composite structure that includes a metallic current collector (usually copper or aluminum foil/grid for the anode and cathode, respectively), the active mass comprises micrometric size particles and a polymeric binder. 

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