Energy Storage
Batteries, redox flow cells, supercapacitors and fuel cells all depend on interfaces: electrolyte has to wet the separator and soak into the electrode, and coatings have to stick to polymer films that are naturally hydrophobic. Plasma treatment changes those surfaces in seconds to minutes without solvents or high temperatures. Researchers use Harrick Plasma Cleaners to prepare separators, functionalize carbon electrodes and engineer new electrode and electrolyte materials, in work published in journals such as Advanced Materials, Advanced Science, Joule and the Journal of Power Sources.
How plasma treatment is used in energy storage
Separator wetting and coating. Polyethylene, polypropylene and Celgard separators are briefly treated with oxygen or air plasma to make them wettable, so electrolyte fills the pores and ceramic, silane or carbon coatings bond evenly.
Carbon electrodes for flow and zinc batteries. Oxygen plasma adds oxygen-containing groups to carbon felt, carbon paper and nanotubes, improving electrolyte uptake and electrochemical activity in vanadium redox flow and aqueous zinc batteries.
Electrode and electrolyte surface engineering. Nitrogen plasma modifies MXene and carbon electrodes, and plasma treatment is used on solid composite electrolytes and two-dimensional membranes to tune their interfaces and ion transport.
Fuel cells, supercapacitors and electrocatalysts. Plasma cleans and activates catalyst supports, electrodes and substrates for fuel cell, supercapacitor and water-splitting research.
Working on a battery or electrode process? Tell us your materials and part sizes and we will point you to published conditions from Harrick users and the configuration that fits. Request a Quote or email info@harrickplasma.com.
Why Harrick Plasma for energy storage
- Proven in the literature. Harrick Plasma Cleaners are cited in over 8,500 peer-reviewed publications, including about 100 on batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors and electrocatalysis.
- Gentle on polymer separators. Low-temperature plasma activates thin polyethylene and polypropylene films without melting or shrinking them.
- Gas choice for surface chemistry. Oxygen or air adds oxygen-containing groups, nitrogen supports nitrogen functionalization, and argon cleans without oxidizing. The PlasmaFlo gas flow mixer adds metered flow and pressure control.
- No electrode inside the chamber. RF is coupled from an external coil, so no electrode metal is sputtered onto electrodes or separators.
- High Power option. The High Power Expanded Plasma Cleaner speeds up functionalization and etching of carbon materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Why plasma treat a battery separator? Polyolefin separators are hydrophobic, so electrolyte and aqueous coating slurries wet them poorly. A short plasma treatment makes the surface wettable, helping electrolyte fill the pores and coatings adhere.
Which gas should I use for carbon electrodes? Oxygen or air plasma is most common for adding oxygen-containing groups to carbon felt and paper. Nitrogen plasma is used when nitrogen functionalization is the goal.
How long does the treatment last? Treated polymer surfaces gradually lose their activation over hours to days, so coat or assemble soon after treatment.
Can plasma damage a thin separator? Long treatments at high power can etch or weaken thin films. Published separator treatments are usually a few minutes or less; start short and check wettability and mechanical strength.
Which Harrick Plasma Cleaner should I choose? The Basic Plasma Cleaner suits small electrodes, coin-cell components and coupons. The Expanded Plasma Cleaner fits larger sheets and batches, and the High Power Expanded Plasma Cleaner is a good fit for heavier carbon functionalization. Contact us with your materials and sizes and we will recommend a configuration.