Why is copper the current collector for anode?

June 15, 2023
Microporous porous aluminum foil collecting fluid

In a battery, the current collector is an important component that collects and carries the electrical current produced by the electrochemical reaction taking place inside the battery. For the anode of a battery, copper is commonly used as the current collector material for the following reasons:

1. High Electrical Conductivity: Copper has excellent electrical conductivity, second only to silver. This unique property makes copper an ideal choice for current collectors in batteries since it can efficiently transfer electrons generated by the anode’s electrochemical reaction to the external circuit.

2. Low Resistance: Copper has low electrical resistance, which means that it results in fewer energy losses during electron transfer. This property ensures the maximum amount of electrical current can pass through the copper current collector with the minimum loss of energy.

Microporous porous aluminum foil collecting fluid

Microporous porous aluminum foil collecting fluid

3. Chemical Stability: Copper is resistant to chemical corrosion, making it an ideal material for current collectors in batteries since the anode’s environment can be highly corrosive, resulting in degradation of the collector over time. Copper is stable in a wide range of environments, and when properly protected, can last for a long period, maintaining its high electrical conductivity.

4. Cost-Effective: Copper is widely available and is relatively cost-effective. Compared to other high conductivity materials such as silver and gold, copper is much cheaper, making it a practical choice for current collectors in large-scale battery production.

In summary, copper is an ideal choice for an anode current collector due to its high electrical conductivity, low resistance, chemical stability, and cost-effectiveness. These properties make copper a reliable material to ensure the maximum amount of electrical current passes through the anode with the minimum loss of energy and lasts for a long time.