Freudenberg Performance Materials will be presenting innovative solutions for various storage technologies at the forthcoming Techtextil, which takes place from 9-12 May in Frankfurt, Germany.

These will include ultra-thin, ceramic impregnated separators for lithium-ion batteries, gas diffusion layers for fuel cells, and high-performance electrodes for redox flow batteries. Further highlights include solutions for apparel, home textiles, automotive and building interiors.

Greater safety for lithium-ion batteries

One key to the success of e-mobility is providing more efficient and safer batteries. That is why Freudenberg developed the safety separator for lithium-ion batteries. It consists of an ultra-thin PET nonwoven impregnated with ceramic particles. According to the manufacturer, it remains stable at temperatures of up to several hundred degrees Celsius and does not shrink.

In comparison to conventional products, it is said to be considerably less sensitive to mechanical penetration, particularly at high temperatures. Another plus is that using the safety separator helps to reduce the production cost of lithium-ion batteries. Higher temperatures can be used allowing accelerated preparation of the battery cells through a faster drying process and increased electrolyte impregnation speed.

Mass-produced gas diffusion layers for fuel cells

Today, fuel cells are already in use in several applications and they are considered to be a key energy source of the future. Freudenberg’s gas diffusion layers aim to help improve the efficiency of this technology. Their high uniformity in structure and thickness is said to increase electrical and thermal conductivity and improve the transport of gases and liquids in the fuel cell.

The product features have already been proven in numerous very different customer applications, the company reports. Further strengths of Freudenberg’s gas diffusion layers compared with other products are superior downstream processing and exceptional surface properties, according to the manufacturer.

Higher efficiency for redox flow batteries

Redox flow batteries are in demand wherever large amounts of energy must be stored over several hours for release at any time. For example, they can stabilise the natural output fluctuations of power generation from renewable sources. They can shave peak demand from power stations and also provide high-performance energy storage in closed systems such as solar plants in isolated locations.

A key aspect is optimising efficiency. Freudenberg’s nonwoven electrodes with a unique 3D fibre structure were specially developed to improve liquid circulation in these flow batteries. These innovative electrodes have a flexible design so that they can be adapted to suit customers’ wishes.

www.freudenberg-pm.com