Effect of Ce addition on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of a lithium battery shell alloy

Abstract Due to severe application environment lithium battery shell of new-energy automotives requires increasing demands for using high performance aluminum alloys. In the present work, effect of Ce addition on the microstructure, tensile and electrochemical properties of an Al–Cu–Mn–Mg–Fe alloy were investigated through using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile tests and electrochemical tests. The experimental results indicated that the addition of Ce element could promote the precipitation of second phases. With addition of 0.36% Ce, high melting point Al 8 Cu 4 Ce phase and many Al 20 Cu 2 Mn 3 particles could be found. In addition, the precipitation of conventionally dominant phase of Al 2 Cu could be suppressed in alloy. The Ce addition was found to result in enhanced tensile strength and improved corrosion resistance.