1 research outputs found
Optimization of an Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formed on an Aluminum Anode and Its Application in Rechargeable Aqueous Aluminum Batteries
Electrochemical cells that incorporate aluminum (Al)
as the active
material have become increasingly popular due to the advantages of
high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and superior safety features.
Despite the progress made by research groups in developing rechargeable
Al//MxOy (M
= Mn, V, etc.) cells using an aqueous Al trifluoromethanesulfonate-based
electrolyte, the reactions occurring at the Al anode are still not
fully understood. In this study, we explore the artificial solid electrolyte
interphase (ASEI) on the Al anode by soaking it in AlCl3/urea ionic liquid. Surprisingly, our findings reveal that the ASEI
actually promotes the corrosion of Al by providing chloride anions
rather than facilitating the transport of Al3+ ions during
charge/discharge cycles. Importantly, the ASEI significantly enhances
the cycling stability and activity of Al cells. The primary reactions
occurring at the Al anode during the charge/discharge cycle were determined
to be irreversible oxidation and gas evolution. Furthermore, we demonstrate
the successful realization of urea-treated Al (UTAl)//AlxMnO2 cells (discharge operating voltage
of ∼1.45 V and specific capacity of 280 mAh/g), providing a
platform to investigate the underlying mechanisms of these cells further.
Overall, our work highlights the importance of ASEI in controlling
the corrosion of Al in aqueous electrolytes, emphasizing the need
for the further development of electrolytic materials that facilitate
the transport of Al3+ ions in rechargeable Al batteries