Al−Air Batteries for Seasonal/Annual Energy Storage: Progress beyond Materials

Abstract

Cost‐effective and zero‐carbon‐emission seasonal/annual energy storage is highly required to achieve the Zero Emission Scenario (ZES) by 2050. The combination of Al production via inert‐anode smelting and Al conversion to electricity via Al‐air batteries is a potential option. Although playing an important role in this approach, Al‐air batteries, however, suffer from limited specific energy and inefficient collection of the discharge product. Herein, an important progress in addressing these issues is summarized, emphasizing the importance of non‐material, but rather process‐related aspects. First, a recently reported approach allowing controllable collection of discharge product and electrolyte regeneration is presented. Next, the impact of operational parameters on improving electrochemical performance of Al‐air batteries is summarized. Subsequently, the importance of cell design in addressing the obstacles of Al‐air batteries is emphasized. Last, a perspective on future research directions is proposed.

Aluminum–air batteries: current advances and promises with future directions

“…Thus, due to their potential as an alternative to existing battery technologies, Al-air batteries are the primary focus of this review. 55,56 Additionally, Al-air batteries have the potential to be more environmentally friendly, given that aluminum is readily recyclable and poses fewer environmental concerns compared to other metals. 57,58 Aluminum-based batteries have undergone signicant development since their inception, with notable milestones including the introduction of Al-MnO 2 batteries around the 1960s and subsequent efforts to improve their efficiency and applicability.…”