Paving the Path toward Reliable Cathode Materials for Aluminum‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Aluminum metal is a high‐energy‐density carrier with low cost, and thus endows rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) with the potential to act as an inexpensive and efficient electrochemical device, so as to supplement the increasing demand for energy storage and conversion. Despite the enticing aspects regarding cost and energy density, the poor reversibility of electrodes has limited the pursuit of RABs for a long time. Fortunately, ionic‐liquid electrolytes enable reversible aluminum plating/stripping at room temperature, and they lay the very foundation of RABs. In order to integrate with the aluminum‐metal anode, the selection of the cathode is pivotal, but is limited at present. The scant option of a reliable cathode can be accounted for by the intrinsic high charge density of Al3+ ions, which results in sluggish diffusion. Hence, reliable cathode materials are a key challenge of burgeoning RABs. Herein, the main focus is on the insertion cathodes for RABs also termed aluminum‐ion batteries, and the recent progress and optimization methods are summarized. Finally, an outlook is presented to navigate the possible future work.

Porous α‐MnSe Microsphere Cathode Material for High‐Performance Aluminum Batteries

“…Unfortunately, because of their high charge density, aluminum ions would encounter strong electrostatic interactions with host materials . Thus, limited cathode materials could intercalate aluminum ions reversibly, which becomes another stiff challenge to the practical application of ABs …”

“…[9] Thus, limited cathode materials could intercalate aluminum ions reversibly, which becomes another stiff challenge to the practical application of ABs. [10] Herein, we first report on three-dimensional porous rocksalt MnSe (α-MnSe) microspheres composed of quasi-cubic nanocrystallites as the cathode for ABs. Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) are promising electrode materials for secondary batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and outstanding rate capability, together with controllable structure.…”

A Novel Moisture‐Insensitive and Low‐Corrosivity Ionic Liquid Electrolyte for Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries

“…This safety risk can increase for large systems because numerous cells are densely stacked and thermal runaway can thus spread more easily 6,7. Therefore, an alternative energy storage device that is safe and inexpensive is desirable 8…”

“…The results clearly indicate the great potential of this electrolyte for practical RAB applications.alternative energy storage device that is safe and inexpensive is desirable. [8] Rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) have recently received research attention owing to their potentially low cost and environmental friendliness, the high abundance of aluminum, and the three-electron transfer mechanism at the anode. [9] Dai and co-workers proposed a RAB based on an Al metal anode, a graphite cathode, and a nonflammable 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMICl)-aluminum chloride (AlCl 3 ) ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte.…”

Novel Ni–Fe‐Layered Double Hydroxide Microspheres with Reduced Graphene Oxide for Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries

“…Hence, high‐capacity cathode based on the intercalation of small‐sized aluminum ions (0.39 Å), such as Ni 3 S 2 , CoSe 2 , and Co 3 S 4 , was thoroughly investigated. However, the high charge density of Al 3+ would contribute to strong electrostatic interaction with the host materials, which results in slow diffusion kinetics and structural collapse . Therefore, it is challenging to choose a reliable cathode material for RABs.…”