Performances of an Al–0.15 Bi–0.15 Pb–0.035 Ga alloy as an anode for Al–air batteries in neutral and alkaline electrolytes

Abstract

Aluminum is a very good candidate anode for metal-air batteries due to its negative electrode potential, high theoretical electrochemical equivalent value, abundant reserves and environmental friendliness. The corrosion behavior and electrochemical properties of the Al-1.5Bi-1.5Pb-0.035Ga alloy were investigated by self-corrosion tests and electrochemical techniques, and compared with that of pure Al and Al-Bi-Pb alloys. The performances of Al-air batteries based on these alloy anodes were studied by constant current discharge and I-V discharge tests. The corrosion morphology and discharge surface were also investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX)analysis. The results show that the Al-Bi-Pb-Ga alloy provides a more negative potential and exhibits an enhanced activity in NaCl solution compared with pure Al and Al-Bi-Pb alloys, and gives high power density (253.4 AE 2.5 mW cm À2) and desirable anode efficiency (85.4 AE 0.5%) when used as an anode for Al-air batteries in KOH solution. Moreover, the dissolution mechanism of the Al-Bi-Pb-Ga alloy is also characterized based on the electrochemical measurements and microstructure observations.

Ultrahigh voltage and energy density aluminum‐air battery based on aqueous alkaline‐acid hybrid electrolyte

“…Figure 10 presents a summary of performance of representative AAB. 18,19,21,49,50,57,58 Because of the selfcorrosion of Al anode in alkaline, the specific capacity of AAB with alkaline is mostly below 2700 mAh g Al , and the working voltage is normally below 1.5 V, hence the energy density of conventional AAB is hardly over 4000 mWh g…”

“…Furthermore, to investigate its discharge performance, the battery was also tested by constant current discharge at various current densities using a Neware battery test system. The actual capacity density and energy density were calculated based on current, duration, voltage, and weight change of the anode during discharge 19,28 …”

“…The actual capacity density and energy density were calculated based on current, duration, voltage, and weight change of the anode during discharge. 19,28…”

“…For example, the peak energy density is always behind 4000 Wh kg −1 . [18][19][20] Based on these considerations, it is imperative to make further improvements in the working voltage and energy density of AAB.…”

“…Moreover, the practical energy density of the AAB reported was much less than the theoretical value. For example, the peak energy density is always behind 4000 Wh kg −1 18‐20 . Based on these considerations, it is imperative to make further improvements in the working voltage and energy density of AAB.…”