Polyacrylonitrile Separator for High-Performance Aluminum Batteries with Improved Interface Stability.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Rechargeable aluminum batteries offer high theoretical capacity but face challenges with electrolyte-separator compatibility.
• Conventional battery separators often degrade in aggressive electrolytes like 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride:aluminum trichloride (EMIMCl:AlCl3).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate commercial battery separators for aluminum batteries.
• To develop and characterize a novel, highly stable separator for high-performance aluminum batteries.

Main Methods:

• Overall evaluation of commercially available battery separators.
• Preparation of a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) separator using electrospinning.
• Characterization of PAN separator morphology, thermal stability, and air permeability.
• Electrochemical testing of PAN separators in aluminum/graphite cells.

Main Results:

• Most commercial separators are unstable in EMIMCl:AlCl3 electrolyte.
• The electrospun PAN separator exhibits excellent stability, compatibility, and improved aluminum interface stability.
• PAN separators promote homogeneous aluminum deposition and enhance cell capacity compared to glass fiber separators.

Conclusions:

• The novel PAN separator is a promising candidate for high-performance and reliable aluminum batteries.
• Electrospun PAN separators overcome limitations of conventional materials in reactive electrolytes.
• This development advances the potential of emerging aluminum battery technology.