Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026
05:33
Solid-state Graft Copolymer Electrolytes for Lithium Battery Applications
Published on: August 12, 2013
22.3K
Solid electrolyte interphases for high-energy aqueous aluminum electrochemical cells
Qing Zhao1, Michael J Zachman2, Wajdi I Al Sadat3
1Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Science Advances
|December 6, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed new aluminum (Al) electrochemical cells using artificial solid electrolyte interphases (ASEIs) in ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes. These IL-ASEIs enable highly reversible aqueous Al cells with high energy and safety.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aluminum (Al) offers high charge capacity and abundance, but its use in reversible electrochemical cells is hindered by passivating oxide films.
- Existing research faces challenges in achieving high reversibility in aqueous Al-based systems due to irreversible Al2O3 formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interfacial chemistry of metallic Al in contact with ionic liquid (IL) eutectic electrolytes.
- To explore the formation and impact of artificial solid electrolyte interphases (ASEIs) on Al anode performance.
- To enable high-reversibility aqueous Al electrochemical cells.
Main Methods:
- Studied interphases formed on metallic Al in contact with IL-eutectic electrolytes.
- Characterized the chemical transformation of the Al interface.
- Fabricated and tested Al||MnO2 aqueous cells utilizing the developed IL-ASEIs.
Main Results:
- Spontaneously formed ASEIs on Al permanently transformed the interfacial chemistry.
- The developed IL-ASEIs enabled aqueous Al electrochemical cells with unprecedented reversibility.
- Demonstrated Al||MnO2 aqueous cells with high specific energy (~500 Wh/kg) and intrinsic safety.
Conclusions:
- Artificial solid electrolyte interphases (ASEIs) are crucial for overcoming the limitations of Al anodes in aqueous electrolytes.
- The novel IL-ASEIs facilitate highly reversible and safe aluminum-based energy storage.
- This advancement paves the way for practical applications of high-performance, low-cost aluminum batteries.
Related Concept Videos
00:54Interphase
212.1K
The cell cycle occurs over approximately 24 hours (in a typical human cell) and in two distinct stages: interphase, which includes three phases of the cell cycle (G1, S, and G2), and mitosis (M). During interphase, which takes up about 95 percent of the duration of the eukaryotic cell cycle, cells grow and replicate their DNA in preparation for mitosis.
212.1K
00:56Interphase
8.7K
The cell cycle occurs over approximately 24 hours (in a typical human cell) and in two distinct stages: interphase, which includes three phases of the cell cycle (G1, S, and G2), and mitosis (M). During interphase, which takes up about 95 percent of the duration of the eukaryotic cell cycle, cells grow and replicate their DNA in preparation for mitosis.
Phases of Interphase
Following each period of mitosis and cytokinesis, eukaryotic cells enter interphase, during which they grow and replicate...
Phases of Interphase
Following each period of mitosis and cytokinesis, eukaryotic cells enter interphase, during which they grow and replicate...
8.7K
01:26What is an Electrochemical Gradient?
127.8K
Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is considered the primary energy source in cells. However, energy can also be stored in the electrochemical gradient of an ion across the plasma membrane, which is determined by two factors: its chemical and electrical gradients.
The chemical gradient relies on differences in the abundance of a substance on the outside versus the inside of a cell and flows from areas of high to low ion concentration. In contrast, the electrical gradient revolves around an...
The chemical gradient relies on differences in the abundance of a substance on the outside versus the inside of a cell and flows from areas of high to low ion concentration. In contrast, the electrical gradient revolves around an...
127.8K
01:01Energy Bands in Solids
2.0K
Isolated atoms have discrete energy levels that are well described by the Bohr model. And, it quantifies the energy of an electron in a hydrogen atom as En. Higher quantum numbers 'n' yield less negative, closer electron energy levels.
Band Formation:
When atoms are brought close together, as in a solid, these discrete energy levels begin to split due to the overlap of electron orbitals from adjacent atoms. This split occurs because of the Pauli exclusion principle, which states...
Band Formation:
When atoms are brought close together, as in a solid, these discrete energy levels begin to split due to the overlap of electron orbitals from adjacent atoms. This split occurs because of the Pauli exclusion principle, which states...
2.0K
02:21Electrolyte and Nonelectrolyte Solutions
71.9K
Substances that undergo either a physical or a chemical change in solution to yield ions that can conduct electricity are called electrolytes. If a substance yields ions in solution, that is, if the compound undergoes 100% dissociation, then the substance is a strong electrolyte. Complete dissociation is indicated by a single forward arrow. For example, water-soluble ionic compounds like sodium chloride dissociate into sodium cations and chloride anions in aqueous solution.
71.9K
02:58Cell Potential and Free Energy
46.5K
Thermodynamics of a Redox Reaction
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics dealing with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. In an electrochemical cell, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.
Thus, a link can be predicted between cell potential, free energy change, and the equilibrium constant for the reaction. Cell potential can also be measured as the oxidant or the reducing strength, and similar acid-base strength measures are reflected in equilibrium...
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics dealing with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. In an electrochemical cell, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.
Thus, a link can be predicted between cell potential, free energy change, and the equilibrium constant for the reaction. Cell potential can also be measured as the oxidant or the reducing strength, and similar acid-base strength measures are reflected in equilibrium...
46.5K