Green interface optimization strategy based on allium mongolicum regel extract for enhanced alkaline Al-air battery...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Aqueous aluminum-air batteries (AABs) show promise for energy storage.
• Self-corrosion of aluminum anodes limits AAB performance and commercial viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of Allium Mongolicum Regel (AMR) extract as a green electrolyte additive.
• To mitigate aluminum anode self-corrosion and enhance AAB performance.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical performance testing (e.g., specific capacity).
• In-situ optical microscopy and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to study corrosion inhibition.
• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, quantum chemical calculations, and ab-initio molecular dynamics to elucidate the mechanism.

Main Results:

• AMR extract achieved a 53.9% corrosion inhibition efficiency.
• Specific capacity increased from 1096 to 1667 mAh g⁻¹ with AMR addition.
• AMR adsorption on the Al surface was observed, retarding pitting corrosion.

Conclusions:

• AMR extract effectively suppresses Al anode self-corrosion in alkaline AABs.
• Active components in AMR, 4-HCAA and flavone, form protective O-Al-O bonds on the Al surface.
• This sustainable approach offers a promising strategy for improving AABs for energy storage applications.