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Ionic Potential-Driven Interfacial pH Control Enables High Anode Utilization for Neutral Aluminum-Air Batteries
Ming Li1, Haotian Chen1, Sha Luo1
1School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
A novel neutral electrolyte for aqueous aluminum-air batteries (AABs) uses ionic potential (φ) to prevent anode corrosion and passivation. This design significantly improves battery performance and longevity, offering a sustainable energy solution.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Aqueous aluminum-air batteries (AABs) are promising sustainable energy sources.
- Challenges include anode corrosion in alkaline and passivation in neutral electrolytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a novel neutral electrolyte for AABs that overcomes anode corrosion and passivation.
- To establish an ionic potential (φ)-guided design principle for metal-air battery electrolytes.
Main Methods:
- Development of a NH4Cl/MnCl2 neutral electrolyte with regulated hydrolysis equilibrium.
- In situ pH monitoring and comprehensive characterization analysis.
- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Swagelok-type cell testing.
Main Results:
- The NH4Cl/MnCl2 electrolyte maintained interfacial pH between 4.1 and 4.4, inhibiting Al(OH)3 passivation and hydrogen evolution.
- Achieved a high output voltage of 0.97 V and anode utilization efficiency exceeding 84.5% (2516.5 mAh g-1).
- Demonstrated high discharge capacity in Swagelok-type cells (>30 mAh cm-2) and molded batteries (>94% anode utilization).
Conclusions:
- The ionic potential (φ)-guided electrolyte design offers a universal principle for metal-air batteries.
- This approach effectively balances corrosion inhibition and activation kinetics through thermodynamic regulation.
- The study presents a significant advancement in developing stable and high-performance aqueous aluminum-air batteries.
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