Rechargeable Al‐Chalcogen Batteries: Status, Challenges, and Perspectives

• Published in: Advanced energy materials 2021-08, Vol.11 (29), p.n/a
• Main Authors: He, Shiman, Zhang, Dian, Zhang, Xu, Liu, Shiqi, Chu, Weiqin, Yu, Haijun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Aluminum; aluminum‐ion batteries; aluminum‐selenium batteries; aluminum‐sulfur batteries; aluminum‐tellurium batteries; Cathodes; chalcogen cathode materials; Electrochemical analysis; electrochemical reaction mechanisms; Electrochemistry; Electrode materials; Electrolytes; Energy storage; Reaction kinetics; Rechargeable batteries; Selenium; Separators; Tellurium; Valence
• ISSN: 1614-6832; 1614-6840
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202100769

Aluminum‐ion batteries (AIBs) are considered to be alternatives to meet the increasing demands for energy storage due to their high theoretical capacity, low cost, high safety, and the rich abundance of aluminum. Chalcogen materials (sulfur, selenium, and tellurium (SSTs)) with high theoretical capacities are deemed to be promising cathode materials in AIBs. However, the challenges including sluggish reaction kinetics and inferior cycling stability in Al‐SSTs batteries still remain. In order to realize the advantages and overcome the drawbacks of SSTs electrodes, several strategies have been attempted. In this perspective, the approaches in terms of SSTs cathodes, electrolytes, separators, and Al metal anodes to improve the electrochemical performance of Al‐SSTs batteries are summarized and elaborated. The electrochemistry of Al‐SSTs batteries, involving different valence states of the electrochemical products is also presented and highlighted. The issues to be solved for practical applications are listed and possible future directions for the development of more reliable Al‐SSTs batteries are discussed. The status, challenges, and perspectives of rechargeable aluminum‐chalcogen (sulfur, selenium, and tellurium (SSTs)) batteries in terms of cathodes, electrolytes, separators, anodes, and practical battery configurations are summarized and discussed. The novel reaction mechanisms of Al‐SSTs batteries, involving the electrochemical products with positive‐ and negative‐valence chalcogenides, are also elaborated and highlighted in this perspective.