A Mechanistic Overview of the Current Status and Future Challenges of Aluminum Anode and Electrolyte in Aluminum‐Air Batteries

• Published in: Chemical record 2024-01, Vol.24 (1), p.e202300005-n/a
• Main Authors: Nayem, S. M. Abu, Islam, Santa, Mohamed, Mostafa, Shaheen Shah, Syed, Ahammad, A. J. Saleh, Aziz, Md. Abdul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air batteries; alloy; Aluminum; anode; Anodes; Aqueous electrolytes; Electric vehicles; Electrochemistry; Electrolytes; Lithium; Lithium-ion batteries; Power sources
• ISSN: 1527-8999; 1528-0691
• DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300005

Aluminum‐air batteries (AABs) are regarded as attractive candidates for usage as an electric vehicle power source due to their high theoretical energy density (8100 Wh kg−1), which is considerably higher than that of lithium‐ion batteries. However, AABs have several issues with commercial applications. In this review, we outline the difficulties and most recent developments in AABs technology, including electrolytes and aluminum anodes, as well as their mechanistic understanding. First, the impact of the Al anode and alloying on battery performance is discussed. Then we focus on the impact of electrolytes on battery performances. The possibility of enhancing electrochemical performances by adding inhibitors to electrolytes is also investigated. Additionally, the use of aqueous and non‐aqueous electrolytes in AABs is also discussed. Finally, the challenges and potential future research areas for the advancement of AABs are suggested. Aluminum‐air batteries (AABs) are regarded as attractive candidates for use as an electric vehicle power source due to their high theoretical energy density. This review focuses on the challenges and most recent developments in AABs technology, including electrolytes and aluminum anodes, as well as their mechanistic understanding, and suggests potential future research areas for the advancement of AABs.