A research team announces success in stabilizing cheap, long-lasting aluminum-ion batteries
A team of researchers in Beijing has announced that they have succeeded in stabilizing aluminum-ion batteries, raising hopes that aluminum-based batteries could be developed as a better alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
Aluminum Batteries Outlive Lithium-Ion With a Pinch of Salt - IEEE Spectrum
https://spectrum.ieee.org/aluminum-battery
Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and can store large amounts of electricity, making them widely used in smartphones, electric vehicles, and other fields. However, lithium, the material used, is expensive and subject to large price fluctuations, and lithium-ion batteries have drawbacks, such as the need for a flammable electrolyte.
Aluminum is the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust, and its price is about one-quarter that of lithium, so research has been conducted to explore its potential use in batteries. Previous research has found problems with ionic liquid electrolytes causing anode corrosion, and problems with reduced electrical conductivity when gel-like polymer electrolytes are used to avoid corrosion.
The research team succeeded in stabilizing aluminum-ion batteries by adding aluminum fluoride salt to a liquid electrolyte containing aluminum ions to produce a solid electrolyte.
The aluminum fluoride salt has a porous 3D structure that absorbs and stabilizes the liquid while facilitating the movement of ions, resulting in a solid composite that is leak-proof yet highly conductive.
In addition, the electrodes are coated with a thin film to prevent the formation of aluminum crystals, thereby suppressing deterioration of battery performance.
The battery developed this time maintained 99% of its initial capacity even after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. Because it uses a solid electrolyte, it does not leak and functions normally even if it is punctured or exposed to high temperatures of up to 200°C, making it highly safe. In addition, it is highly recyclable, with more than 80% of the aluminum and aluminum fluoride salt from used batteries being recoverable.
Compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, aluminum-ion batteries have a longer life and are easier to manufacture, but it has been stated that improving their energy density is a challenge before they can be put to practical use.
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in Science, Free Member, Posted by log1d_ts