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A Novel Moisture‐Insensitive and Low‐Corrosivity Ionic Liquid Electrolyte for Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries
Author(s) -
Li Chi,
Patra Jagabandhu,
Li Ju,
Rath Purna Chandra,
Lin MingHsien,
Chang JengKuei
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201909565
Subject(s) - materials science , electrolyte , electrode , graphite , chemical engineering , battery (electricity) , ionic liquid , moisture , corrosion , electrochemistry , cathode , inorganic chemistry , composite material , organic chemistry , chemistry , catalysis , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
Abstract Rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) are extensively developed due to their cost‐effectiveness, eco‐friendliness, and low flammability and the earth abundance of their electrode materials. However, the commonly used RAB ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte is highly moisture‐sensitive and corrosive. To address these problems, a 4‐ethylpyridine/AlCl 3 IL is proposed. The effects of the AlCl 3 to 4‐ethylpyridine molar ratio on the electrode charge–discharge properties are systematically examined. A maximum graphite capacity of 95 mAh g −1 is obtained at 25 mA g −1 . After 1000 charge–discharge cycles, ≈85% of the initial capacity can be retained. In situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction is employed to examine the electrode reaction mechanism. In addition, low corrosion rates of Al, Cu, Ni, and carbon‐fiber paper electrodes are confirmed in the 4‐ethylpyridine/AlCl 3 IL. When opened to the ambient atmosphere, the measured capacity of the graphite cathode is only slightly lower than that found in a N 2 ‐filled glove box; moreover, the capacity retention upon 100 cycles is as high as 75%. The results clearly indicate the great potential of this electrolyte for practical RAB applications.