Abstract
High demand for batteries with a wide operating temperature range is on the rise with the development of wearable electronic devices, especially electric vehicles used in cold regions. Al–air batteries for electric vehicles have triggered worldwide interest due to their excellent theoretical energy density and safety. In this study, the low-temperature performance of Al–air batteries is tested for the first time. The effects of temperature and electrolyte concentrations on the discharge performance are then studied in detail. The discharge voltage is significantly influenced by the temperature. The low temperature could significantly depress the hydrogen evolution reaction of Al anodes. The Al–air batteries reached an extraordinary capacity of 2480 mAh/g, with 31 wt% KOH electrolyte at −15 °C. Moreover, the Al–air batteries at 0 °C exhibited higher discharge voltage and power densities than those at 15 and −15 °C. This study provides an important reference for future studies to improve low-temperature performance of Al–air batteries.
Highlights
Besides the rapid advancement of modern industrial technology, other factors, such as environment friendliness, cleanliness, and being an alternative inexpensive energy source have become the subject of research because of the limitations of traditional energy, i.e., fossil fuel exhaustion and risk of climatic degeneration [1]
Significant progress has been achieved in enhancing the electrochemical performance of Al–air battery, a critical issue that seriously restricts its future commercialization and practical application remains
Al–air batteries are safe and cost effective, and their raw materials are widely available. These advantages demonstrate that the Al–air battery has the potential to be a backbone technology for the energy storage of electric vehicles in the future
Summary
Besides the rapid advancement of modern industrial technology, other factors, such as environment friendliness, cleanliness, and being an alternative inexpensive energy source have become the subject of research because of the limitations of traditional energy, i.e., fossil fuel exhaustion and risk of climatic degeneration [1]. Al–air batteries have driven the increasing concern due to their high specific energy density, low cost [2], and stability in solid gel electrolyte [3] or the electrolyte with additives (such as ZnO/PEG di-acid inhibitor and non-conductive oil) [4,5]. The application of these batteries has spread to remote communications, railroad signaling, seismic telemetry, and power grids. Al–air batteries are safe and cost effective, and their raw materials are widely available These advantages demonstrate that the Al–air battery has the potential to be a backbone technology for the energy storage of electric vehicles in the future. The results could provide suggestions for developing better-performing Al–air batteries
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