Optimization of parameters and fabrication of Al-air batteries with economically feasible materials

Abstract

Design and fabrication of Al-air battery were done in this present work with economically viable raw materials. Optimization of anode material, catalyst concentration, current density and electrolyte concentration were carried out. Al 5083 as an anode material results in longer discharge time than Al 7075 and Al 6061 anode used in this study. Catalyst loading of 5% TiCl3, current density of 5 mA cm-2 and 10% of NaCl electrolyte were optimized. A single battery cell is fabricated using Al 5083 as an anode, air cathode which consists of graphite, paint as a binder with 5% TiCl3 as a catalyst and 10% NaCl as the electrolyte. The single cell exhibits voltage of about 0.8 V with 20 mA h-1 current capacity. The lifecycle of the fabricated battery is tested for four consecutive cycles which demonstrates almost similar shape in the charging and discharging curves representing better stability of the fabricated battery.