Effect of Cerium Chloride on the Self-Corrosion and Discharge Activity of Aluminum Anode in Alkaline Aluminum-air Batteries

Abstract

One of the key impediments to aluminum (Al) as an anode in alkaline Al-air batteries is self-corrosion, which limits the battery’s efficiency due to the capacity loss and lifespan reduction. Thus, it is vital to find an efficient electrolyte additive that reduces self-corrosion in Al anodes. In this study, the effect of adding 0.5 to 1.5 wt% of cerium chloride to 4 mol l −1 KOH electrolyte on the self-corrosion of pure Al anode was investigated using electrochemical experiments. The results show that the addition of cerium chloride to the electrolyte reduces self-corrosion of the Al anode with a negligible effect on the anode activity. Cerium chloride forms cerium hydroxide (Ce (OH) 3 ) in the alkaline electrolyte, which is adsorbed on the Al surface. Therefore, the corrosion potential increased, and self-corrosion current density decreased. As the cerium chloride concentration increased, the Al anode efficiency increased from 43.8% to 76.1%, and the capacity density increased from 1294 to 2244 mAh g −1 . Furthermore, increasing the immersion time of the Al anode in the electrolyte containing cerium chloride increased the self-corrosion resistance and provided the self-healing properties for the anode.