Battery Architecture Without Cathode Based on Deposition and Dissolution Chemistry of Aluminum and Manganese Ions

Abstract

As the carrier of charge storage, the electrode determines the efficiency of the energy conversion reaction between the battery and the substance. However, with the continuous development of scientific research, electrode preparation is still facing complex technical problems, and it is difficult to achieve a balance in performance, cost, and technology. Based on the ion dissolution and deposition behavior of Mn²⁺/MnO₂ and Al³⁺/Al, a novel cathode-free aqueous ion dissolution/deposition battery is designed, which can contribute 15 mAh at 16 cm² in a voltage window of 0.5–1.8 V. The charge storage and the attenuation mechanism are systematically investigated. The battery model with compensable electrolyte was constructed, and the cycle characteristics of the cathode-free aqueous ion dissolution/deposition battery were optimized, which could achieve 1000 h continuous operation. This system provides a low-cost and high-safety solution for future high-energy density and large-scale energy storage. Future research will focus on optimizing electrolytes, controlling deposition morphology, and improving interface stability to further promote the commercialization of cathode-free batteries.

Keywords

aluminum-ion battery / deposition / dissolution / electrode / manganese dioxide

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2025 The Author(s). Energy & Environmental Materials published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Zhengzhou University.