Rise of aluminum-chalcogen batteries: A promising path to sustainable energy storage

Graphical abstract

As the world becomes more concerned about climate change and the need for clean energy, there is an increasing demand for the development of new battery technologies [1–4]. Although lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the most widely used, they have some limitations such as cost, pollution, and safety concerns [5–8]. The lack of suitable electrode materials previously hindered the development of aluminum-ion batteries as a promising alternative energy storage system [9–11]. However, with advancements in the electrode technology, there is renewed interest in aluminum-ion batteries as a low-cost and high-performance energy storage solution. Recently, Sadoway’s group published a research article that presented a promising alternative to LIBs based on aluminum-chalcogen batteries with a molten chloroaluminate electrolyte [12]. This battery technology has a high energy density and fast-charging capabilities, making it a strong candidate for large-scale energy storage applications [12].

The authors addressed the concerns about the shortage of materials associated with LIBs by using aluminum as a negative electrode. They also demonstrated that the use of a molten chloroaluminate electrolyte with high-order Al_xCl_y-species supported ultrafast electrodeposition of aluminum while preventing dendrite formation. Additionally, the chalcogen positive electrode provided a good performance at high rates and maintained a high energy density without the attendant consumption of electrolyte that occurs with AlCl₄-intercalation into graphite.

At a discharge rate of D/2, the Al-S cell demonstrated an impressive capacity of 500 mAh/g when charged at a rate of 10C (Fig.1). The capacity slightly decreased to 430 and 360 mAh/g when charged at 20C and 50C, respectively (Fig.1). Despite being charged at extreme rates of 100C and 200C, the cell retained a substantial capacity, with readings of 280 and 210 mAh/g, respectively. The Al|NaCl–KCl–AlCl₃|S battery achieved a projected cell-level energy density of 526 Wh/L, which was comparable to that of graphite-NMC622 and other lithium-ion batteries. The research also showed that sulfur electrodes with a high loading of 12.0 mg/cm² can maintain a high capacity of 520 mAh/g over 100 cycles at C/5. Additionally, they prepared a three-dimensional interconnected reduced graphene oxide-sulfur composite electrode that exhibits excellent fast-charging capabilities at an aerial sulfur loading of 7.1 mg/cm².

One potential limitation of the Al-S battery is the relatively high operating temperature, which may limit its suitability for certain applications. However, exploring alternative electrolytes or positive electrode materials, or optimizing the cell design could potentially lower the operating temperature while maintaining its performance.

In conclusion, the research article by Sadoway’s group presents a promising alternative to LIBs, based on aluminum-chalcogen batteries with a molten chloroaluminate electrolyte. This technology has a high energy density, fast-charging capabilities, and economic viability, making it a strong candidate for large-scale energy storage applications. Further research in this area could lead to the development of other multivalent battery chemistries that will overcome the limitations of LIBs.

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Higher Education Press 2023