Aluminum Ion Batteries: Electrolyte and Anode Innovations and Outlook

Abstract

In the current era, against the backdrop of a vast array of energy storage batteries emerging in the historical stream, as we look back upon the evolution of aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) over the past decade, a fundamental query emerges: Are they truly capable of carving out a substantial niche within the realm of energy storage? We present a comprehensive and systematic review of the development process, basic physical and chemical properties, electrochemistry, and failure mechanisms of electrolytes and negative electrode materials for non-aqueous aluminum ion batteries (NAAIBs) and aqueous aluminum ion batteries (AAIBs). We believe that AAIBs hold a more promising future through comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the two battery types. We focus on reviewing hydrated eutectic electrolytes, aluminum-zinc alloy negative electrodes, and negative electrode-free energy storage schemes of AAIBs. We aim to anticipate future inhibition strategies for anodic parasitic reactions (including hydrogen evolution reactions, dendrite growth, and surface passivation) to develop advanced AIBs with high energy density, long cycle life, and cost effectiveness.