Preparation of Low-Cost and High-Performance Aluminum Anodes for Al-Air Batteries via Friction Stir Processing

Abstract

In this study, low-cost 6082 commercial aluminum alloy was selected as the subject of investigation. The alloy was modified through friction stir processing (FSP) in order to produce a cost-effective, high-performance aluminum anode suitable for aluminum air batteries. The aluminum anode’s microstructure, electrochemical performance, and battery performance underwent characterization and analysis via OM, SEM, CHI electrochemical workstation, and the land battery test system. Additionally, the self-corrosion rate of the aluminum anode in a 4 mol L^–1 NaOH solution was assessed using the weight loss method. The results indicated that friction stir processing (FSP) notably refined the coarse rolled grains of the 6082 aluminum alloy, converting them into uniform and delicate equiaxed grains. Additionally, the precipitates present in the 6082 aluminum alloy matrix underwent fragmentation and dissolution. As a result of grain refinement, along with the dispersion and diminution of precipitates, the FSP-treated 6082 aluminum alloy exhibited a reduced self-corrosion rate, enhanced corrosion resistance, and elevated electrochemical activity. Furthermore, FSP markedly augmented the discharge performance of the 6082 aluminum anode. When subjected to varying current densities, the aluminum air battery, utilizing FSP-6082 as the anode, demonstrated superior discharge voltage and power density. Hence, the 6082 aluminum alloy, modified through friction stir processing technology and costing less, can serve as an efficient anode for aluminum air batteries, thereby enhancing their performance significantly. Hence, the low-cost 6082 aluminum alloy, modified through friction stir processing technology, can serve as an efficient anode for aluminum air batteries, thereby enhancing their performance significantly.