Novel Multifunctional Janus-Type Membrane on Al Anode for Corrosion Protection

Abstract

Novel multifunctional Janus-type membrane with both hydrophobic and anticorrosion abilities is constructed on the surface of aluminum (Al), using MoS₂ as a hydrophobic layer and ZnO as a corrosion-resistant layer. Al anode coated with the Janus-type membrane is used as an example to study the specific property of the as-prepared Janus-type membrane. In the Al–air battery, the self-corrosion of the Al anode is well inhibited since the Janus-type membrane can block the invasion of excess hydroxide ions and water molecules simultaneously. The results show that the inhibition efficiency of the Janus-type membrane is as high as 79.2%. Furthermore, the electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the discharge specific capacity of the Al–air battery with the Janus-type membrane can reach up to 2095 mAh g⁻¹, approximately two times as much as that of traditional batteries. The integrated strategy of combining hydrophobic and anticorrosion membrane is a novel method for corrosion protection of metal electrode. This Janus-type membrane holds a great potential toward corrosion inhibition for the other metal in alkaline environment as well.