Electrochemical properties of an aluminum anode in an ionic liquid electrolyte for rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries.

An aluminum metal, both native and with a very thin oxide film, was investigated as an anode for aluminum-ion batteries. Investigations were carried out in an acidic ionic liquid electrolyte, composed of AlCl3 in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIm]Cl), with β-MnO2/C as a cathode. The battery based on Al metal with a very thin oxide film showed high capacity and stable surface corrosion.