Effect of Zn Addition on Electrochemical Performance of Al-Air Battery

Abstract

We investigate the effect of Zn addition on an Al–air battery at the anode. The tested Al–air battery consists of a 6 mol% potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte, a fiberglass separator, and a Pt/C + IrO2 cathode. The Zn-added Al(Al60Zn40)–air battery shows a higher power density of 48 mW/cm2, while a pure Al–air battery exhibits a power density of 38 mW/cm2. Approximately, 30 charge/discharge cycles of the Al–air battery were performed, while ~ 71 cycles of the Al60Zn40–air battery were performed. Adding Zn to the Al–air battery improves its electrochemical performance and the number of charge/discharge cycles can be significantly increased.