Abstract

The reversible redox reaction of Al³⁺/Al or Al deposition/dissolution was investigated in ethylbenzene containing AlBr₃ and KBr as an electrolytic solution for rechargeable aluminum batteries. KBr as a supporting electrolyte was also necessary for the reversible Al deposition/dissolution. This reversible redox reaction was observed on both glassy carbon (GC) and Pt electrodes. However, the charge/discharge tests showed that the GC and Pt electrodes had different ratios of discharge capacity to charge capacity and current density for the Al deposition. A scanning electron micrograph of deposited metallic Al showed it had a rounded shape, suggesting that the growth of dangerous dendritic Al was efficiently inhibited in the present electrolyte solution.

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