Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Aluminum Hexafluorophosphate

We report the first synthesis of aluminum hexafluorophosphate (Al(PF6)(3)) and its electrochemical properties in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The single crystal structure of the synthesized Al(PF6)(3) is revealed as [Al(DMSO)(6)](PF6)(3) , and 0.25 M Al(PF6 )(3) in DMSO with high ionic conductivity is obtained. The purity of this electrolyte was further confirmed with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We then demonstrated the reversibility of Al deposition-stripping in this electrolyte using scanning electron microscopy and an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling study. The parasitic reaction involving DMSO decomposition during Al deposition is also identified via gas chromatography/electron ionization mass spectrometry.

Automated summary

The first synthesis of aluminum hexafluorophosphate and its electrochemical properties in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were reported in this study. The synthesized Al(PF6 )(3) was found to have high ionic conductivity, and its purity was confirmed through various analyses. Reversibility of Al deposition-stripping in this electrolyte was demonstrated, along with the identification of parasitic reactions involving DMSO decomposition during Al deposition.