Commercially Accessible High-Performance Aluminum-Air Battery Cathodes through Electrodeposition of Mn and Ni Species on Fuel Cell Cathodes

This study presents a cost-effective method for producing high-performance cathodes for aluminum-air batteries. Commercial fuel cell cathodes are modified through electrodeposition of nickel and manganese species. The optimal conditions for electrodeposition are determined using a combination of structural (Raman, SEM, TEM) and electrochemical (LSV, EI, discharge curves) characterization techniques. The structural analysis confirms successful incorporation of nickel and manganese species onto the cathode surface. Electrochemical tests demonstrate enhanced electrochemical activity compared to unmodified cathodes. By combining the favorable properties of electrodeposited manganese species with nickel species, a high-performance cathode is obtained. The developed cathode exhibits capacities of 50 mA h cm-2 in aluminum-air batteries across a wide range of current densities. The electrodeposition method proves effective in improving electrochemical performance. A key advantage of this method is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The use of commercially available materials and well-established electrodeposition techniques allows for easy scalability and commercialization. This makes it a viable option for large-scale production of high-performance cathodes for the next-generation energy storage devices.

Automated summary

This study presents a cost-effective method for producing high-performance cathodes for aluminum-air batteries. The electrochemical activity is enhanced by modifying commercial fuel cell cathodes through electrodeposition of nickel and manganese species. By combining the favorable properties of electrodeposited manganese species with nickel species, a high-performance cathode is obtained. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the electrodeposition method make it a viable option for large-scale production of high-performance cathodes for next-generation energy storage devices.