ABSTRACTThis study introduces a novel method for the effective doping of hexagonal molybdenum trioxide (h‐MoO3) microstructures with different contents of nickel, significantly enhancing its electrochemical performance in aluminum‐ion batteries (AIBs). Ni doping does not alter the high crystallinity and phase purity of the pristine oxide but modifies its defective structure and electronic properties. Electrochemical tests, including cyclic voltammograms and charge–discharge cycling, showed improvements in capacity and stability for Ni‐doped samples as compared with undoped ones. Moreover, the incorporation of Ni was found to enhance the structural integrity and electrochemical stability of h‐MoO3, preventing the formation of intermediate phases during cycling and reducing resistance at the electrode–electrolyte interface. The existence of an optimal Ni doping of about 1 at% is evidenced. Samples with this Ni content attain a stabilized specific capacity of 230 mAh g−1 over 100 cycles, doubling that reported in previous works for h‐MoO3 composites with carbon nanotubes. Nickel‐doped h‐MoO3 shows exciting potential for advanced AIB applications, paving the way for further energy storage technology advancements.

This study presents groundbreaking results in the field of rechargeable aluminium-ion batteries, achieving stable capacities exceeding 300 mAh g-1 for more than 300 cycles. The key to this achievement lies in the utilization of tailor-made carbon materials and a urea-AlCl3-based electrolyte. The article investigates the optimal physicochemical properties of the active material necessary for effective electrodes for these aluminium-ion batteries. This investigation employs a wide range of materials characterization techniques (XRD, SEM-EDX, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, Hg porosimetry, XPS, FTIR, Raman and TEM-EDX) and electrochemical performance analyses to delve into the subject. These findings represent a significant improvement in the capacity of aluminium-ion batteries, bringing us closer to their implementation and commercialization. This achievement is attributed to the utilization of readily available, cost-effective, and non-corrosive materials. The ability to customize carbon xerogels and the use of the urea-AlCl3 electrolyte offer promising avenues for the practical implementation of these advanced battery technologies, leading to further enhancements in their performance and widespread adoption in various applications. This study reveals ground-breaking advancements in rechargeable aluminium-ion batteries, achieving remarkable stability with capacities surpassing 300 mAh g-1 over 300 cycles. Using tailor-made carbon materials and a urea-AlCl3 electrolyte, the research investigates optimal physicochemical properties, employing various characterization techniques. These findings promise significant progress in commercializing aluminium-ion batteries, driven by cost-effective and customizable materials. image

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.

A completely functional rechargeable aluminium - ion battery (AIB) operating at room temperature based on hexagonal molybdenum oxide (h-MoO3) as positive electrode active material and AlCl3-Urea as electrolyte has been developed. This is the first demonstration of the compatibility between a metal oxide and a urea based electrolyte in an AIB. Our battery shows a good electrochemical performance by using this low-cost, eco-friendly, positive electrode-electrolyte system with low corrosion properties. Thanks to an exhaustive study carried out by using different characterization techniques (XRD, micro-Raman, CV), it has been observed that h-MoO3 is capable of efficiently inserting and de-inserting the redox active species in its crystalline structure by means of controlled diffusion processes. When combined with a suitable amount of carbon nanotubes, the capacitive properties of this material are enhanced, obtaining batteries with a pseudo-capacitive behaviour. This battery reaches specific capacity values -100 mA h g(-1) at current densities of 100 mA g(-1) and similar to 45 mA h g(-1) at current densities of 500 mA g(-1), always with efficiencies higher than 90%. The obtained results pave the way for the commercialisation of these energy storage devices, providing a promising and simple strategy for the development of high performance, low-cost and non-corrosive AIBs.

Aluminum batteries are considered compelling electrochemical energy storage systems because of the natural abundance of aluminum, the high charge storage capacity of aluminum of 2980 mA h g 1/8046 mA h cm(-3), and the sufficiently low redox potential of Al3+/Al. Several electrochemical storage technologies based on aluminum have been proposed so far. This review classifies the types of reported Al-batteries into two main groups: aqueous (Al-ion, and Al-air) and non-aqueous (aluminum graphite dual-ion, Al-organic dual-ion, Al-ion, and Al-sulfur). Specific focus is given to Al electrolyte chemistry based on chloroaluminate melts, deep eutectic solvents, polymers, and "chlorine-free" formulations.

At the COP21, 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal showing universal concern for global warming. Worldwide, carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion rose by 49% between 1990 and 2011. Moreover, urban mobility is set to double by 2025. Public transport consumes 3.4 times less energy per passenger kilometer than automobiles. Therefore, an increase in the share of public transport and a technological shift are key to meet EU 2050 objective to decarbonize the transport sector. In a Well-to-Wheels perspective, electric vehicles emit less nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter than internal combustion engine vehicles. Thus, promotion of electric buses in public transit fleets is highly valued. Multiple factors must be considered to achieve both objectives of low cost and energy efficiency. Electric bus performance depends on driving distance, road orography… recharging infrastructure depends on number/length of bus stops, electric grid characteristics and electric tariffs. On-board batteries must adapt to demanding cycling profiles that can severely impact their performance and lifespan. New battery technologies allow for improved electric buses design and recharging strategies. However, technical information about the relationship between battery technologies and electric bus performance is limited. In this paper, strengths and weaknesses of different batteries and charging technologies are presented when used in battery electric buses projects implemented in European. Lessons learned may help to redesign European public transport.

An easy treatment based in carbon layer deposition into aluminium alloys is presented to enhance the performance of Al-air primary batteries with neutral pH electrolyte. The jellification of aluminate in the anode surface is described and avoided by the carbon covering. Treated commercial Al alloys namely Al1085 and Al7475 are tested as anodes achieving specific capacities above 1.2 Ah g(-1) vs 0.5 Ah g(-1) without carbon covering. The influence of the binder proportion in the treatment as well as different carbonaceous materials, Carbon Black, Graphene and Pyrolytic Graphite are evaluated as candidates for the covering. Current densities of 1-10 mA cm(-2) are measured and the influence of the alloy explored. A final battery design of 4 cells in series is presented for discharges with a voltage plateau of 2 V and 1 Wh g(-1) energy density. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The evaluation of commercial aluminium alloys, namely, Al2024, Al7475 and Al1085, for Al-air batteries is performed. Pure Al cladded Al2024 and Al7475 are also evaluated. Current rates from 0.8 mA cm(-2) to 8.6 mA cm(-2) are measured in a gel Al-air cell composed of the commercial alloy sample, a commercial air-cathode and an easily synthesizable gelled alkaline electrolyte. The influence of the alloying elements and the addition to the electrolyte of ZnO and ZnCl2, as corrosion inhibitors is studied and analysed via EDX/SEM. Specific capacities of up to 426 mAh/g are obtained with notably flat potential discharges of 1.3 -1.4 V. The competition between self-corrosion and oxidation reactions is also discussed, as well as the influence of the current applied on that process. Al7475 is determined to have the best behaviour as anode in Al-air primary batteries, and cladding process is found to be an extra protection against corrosion at low current discharges. Conversely, Al1085 provided worse results because of an unfavourable metallic composition. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

To develop new materials for Al/air batteries, the evaluation and characterisation of commercial aluminium alloys, namely, Al2000, Al2000Clad and Al7000, as anodes in alkaline electrolyte batteries has been performed. Their self-corrosion rate, hydrogen evolution rate and electrochemical properties, including open circuit potentials, polarisation characteristics and potentiodynamic measurements, were examined in a 4 M KOH solution. Among the tested alloys, Al2000 was found to be the most promising because it exhibits a high open circuit potential, a good anode efficiency and a minimum corrosion rate. Al2000/NiOOH and Al2000/air batteries were tested. Electrolyte concentrations between 0.01 and 4 M KOH were studied, and discharge currents between 0.8 and 20 mA cm−2 were imposed to analyse the evolution of the Ecell. Conversely, the Al7000 alloy exhibited the highest corrosion rate and H2 evolution compared to the other alloys.

Power and energy supply for the continuously increasing number of devices related to the so called Smart Cities is a key technical issue with many associated challenges. Energy storage has become as essential as IT technologies. As Smart Cities evolve to include new capabilities, the dependence on electricity will continue to grow. This can have a direct impact on loads and generation of electricity matching since increased demand for electrical energy is directly proportional to the number of electricity storage devices required. Among all the electrochemical technologies, Aluminum-air batteries exhibit one of the highest theoretical specific energies (400 Wh/kg). However, their use is not extended due to the existing limitation during the recharge process. Albufera Energy Storage, with a high scientific and technological profile, aims to overcome the current limitation of this technology by developing innovative materials and components.

Nickel metal hydride (Ni/MH) is presently the most promising battery system for electric and hybrid vehicle propulsion in the short and mid-term. This paper presents the results obtained in the development of prismatic Ni/MH batteries for high power, mainly hybrid vehicle, applications.Valve regulated Ni/MH cells rated at 25 and 60 Ah have been designed and assembled using improved positive and negative electrodes. Both types of cells showed excellent high rate discharge capability and fast rechargeability and a satisfactory charge retention when stored and cycle lift, under deep cycling and hybrid vehicle working conditions. On the other hand, energy and power efficiency ratios were improved in the 60 Ah cells. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Nickel-metal hydride (Ni/MH) batteries are nowadays the most promising system, in the raid-term, for hybrid vehicles. Battery power requirements for the hybrid vehicle application are quite high, both for acceleration and for an effective quick battery recharging. This paper deals with the design and development of metal hydride electrodes and of prismatic Ni/MH batteries for high power automotive applications: hybrid vehicle and energy systems for the future 42 V electrical network in conventional ICE vehicles.Electrode studies have focused on the substrate characteristics, the electrode preparation conditions and the additives to improve the performance of the active material, in terms of conductivity and avoidance of the active material shedding. The 25 Ah Ni/MH batteries have been designed to achieve maximum power drain (minimum electrical resistance), with a minimum weight and a valve regulated maintenance-free system. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.