In this review, experimental data from the literature is critically
compared with the aim of examining how different aluminium
alloys and alkaline electrolytes affect the performance of the
aluminiumeair battery by reducing the parasitic corrosion and
overcoming the passive hydroxide layer, often referred to as ‘activating’
the aluminium. Research has focused on alloying pure
aluminium with certain elements to achieve such activation. The
rationale behind the choice of alloying elements, their concentration
and the mechanisms by which they activate the aluminium to
yield higher anodic currents is discussed. Given that the maximum
electrical energy cycle efficiency of an aluminium energy storage
system is 22% [2], one lower cost solution involves using commercial
grade aluminium and adding inhibitors to the electrolyte.
The effectiveness of these inhibitors, singly and in combination, and
in different concentrations is reviewed. The air cathode of the
battery is concisely discussed, with the essential factors influencing
its performance being summarised but the review does not
consider cell design in detail. Finally, future developments in
aluminiumeair batteries are discussed.