Green Science Alliance has announced the development of a rechargeable aluminium-ion battery using an aqueous electrolyte, with the work earning a front cover feature in the British academic journal Energy Advances.
The article, Aqueous rechargeable aluminum battery – a mini review, was authored by inventor Dr Ryohei Mori.
Rechargeable batteries are vital for storing electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydrogen, fuel cells, geothermal, wave and biomass. To advance beyond conventional lithium-ion technology, stronger and cheaper alternatives are required. Aluminium-based batteries are considered promising candidates due to aluminium’s abundance, recyclability and lower cost compared to lithium, which faces risks of scarcity and price volatility.
The theoretical capacity of an aluminium-ion battery is approximately 2,980mAh/g, around 10 times higher than lithium-ion (200–300mAh/g). Aluminium systems also offer safety advantages, being non-flammable. Green Science Alliance has previously explored aluminium air batteries, though commercialisation proved difficult due to structural complexity and unstable reactions.
Dr Mori’s latest work demonstrates an aluminium-ion battery with an aluminium anode and water-based electrolyte. Tested cathode materials included oxides and carbon-based compounds. At 0.025C and room temperature, the prepared cell achieved an initial capacity of 103mAh/g-1, maintaining performance for about 50 cycles before decay. While voltage (0.7–0.8V) and stability remain challenges, the aqueous electrolyte design offers extreme cost advantages, as it can be manufactured under ambient conditions using inexpensive materials.
Dr Mori continues to refine capacity and cycle life, aiming for industrial applications in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
