Copper-deposited aluminum anode for aluminum-air battery

For Al-air batteries, it is important to develop efficient and economical anodes. In this study, the effect of aluminum anodes treated with copper by chemical and electrochemical process to battery performance is investigated. The surface characterization of this electrode is performed with a scanning electron microscope. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and anodic polarization techniques are used. The hydrogen gas evolution and corrosion rate tests, the constant-voltage discharge tests, and the galvanostatic anodic dissolution tests are carried out. The anode utilizations are calculated. It is seen that the copper improves the anode efficiency by promoting the dissolution of aluminum according to battery reaction. However, it protects the aluminum from corrosion reaction by forming a barrier film without any restriction of battery reaction. It is understood from this work that the most efficient, economical, and practical method for copper deposition to electrode is the electrochemical deposition of copper. Furthermore, the 7075 alloy (Alloy/Cu) is more stable for both the electrochemical and chemical deposition process.