Inorganic AlCl3–alkali metal thiocyanate ionic liquids as electrolytes for electrochemical Al technologies

Abstract

A series of inorganic AlCl₃–alkali metal thiocyanate (A_MSCN: A_M = Li, Na, K) ionic liquids (ILs) are demonstrated as electrolytes for Al electrodeposition and Al-anion rechargeable batteries (AARBs) at 303–363 K. Al deposits with a unique flake nanostructure are obtained in these electrolytes. The assembled AARBs show a stable cyclability over 250 cycles with a reversible capacity of ca. 70 mA h (g-graphite)⁻¹ at 363 K. These inorganic ILs inherit the advantages of conventional chloroaluminate ILs (applicability at near-ambient temperature) and molten salts (cost effectiveness), making them promising electrolyte candidates for industrializable electrochemical Al technologies.