1st International Conference on Emerging Trends in Scientific Research 15-16 March, 2014 Pearl International Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

1. Abstract of Emerging Trends in Scientific Research, 2014, Vol.1
DOI: 10.18488/journal.1002/2014.1/1002.1
1st
International Conference on Emerging Trends in
Scientific Research
15-16 March, 2014
Pearl International Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Conference Website: www.pakrdw.com
63
Paper ID: 282/14/1
st
ICETSR
Development of Aqueous Electrolytes and Corrosion
Inhibitors in Aluminium-Air Battery
Marliyana Mokhtar1
--- Meor Zainal Meor Talib2
--- Siti Masrinda Tasirin3
--- Edy Herianto
Majlan4
1,4
Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2,3
Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Abstract
Aluminium-air battery is an attractive candidates for metal-air batteries because it has
high theoretical specific capacity, 2.98 Ahg-1 which is second highest after Li (3.86 Ahg-1)
and higher than other active metals; Mg (2.20 Ahg-1) and Zn (0.82 Ahg-1). One of the
important components inside aluminium-air battery is electrolyte. Electrolyte is the
conducting medium through which the two-way charges transfer occurs between the
electrodes. The electrolyte also separates the anode and cathode to avoid short circuit
and simultaneously provides OH- to maintain the electrochemical reactions. Aqueous
electrolytes are widely used in aluminium-air batteries because of their high ionic
conductivities. This paper shows the development of the aqueous electrolytes selection
based on their pH ranges which are acidic solution, neutral salt solution and alkaline
solution. Since alkaline solution is frequently used in aluminium-air battery, this paper also
discusses the problems that encountered during operation and provides the alternative
ways to overcome it. One of the problems is aluminium anode self-corrosion. In order to
reduce the self-corrosion, there are two methods that can be used which are to dope
aluminium with other active metal elements or to modify the composition of electrolytes by
adding corrosion inhibitors. Examples of active metal elements are Sn, Ga, In, Zn, Mg and
Mn. For corrosion inhibitors, we can use either synthetic or organic inhibitors. The battery
performances, analysis techniques, advantages and limitations are also highlighted in this
paper according to the materials that have been used.