Enhancing the electrochemical performance of aluminum-zinc alloy anodes by friction stir process for aluminum-air batteries

This study explores the correlation between the microstructure and the electrochemical properties of aluminum-zinc alloy anodes (Al-3Zn alloy) for aluminum-air batteries. A modified friction stir process (FSP) was employed for microstructure modification and grain refinement. The FSP induced recrystallization, enabling the controlled surface modification and microstructure refinement of the Al-3Zn alloy anode. Various post-heattreatment conditions were investigated to determine the optimal condition for achieving the desired grain size and crystal orientation, thereby improving the electrochemical properties. Potentiodynamic polarization was implemented to study the corrosion behavior of the alloy, and the discharge behavior of the aluminum-air battery with the Al-3Zn alloy as the anode was examined. Through post-thermal treatment, coupled with surface modification, the crystal orientation of the Al-3Zn alloy anode was successfully controlled. Consequently, the modified Al-3Zn alloy anode demonstrated an average discharge potential of 1.53 V at 20 mA/cm2, highlighting its high potential for application as an anode in metal-air batteries.