Al-based materials for advanced lithium rechargeable batteries: recent progress and prospects

Al electrodes represent one promising class of anode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries because of their low price, natural abundance, and high specific capacity. However, the unclear fundamental electrochemistry hinders further research and application of Al anodes. This review systematically summarizes the main progress for Al anodes, in both Li-ion batteries and Li metal and dual-ion batteries. To better understand the Li storage behavior of Al anodes, we start from the electrochemical fundamentals of Li-Al alloying reactions. Along this line, disadvantageous factors deteriorating the Li storage in the Al anode are spontaneously discussed, including surface passivation, pulverization, and diffusional lithium trapping. Subsequently, viable strategies to conquer these problems for Al anodes are systematically summarized, including nanostructural design, hetero-alloy construction, compositing with carbon, and other Al-based electrodes. Then, the applications of Al-based electrodes in various batteries including LIBs, LMBs and DIBs are discussed, with emphasis placed on the inner mechanisms bridging electrode design and electrochemical performance. Finally, future research where new breakthroughs may be most likely achieved is proposed. It is believed that the comprehensive summarization on Al anodes for rechargeable batteries may not only bring in-depth understandings and new research ideas on Al anodes for Li-ion batteries, but also expand further research interest in Al anodes for other rechargeable Li batteries.