Electrochemistry and Morphology Studies of Aluminum Plating/Stripping in a Chloroaluminate Ionic Liquid on Porous Carbon Materials

Abstract

Aluminum electrodeposition and electrodissolution in mixtures of AlCl3 and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride on carbon paper electrodes consisting of graphitized fibers were investigated. Porous electrodes, such as carbon paper electrodes, often offer possible advantages such as higher nominal current densities and less dendrite formation, over solid planar electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and pulse current deposition were used to investigate Al plating and stripping on this porous structure. The Al morphology on the carbon paper was probed using SEM. Composition and temperature affect the Al electrode performance through their influence on the diffusivity of ions. Therefore, control of the diffusion process during Al plating/stripping is essential.