REVIEW

Recent progress in inhibition of hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline Al-air batteries

¹ Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Material, Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
² School of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China

^* Corresponding authors (emails: zhong.wu@tju.edu.cn (Zhong Wu); spsjtu@163.com (Yichun Liu); wbhu@tju.edu.cn (Wenbin Hu))

Received: 29 July 2024
Revised: 9 September 2024
Accepted: 26 September 2024

Abstract

Alkaline Al-air batteries (AABs) have attracted considerate attention due to their high theoretical capacity density and energy density with intrinsic safety and low cost. However, severe hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) decreases the discharge performance and increases usage risk, which restricts the development of AABs. In this comprehensive review, a systematic overview of progress in inhibition methods of HER is provided, including anodic alloying, structural treatment, surface modification, additives and non-aqueous electrolytes. Among them, the most efficient method is additives, which was simple and provided the highest inhibition rate. Finally, suggestions and perspectives for future research are offered on improving the commercial application potential of AABs, providing guidance for aqueous metal-air batteries.