A novel nano-YSZ-Al alloy anode for Al–air battery

Recently, aluminium–air batteries have received great attention because of their high specific capacity and low cost. However, corrosion of the aluminium (Al) anode is a critical problem limiting their practical applications. In this study, a decrease in the corrosion and an increase in the discharge performance of the Al anode were demonstrated through the use of nano-yttrium-stabilized zirconium (nano-YSZ). Three weight ratios of nano-YSZ blended with Al were prepared via mechanical stir casting. The surface hardness of the new Al alloys was determined using nano-indentation method and phase transition. Crystallite size measurements were conducted using X-ray diffraction analysis. Subsurface morphologies were conducted using scanning electron microscopy. Corrosion studies were carried out using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry. The discharge and short-circuit studies of the prepared Al–air battery were undertaken using different Al alloy anodes. The results demonstrated that the Al anode having a higher ratio of nano-YSZ (5 wt%) had the highest discharge behaviour and excellent corrosion resistance making it a potential candidate as an electrode for the Al–air battery. Graphic abstract