Evaluating Aqueous Electrolyte Effects on the Electrochemical Output of Aluminum-Air Batteries
Ridi Aggarwalt
21/07/2026
As the global energy demands continue to increase, there is an immediate need for advanced battery materials. This paper examines the influence of different aqueous electrolytes and their concentration on the electrochemical characteristics of aluminum-air batteries. A recycled lab cell was designed using technical-grade aluminum and carbon and tested with sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide (0.05 to 2.0 M), and the results show that potassium hydroxide yields the highest open-circuit voltage of 1.49 V because of its high ionic conductivity, whereas sodium sulphate does not display a significant hydrogen evolution reaction but instead exhibits a steady potential of 1.10 V. Higher concentrations enhance conductivity but accelerate anodic corrosion. Moreover, sodium benzoate is an organic additive that suppresses self-discharge with low voltage output. The results of these studies give a basis to optimize the composition of electrolytes to balance electrochemical performance and anodic corrosion in high-energy-density storage systems.